Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a STD that infects both men and women. Gonorrheal infection affects the genitals, rectum, and even throat. It is common especially among young people within the age of 15-24 years.

How is gonorrhea spread?

Gonorrhea is contracted by having oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse with someone who has the disease. A pregnant woman infected with gonorrhea can also pass the infection to the baby during childbirth. 

How can I reduce my risk of getting gonorrhea?

Abstain from vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
A monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative
Using latex condoms correctly every time you have sex, also reduces the chance of transmission.

Symptoms

Gonorrhea may present with no symptoms at all.
  Men who have symptoms present with:

• Burning sensation when urinating
• white, yellow, or green discharge 
• Painful and/or swollen testicles

Women

Symptoms in women are usually mild and may be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection.
Women who have symptoms present with:

• Painful or burning sensation while urinating
• Increased vaginal discharge that may have foul odor
• Bleeding between periods.

Rectal infections in both men and women may include:

• Anal itching
• Soreness 
• Bleeding
• Painful bowel movements

Treatment of Uncomplicated Gonococcal Infections of the Cervix, Urethra, and Rectum:

CDC recommends using two drugs, to treat gonorrhea
A single dose of 250mg of intramuscular ceftriaxone AND 1g of oral azithromycin.
Alternative Regimens (If ceftriaxone is not available)
Cefixime 400 mg orally in a single dose
PLUS
Azithromycin 1 g orally in a single dose or Doxycycline 100 mg by mouth twice a daily for 7 days
A 400-mg oral dose of cefixime should only be considered as an alternative cephalosporin regimen because it does not provide as high, nor as sustained, bactericidal blood levels as a 250-mg dose of ceftriaxone. It also demonstrates limited efficacy for treatment of pharyngeal gonorrhea