The symptoms related to the Sexually Transmitted Disease, Gonorrhea, may vary in men and women. Check out the signs of Gonorrhea in this article.

Gonorrhea Symptoms

Gonorrhea is a common Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) caused by the bacteria called "Neisseria gonorrhea". A person may suffer from this disease, when he/she comes in contact with an infected person, through sexual activities, including oral, vaginal and rectal sex. The bacteria usually grow in the moist areas of the body, such as vagina, penis, eyes, throat and rectum. The primary affected area found in women is the cervix. If this disease is left untreated, the infection may spread to the uterus and eventually, to the fallopian tubes.
 
The symptoms of gonorrhea depend upon the parts of the body, where the bacteria were introduced. This may also depend upon the duration of the infection. The common signs and symptoms of Gonorrhea vary in men and women. In men, the symptoms usually appear within 5 days after infection. Their female counterpart will not show signs of this disease in the beginning or will exude only mild symptoms. However, if left untreated, this disease may lead to serious health problems in both men and women. Given below is the information about the symptoms of gonorrhea.
 
Signs & Symptoms Of Gonorrhea
 
In Males
 
  • Pus like discharge from the tip of penis
  • Burning sensation and stinging during urination
  • Blood in the urine
  • Drastic increase in the frequency of urination
  • Thick white or yellow discharge from penis
  • Redness and tenderness in the head portion of penis
  • Swollen glands in groin area 
In Females 
  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Irritation in the outer portion of vagina
  • Thick yellow or bloody vaginal discharge
  • Infection in reproductive tract
  • Frequent and painful urination
  • Bleeding after sexual intercourse
  • Infection in the inner part of uterus
  • Difficulty in urination
  • Soreness and pus-filled growth in tonsils
  • Infection in fallopian tubes
 
Complications Associated With Gonorrhea
 
  • Gonococcal eye infection, which may result in blindness in children, in case the woman is pregnant at the time of being infected.
  • Blood poisoning (gonococcal septicemia), which is more common in females than in males
  • Infectious arthritis, which brings bacterial infection in the fluid and tissues of joints. It might be caused by virus and fungi too.
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease, usually strikes women with inflammation of the female uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or ovaries.
  • Epididymitisis in men, which is a painful condition of the testicles that can lead to infertility, if left untreated
  • Inflammation of the inner layer of heart called endocardium, with the disease named endocarditis
  • Higher risk of getting infected with HIV infection 
Some General Tips 
  • Wash hands with soap, especially after urination and bowel movements, to avoid the infection.
  • Avoid sexual activity until after full treatment, plus testing and treatment of partner (s).
  • Use separate utensils and linens for the patient, when the treatment is going on.
  • Get the patient checked for other harmful diseases, like HIV, syphilis and Chlamydia.

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