Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease and is the second most common in Europe. It manifests in both men and women and is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person. The disease can also be transmitted from mother to newborn during birth.
The main sites of infection are the urethra, rectum, conjunctiva, pharynx, and cervix in women. If the patient is left untreated, there is a serious risk to their health.
What is gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This bacterium thrives in warm and moist environments, making the genitals, rectum, and throat ideal areas for its growth. The infection is transmitted through sexual contact.
What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea symptoms can appear within days to weeks after exposure and may differ between individuals. The most common symptoms in men include the appearance of purulent discharge during morning hours, swelling in the testicles, and pain on urination. These symptoms typically appear 2–8 days after the suspected contact. A small percentage of men, however, may not exhibit any symptoms.
In women, the endocervical infection is usually asymptomatic, while a smaller proportion may also experience pain in the pelvis as well as difficulty urinating.
Why is prompt treatment so important?
If gonorrhoea is left untreated, it can lead to serious health consequences. In women, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain, and an increased risk of HIV infection.
Men may experience epididymitis, a painful condition affecting the tubes that carry sperm. Furthermore, both sexes may develop disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), which can lead to joint pain, skin lesions, and, in rare cases, life-threatening complications such as septic arthritis.
How is gonorrhoea diagnosed?
In the laboratory, the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae is identified through direct microscopic examination with Gram staining and culture of cervical, rectal, urethral, pharyngeal, or ocular discharge. Diagnosis in men is considered relatively easy, as the purulent urethral discharge accompanying the infection is characteristic of the disease.
It is important that patients diagnosed with at least one sexually transmitted disease — in this case, gonorrhoea — undergo laboratory testing for other sexually transmitted infections as well.
The importance of proper diagnosis and treatment
Proper diagnosis and treatment are vital, not only to relieve symptoms but also to prevent the spread of the infection and its complications. Prompt and appropriate treatment is essential for the effective management of gonorrhoea.
The treatment of choice is antibiotics, but due to their increasing use, this bacterium has managed to develop resistant strains, thereby limiting the options. Fortunately, gonorrhoea can be treated with antibiotics such as ceftriaxone, azithromycin, or cefixime.
The role of the dermatologist–venereologist in managing gonorrhoea
The dermatologist–venereologist plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhoea, particularly when the infection presents with dermatological symptoms or is associated with other skin conditions.
They have specialised knowledge in recognising the various manifestations of gonorrhoea and are best placed to provide comprehensive care to the patient. Their expertise in sexual health and dermatology makes them a valuable ally in the fight against STIs such as gonorrhoea.
Prevention of gonorrhoea
Regarding the prevention of gonorrhoea, the most important thing people can do is take the necessary precautions during sexual contact. It is also very important for sexually active people to get tested for STIs at least once a year.
Regular preventive screening is essential, even when there are no symptoms. Early detection allows for early treatment, reducing the risk of complications and preventing the spread of the infection to others. Dermatologists–venereologists can provide confidential and specialised STI testing and advice, thereby promoting their patients’ awareness of sexual health.
Conclusions
Gonorrhoea is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. It is a quite serious condition that requires early diagnosis and treatment. A specialised dermatologist–venereologist can contribute to the proper management and elimination of the disease. Prevention is equally important, as safe sex practices and regular screening are the key to reducing cases of gonorrhoea.