Transmission, symptoms and screening for gonorrhea

Gonorrhea (also known as the clap) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This bacterial infection is on the rise in Canada and is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. Gonorrhea is more often asymptomatic in women compared to men and can be transmitted without the individual being aware that he is infected. An individual can be infected more than once by the bacteria.

Gonorrhea is transmitted during unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral or anal with or without penetration) with an infected person. The infection can also be transmitted by sharing sexual toys. Gonorrhea can be transmitted from a mother to her baby during delivery.

Most people who are infected do not experience any symptoms. Symptoms usually appear between 2 and 7 days after exposure to the bacterium.

In women, symptoms can include:

• A burning sensation when urinating
• A vaginal discharge (thick and yellowish) or abnormal vaginal bleeding
• An anal discharge or itching
• Pain or bleeding during sexual intercourse
• Lower abdominal pain
• Sore throat or throat swelling

In men, symptoms can include:

• A burning sensation when urinating
• Itching or discharge from the penis or anus (thick and greenish-yellow)
• Testicular pain and swelling
• A sore throat or swelling of the throat

Any individual having unprotected sex practices is at risk of being infected by gonorrhea and should consult a health specialist for counselling and screening. Gonorrhea is diagnosed most of the time by identifying the bacteria on urine samples. Vaginal, cervix, urethral and anal swabs can also be analysed. Many different identification techniques are available but the most widely used is by looking for the bacterial DNA after amplification (PCR).

• Urine sample
• Swabbing of the throat, urethra, cervix or rectum with a cotton swab

La gonorrhée se traite avec une combinaison d’antibiotiques. La combinaison de deux antibiotiques est nécessaire parce que certaines souches de gonorrhée sont résistantes à plusieurs antibiotiques et parce que les individus sont souvent également infectés par la chlamydia. Les traitements sont généralement très efficaces et les personnes infectées doivent se faire traiter le plus rapidement possible pour éviter les complications.

• infertilité;
• douleurs chroniques dans le bas du ventre;
• grossesse ectopique (grossesse dans les trompes de Fallope);
• infection aux testicules.
• risque accru d’attraper et de transmettre le VIH