Difference between revisions of "Gonorrhea"
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[[Image:Neisseriagon.jpg|thumbnail|175px|right|Gonorrhea is a [[sexually transmitted disease]] ([[STD]]) caused by the bacyterium [[Neisseria gonorrhoeae]].]] | [[Image:Neisseriagon.jpg|thumbnail|175px|right|Gonorrhea is a [[sexually transmitted disease]] ([[STD]]) caused by the bacyterium [[Neisseria gonorrhoeae]].]] | ||
| − | According to the [[Centers | + | According to the [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] (CDC) '''gonorrhea''' is a [[sexually transmitted disease]] ([[STD]]) caused by the bacyterium [[Neisseria gonorrhoeae]].<ref>http://www.cdc.gov/std/Gonorrhea/STDFact-gonorrhea.htm</ref> |
==Causes, incidence, and risk factors== | ==Causes, incidence, and risk factors== | ||
Revision as of 11:08, October 7, 2007
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacyterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.[1]
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacyterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.[2] It is spread by sexual contact both amongst homosexuals and heterosexuals. Approximately 700,000 people in the United States are afflicted with gonorrhea. [3]
Homosexuality and Gonorrhea
In respect to homosexuality and gonorrhea, Concerned Women of America issued an article entitled Health and Homosexuality. The article stated the following regarding homosexuality and gonorrhea:
| “ | In a study published by the Canadian Medical Association Journal in 1991, "...gonorrhea was associated with urethral discharge ... and homosexuality (3.7 times higher than the rate among heterosexuals)."[4] | ” |
Symptoms
Symptoms of gonorrhea vary with many indviduals having no symptoms at all. When they do appear, symptoms can take from 5 - 30 days to appear. According to the CDC[5], symptoms of gonorrhea can include:
In men:
- A burning sensation when urinating
- A white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis
- Painful or swollen testicles.
In women:
- Painful or burning sensation when urinating
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
Symptoms of rectal infection in both men and women may include discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding, or painful bowel movements. Rectal infection also may cause no symptoms. Infections in the throat may cause a sore throat but usually causes no symptoms.
Left untreated, gonorrhea infection can result in severe complications including pelvic inflammatory disease in women and inflammation of the epididymis in men. In both sexes, these complications can lead to fertility.
Tests
Testing for gonorrhea is accomplished by obtaining a swab of the infected area (vagina, penis, anus, or throat) and performing a Gram stain test, which can usually be accomplished in a doctor's office.
Treatment
Antibiotic treatments exist for gonorrhea, but there are many drug resistant strains.
Prevention
The only sure prevention of gonorrhea is abstinence