What is gonorrhea ?

It is a common bacterial sexually transmitted disease STD that affects both males and females. You can get an STD through vagina, anal and oral sex. Untreated gonococcal infections can result in miscarriages, premature birth, infection of the amniotic fluid and sac and preterm  premature rapture of membrane.

What causes gonorrhea ?

It is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhea which can grow  and multiply easily in mucus membranes of the body. This bacteria can even grow in the eyes, mouth, throat and anus. It is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected blood.

How do I know I have gonorrhea ?

 
Most women who have this infection may remain asymptomatic . If symptoms show, they usually appear about 2 – 5 days after infection. Symptoms may however vary depending on the site of infection. General symptoms include

• burning and pain during urination
• abnormal vaginal discharge
• spot and pain during intercourse

 
In the case of an anal infection, you may experience pain, itching or discharge during bowel movement.

Will gonorrhea affect my pregnancy ?

A pregnant woman with untreated gonorrhea have a higher risk of miscarriages, preterm labor or preterm premature rapture of membrane. During delivery, the infection may also get to the baby through the birth canal. This can cause complication such as blindness, sepsis or joint infection in the baby. Untreated gonorrhea also makes you highly susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease PID. PID can cause fertility problems and lead to damage of your fallopian tubes, ectopic pregnancy and infertility.

Babies born to mothers with gonorrhea or gonorrhea eye infection may be treated with systemic antibitotics

Treating gonorrhea as soon as it is found in pregnant women reduces these risks.

Will I be screened for gonorrhea during pregnancy ?

You will probably get tested for this STD during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention   CDC recommends that pregnant women get screened and tested for gonorrhea and treated immediately if necessary.

Urine sample is usually used to test for gonorrhea. However if you have had oral or anal sex,  throat and rectal swab may be collected. The doctor may also collect sample from a man’s urethra (urine canal) or a woman’s cervix (opening to the womb).

I am pregnant and have gonorrhea. How will I be treated ?

You will be treated with antibiotics that are safe  during pregnancy.  Your partner should be treated as well. It is also essential that you two abstain from sex until treatment is complete to avoid reinfecting each other.

How can I protect myself from gonorrhea ?

You can reduce your risk of this STD by being in a monogamous relationship . Using latex condom the right way during intercourse also reduces your risk. Use dental dem during oral sex.