GONORRHOEA: SYMPTOMS AND PREVENTION
In women there may be few symptoms, or sometimes none at all. Around 60 to 70 per cent of women who have the bug in their cervix have no symptoms at all. (This is why sexually transmitted bugs are so successful at getting around!)
However, gonorrhoea may give symptoms. The bacteria can live in different parts of the body, and the symptoms reflect this. A woman may notice any of these problems:
• Vaginal discharge, often mucky, if the infection is in the cervix.
• Pelvic pain. Mild, moderate or severe, or maybe just pain on intercourse.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), if it is infecting the fallopian tubes. This presents as pelvic pain, fever, and general unwellness. PID caused by gonorrrhoea often requires hospitalisation and intravenous antibiotics.
• An abscess near the vaginal opening (very painful), if the Bartholin’s glands are infected.
• Pain on passing urine, if gonorrhoea has infected the urethra.
• Pain and discharge from the anus if this area is affected.
• Others. Less commonly there may be other symptoms and signs, such as sore eyes (conjunctivitis), sore joints (arthritis), or rashes (dermatitis).
Men will usually be aware that they are infected within a week of sexual contact with an infected person. They may notice a creamy discharge from the penis, and often pain on passing urine. They may have pain and tenderness in the testes (balls). They may also have the non-genital symptoms described above, depending on the site and spread of infection.
Prevention. Again, the condom wins points here. The general principles of having ‘safe sex’ apply. Also, being aware of the possibility of infection, and seeking early diagnosis and treatment will help to lessen the impact this disease has on your health.
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Tags: Women’s Health