Continuing the theme of sexually transmitted diseases, , we will focus on gonorrhea today. So, gonorrhea - is a sexually transmitted disease, the causative agent of which is gonococcus. Infection affects the mucous membranes of the genitourinary system.
There are cases in which the pharynx, rectum, tonsils and eyes are affected. Rarely, the nervous, respiratory and cardiovascular systems are involved in the inflammatory process.
Risk factors
- frequent change of sexual partners;
- unprotected intercourse;
- infection through the birth canal (for newborns);
- intrauterine device,as a provoking factor in inflammatory processes.
The risk group пfor gonorrhea includes prostitutes, drug addicts, tourists and businessmen.
Gonococcus often enters the body together with ureaplasma,chlamydia, Trichomonas, which leads to the so-called mixed infection. С With chlamydia gonococcus is combined in 60% of cases.
In men, gonorrhea has the appearance of urethritis.
Signs of acute urethritis
- painful urination;
- purulent discharge;
- hyperemia;
- swelling of the tissues.
In the subacute course of the disease, pain during urination is less pronounced, the discharge is serous-mucous in nature.
Gonorrheal prostatitis is mainly chronic. Severity in the perineum is noted, an erection is weakened. Acute stage - with fever and urination disorder.
Gonorrhea in women in 85% of cases is asymptomatic. In the acute stage - pain when urinating, fever, pain in the lower abdomen. Gonorrhea in children occurs when a child becomes infected, passing through the birth canal of a sick mother. child becomes infected, passing through the birth canal of a sick mother. Most often this is gonoblenorrhea - gonococci affect the conjunctiva of the eyes. The category of homosexual men is subject to gonorrheal proctitis.
Diagnosis of gonorrhea
To diagnose gonorrhea smears are taken from the rectum (in men), the vagina (in women), the urethra, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and urine analysis are also performed.
Consequences of gonorrhea
In women, chronic gonorrhea leads to adhesions of the uterus. And this is the reason for the obstruction of the fallopian tubes.As a result, infertility. In pregnancy, against the background of gonorrhea infection, the risk of premature birth or spontaneous abortion increases significantly. In men, a serious complication of the disease is inflammation of the seminal vesicles, epididymis, and narrowing of the urethra.
Gonorrhea treatment
Gonorrhea treatment should be carried out under the strict supervision of a specialist. Never resort to self-medication, this is a direct way to transfer the disease into a chronic stage. In the treatment of the disease, penicillin group antibiotics, immunotherapy, local treatment and therapeutic procedures are used.
Prevention of gonorrhea
- condom use;
- avoidance of casual sexual intercourse;
- timely medical attention if any of the above symptoms are detected.
