Gonorrhea

Key Points
Sexually transmitted infection
Caused by an infection of the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhea
Any type of sexual activity may spread the infection
Primary symptoms consist of burning during urination, discharge from the genitals, increased urination, and sore throat

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection, which affects the warm moist areas of the body where the bacteria grows. Symptoms commonly appear within 2-5 days of infection, but may take up to a month to appear in men, and some infected persons may never experience symptoms, resulting in an increased risk of complications arising from the infection and of communicating the disease to others. Primary symptoms in both sexes include painful burning during urination, increased urination frequency, discharge from the penis or vagina, and a sore throat. Men may also experience tender or swollen testicles and redness/swelling of the urethra. In women, additional symptoms may include pain during intercourse, lower abdominal pain, and fever if the infection spreads. However, in many cases, symptoms in many women may be mild. If left untreated, the infection may spread to the bloodstream, and affected persons may experience fever, rashes, and symptoms similar to arthritis.

Gonorrhea is caused by an infection of the bacteria neisseria gonorrhea. It grows in the warm, moist areas of the body, including the urethra in men and the entire reproductive tract in women. It may, in rare cases, grow in the eyes. Any type of sexual contact can transmit the infection. Persons who practice risky sexual behavior are at increased risk for contracting the infection.

Differential Diagnosis (Other conditions with similar appearance)
Chlamydia
Testicular Torsion
Endometriosis
Urinary Tract Infection
Pharyngitis
Vaginitis
Ectopic pregnancy

Diagnosis
Key Points
Initial diagnosis is made based on clinical presentation of symptoms in conjunction with a gram stain test
Bacterial culture will then be performed to confirm diagnosis

The initial diagnosis of gonorrhea is based on the clinical presentation of symptoms in conjunction with a gram stain test of tissue from the affected area. Cultures of the affected area will be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment
Treated with antibiotics
Goal of treatment is to cure infection
*Many cases accompanied by chlamydia, which will need to be treated as well

Gonorrhea must be treated by health care professionals, and is typically treated with antibiotics, with the primary goal of treatment consisting of ridding the affected person of the infection. Antibiotics most commonly used in treatment include ceftriaxone, cefixime, and in persons who are allergic to these medications, azithromycin. In the case of persons who have an accompanying chlamydia infection, a course of azithromycin may also be prescribed. As the condition is extremely infectious, all previous sexual contacts of the affected person should be tested.