GP comments on gonorrhea as antibiotic-resistant cases rise

GP comments on gonorrhea as antibiotic-resistant cases rise

The Online Doctor of Sexual Health and GP at LloydSparmacy, Dr. Bhavini Shah (she/her), explains who is most exposed and the symptoms to be aware of:

"Anyone who is sexually active can catch gonorrhea. But you are particularly at risk if you regularly change sexual partners or do not use adequate barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, when you have sex.

Gonorrhea can easily be passed between people through unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sex and sharing vibrators and other sex toys. It can be prevented by barrier methods of contraception. This means using condoms or dental dams (a square of latex or plastic used in oral sex). You should also wash and cover sex toys with a new condom when sharing them.

Symptoms of gonorrhea usually appear within two weeks of infection. In women, common symptoms include unusual vaginal discharge (thin or watery and green or yellow); pain or burning when peeing; pain or tenderness in the abdominal area; Bleeding between periods, heavier periods, and bleeding after sex.

In men, symptoms may include unusual discharge from the penis (white, yellow, or green), pain or burning when peeing; Swelling of the foreskin. Another symptom is pain or tenderness in the testicles, although this is rare.

However, it is important to note that about 10% of infected men and 50% of infected women have no obvious symptoms. This is why regular STI testing is necessary, especially if you are particularly at risk.

It is important to treat gonorrhea quickly to avoid complications and long-term problems. If left untreated, it can spread and cause serious problems. Although rare, gonorrhea can spread to the eye if the eye comes into contact with infected discharge from the penis or vaginal fluid. Gonorrhea is particularly worrisome in pregnant women because it can cause miscarriage, premature birth, or blindness in newborns. “

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