August 21st, 2013
Gonorrhea infection, or commonly known “the clap”, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Every one, regardless of age, who is sexually active can practically acquire a gonorrhea infection. Caused by the bacterium Neisseria Gonorrhoeae, it can infect almost every part of the body including the genitals, the anus, the eyes, the throat, the joints and the heart valves. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) estimates a yearly new infection rate of 820,000 in the United States.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae cultured on two different media types and presented in stereoscopic 3d.
Every sexually active man or woman with urogenital symptoms should be tested for gonorrhea infection. If you are infected with another STD, you need to be tested for gonorrhea as well.
Diagnosis of gonorrhea infection is usually easily done with urine analysis. If gonorrhea infection is suspected in the oral or anal areas, a swab can help to collect samples for analysis. A swab can also be used to collect samples from a man’s urethra or a women’s vaginal surface.
One important fact to keep in mind is that you or your partner need to be tested and treated for possible gonorrhea infection if one of you has a diagnosis of gonorrhea!
The treatment of gonorrhea is done with the right antibiotics. More recently, drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea have made the treatment more difficult and complicated(Read More Here). If you or your partner continue having symptoms a few days after starting the antibiotics, you should go back to your health care professional for further tests and a different treatment options.
Latex condoms, if used regularly, may help to reduce the risk of gonorrhea infections. The only certain way to avoid gonorrhea infection is either to abstain from sexual activity or be in a long-term, monogamous relationship with a healthy partner.
Come and See us…
If you are noticing any of the above mentioned symptoms, it is highly advisable to see a health care professional for testing and treatment. Specializing in urology, STDs like gonorrhea belong to the commonly treated diseases in our facility. During the last 30+ years of my practice, I have seen and treated many cases of gonorrhea. Especially now with the “super bugs”, timely diagnosis and the right treatment is crucial for successful healing. If you suspect a gonorrhea infection, please do not wait! Come and see me for diagnosis and the right treatment.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]