Does Gonorrhea Lead To Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disorder is caused by a bacterium called neisseria gonorrhoeae.

This bacterium can develop and multiply easily in the warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract.

A woman is more prone to develop this in the areas like cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes, and both men and women can get at urethra.

There is also a chance to grow this bacterium in anus, eyes, and throat.

Gonorrhea is near as serious as HIV transmission, but is a reflection of sorts. Usually gonorrhea occurs in between the age of 20-29 years in men and 15-24 years between women. It is the second most commonly reported infectious disease in the United States.

Every year, about 700,000 people in US get gonorrhea and it is the second most commonly reported infectious disease after Chlamydia. Gonorrhea is one of those diseases for which treatment options are fewer.

The bacterium which causes gonorrhea cannot live outside of the human body for more than a few seconds. It lives only on moist surfaces. So, this disease can be termed as contagious disease.

Gonorrhea in women:

Gonorrhea symptoms are not seen particularly at the starting stages. Some of the symptoms include:

  • Burning or frequent urination
  • Yellowish discharge from vagina
  • Redness and swelling of the genitals
  • Burning or itching sensation of the vaginal area

If you left it untreated, it can lead to chronic pelvic disease with the inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries. The inflammation in the fallopian tubes can be very painful and is also considered as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Up to 10-40% of women with gonorrhea infection in the uterine cervix have the chance of occurring PID. This condition can lead to difficulty in getting pregnancy or even sterility. In the severe conditions, surgery is considered as a life-saving option.

You will get gonorrhea through contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus. There is a chance for a newborn baby to get gonorrhea from the mother during delivery. If you are a sexually active person, then there may be a chance for you to get gonorrhea.

Gonorrhea in men:

One in ten men cannot have any symptoms of gonorrhea. Someone will experience the symptoms at the initial state like pain in the penis, discharge form the penis tip can be thick white, yellow or green in color and burning sensation when urinating.

Treating gonorrhea is very simple and you will find number of antibiotics in the market that can successfully cure gonorrhea in adolescents.

Treating gonorrhea:

Gonorrhea is becoming gradually more opposed to the antibiotics commonly used to treat it. Fluoroquinolones is a drug which is now widespread in the United States. This type of antibiotic includes cipro. Cephalosporins can be used instead of Fluoroquinolones.