Causes, Risk Factors, Complications And Time To See A Doctor On Gonorrhea

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Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

The gonorrhea bacteria are most often passed from one person to another during sexual contact, including oral, anal or vaginal intercourse.

RISK FACTORS

Factors that may increase your risk of gonorrhea infection include:

Younger age

A new sex partner

Multiple sex partners

Previous gonorrhea diagnosis

Having other sexually transmitted infections

COMPLICATIONS

Untreated gonorrhea can lead to significant complications, such as:

Infertility in women: Untreated gonorrhea can spread into the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which may result in scarring of the tubes, greater risk of pregnancy complications and infertility. PID is a serious infection that requires immediate treatment.

Infertility in men. Men with untreated gonorrhea can experience epididymitis — inflammation of a small, coiled tube in the rear portion of the testicles where the sperm ducts are located (epididymis). Epididymitis is treatable, but if left untreated, it may lead to infertility.

Infection that spreads to the joints and other areas of your body.

The bacterium that causes gonorrhea can spread through the bloodstream and infect other parts of your body, including your joints. Fever, rash, skin sores, joint pain, swelling and stiffness are possible results.

Increased risk of HIV/AIDS

Having gonorrhea makes you more susceptible to infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that leads to AIDS. People who have both gonorrhea and HIV are able to pass both diseases more readily to their partners.

Complications in babies

Babies who contract gonorrhea from their mothers during birth can develop blindness, sores on the scalp and infections.

PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

If you think you have gonorrhea, you’re likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. If your gonorrhea causes complications, you may be referred to specialists.

Because appointments can be brief and because there’s often a lot of ground to cover, it’s a good idea to be well prepared for your appointment. Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment, as well as what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there’s anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet.

Write down any symptoms you’re experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.

Make a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements, that you’re taking.

Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For gonorrhea, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

Is gonorrhea causing my symptoms?

What kinds of tests do I need?

Should I be tested for other sexually transmitted infections?

Should my partner be tested for gonorrhea?

How long should I wait before resuming sexual activity?

How can I prevent gonorrhea in the future?

What gonorrhea complications should I be alert for?

Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you’re prescribing me?

Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?

What will determine whether I should plan for a follow-up visit?

In addition to the questions that you’ve prepared to ask your doctor, don’t hesitate to ask questions during your appointment if you have trouble understanding something the doctor says.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may allow more time later to cover other points you want to address. Your doctor may ask:

When did you begin experiencing symptoms?

Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?

How severe are your symptoms?

Have you been exposed to any sexually transmitted infections?

What you can do in the meantime

Abstain from sex until you see your doctor. Alert your sex partners that you’re experiencing signs and symptoms, so they may consider seeing their doctors for testing

By: http://Radiooneghana.com