Gonorrhoea


Main complaint is pain-passing urine with purulent discharges
May be sypmtomatic in women
Gonorrhea of the eye
 


WHAT IS GONORRHOEA?
It is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

HOW DOES ONE GET GONORRHOEA?

  • Sexual intercourse with an infected person (vaginal, anal or oral sex)
  • Mother-to-child (during normal child birth)
  • Casual social contact and toilet seats are not recognised modes of transmission

INCUBATION PERIOD

  • Symptoms appear 2 to 7 days after infection


WHAT ARE THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS?

As with other sexually transmitted infections, there may be different presentations. An infected person may have no complaints or present with the following symptoms:
Males

  • Urethral discharge: white or yellow (urethra = urinary canal)
  • Burning pain or irritation when urinating (dysuria)


Females

  • Vaginal discharge: yellowish or greenish (vagina = birth canal)
  • Dysuria


Males And Females
Gonorrhoea of the throat and rectum may not cause any symptoms, or may cause a sore throat and rectal discharge.


Babies

  • Conjuctivitis (infection of the eyes) may lead to blindness
     

WHAT ARE THE LONG TERM COMPLICATIONS?
Males

  • Spread of infection to the testis, seminal vesicles and prostate may lead to acute or chronic infection of these organs

Females

  • Infertility
  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease

Males And Females

  • Generalised spread of infection may involve the joints, skin and heart



HOW IS GONORRHOEA DIAGNOSED?

  • Smear test and culture from secretions of the infected parts (urethra, throat, rectum and cervix)
  • Urine PCR for Gonorrhea
  • Blood tests do not help in diagnosis


WHAT IS RESISTANT GONORRHOEA?

  • It is an infection caused by strains of bacteria which are able to resist conventional doses of antibiotics
  • Some strains produce an enzyme called penicillinase that is capable of completely neutralising penicillin


CAN GONORRHOEA BE CURED?
Yes, if it is detected and treated in the early stages with appropriate antibiotics.


WHAT SHOULD I DO?

  • Seek treatment immediately from your doctor who will administer the appropriate antibiotics
  • Refrain from sexual intercourse until your doctor has confirmed that you are cured
  • Do not self medicate as this will suppress the signs of infection and lead to complications due to incomplete treatment
  • Inform your doctor of any drug allergy
  • Ensure that your sexual partner(s) come for a check-up so that he/she can be treated early if found to be infected
  • Repeated infections can occur as there is no permanent immunity


WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO RETURN FOR MY FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS?

  • It is important to return for follow because symptoms that have resolved, do not necessarily indicate the infection has been cured.
  • At DSC, patients will be given follow-up appointments as part of the management of the infection.
  • For Gonorrhoea infection, patients are to attend after 14 days from the treatment date for test of cure and assessment for post-gonoccocal urethrits. A urethral smear and culture tests will be performed.
  • Male patients will have to hold urine for 4 hours before the test can be performed.
  • Male patients with throat and rectal Gonorrhoea and female patients do not have to hold urine.
  • Patients will also be given a 3rd mth appointment for blood test to screen for Syphilis
  • DSC will contact patients who have missed their appointments, either by phone or letter as a gentle reminder.
  • Please inform the clinic if there is any change of phone number or address.


WHAT IS SAFER SEX?

  • This is sex without the exchange of body fluids, e.g. vaginal secretions or semen, during sex
  • Use condoms correctly and every time you have sex
  • Do not consume alcohol before or during sex, this may impair your judgment
     

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Call the AIDS/STI helplines at 6295 2944 for more information