Gonorrhoea: What it is, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & More

What is Gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection which is caused by the bacteria named Neisseria gonorrhoeae. These bacteria grow in warm, moist parts of the body, like the urethra, cervix, rectum, throat, and eyes. The infection spreads through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. It can even pass from mother to baby at the time of childbirth. Without treatment, gonorrhoea can lead to serious health issues such as infertility or pelvic inflammatory disease or cause infections that reach other parts of the body.

What are the Types of Gonorrhoea?

There are several types of gonorrhoea infection. Some of the common types include:

Stages of Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea develops through different stages if not treated on time. The 4 crucial stages of gonorrhoea are as follows:

How Common is Gonorrhoea in India?

Gonorrhoea remains a serious public health concern in India, even though it can be prevented and treated. It is one of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections, especially among sexually active teenagers and young adults. Reported prevalence ranges from 0.2% in Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh, to 9.3% in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The real number of cases is probably higher, since many people do not have symptoms or avoid seeking help because of stigma. 

To help stop the spread of gonorrhoea and prevent serious health problems, it is important to raise awareness, get regular STI checks, practise safe sex, and start antibiotics as soon as possible.

What are the Symptoms of Gonorrhoea?

Many people, especially women, may have no symptoms of gonorrhoea. When symptoms do occur, they usually appear within 2 to 14 days after exposure. Without treatment, the infection can spread to other parts of the body and lead to serious complications. Some early and advanced symptoms include: 

What Causes Gonorrhoea?

Several factors can increase the risk of acquiring gonorrhoea. Listed below are the main causes of gonorrhoea:

• Unprotected Sexual Intercourse: Having vaginal, anal, or oral sex without using condoms is the most common cause of gonorrhoea, as the bacteria spread through infected semen, vaginal fluids, or other genital secretions during sexual contact.

• Previous Gonorrhoea Infection: Having gonorrhoea once does not provide immunity. A person can become infected again if they are exposed to the bacteria after treatment.

• Sexual Contact with an Infected Person: Gonorrhoea is transmitted through sexual contact with a person infected with Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Since many infected individuals do not have symptoms, they can unknowingly spread the infection.

• Inconsistent or Incorrect Condom Use: Not using condoms every time or using them incorrectly lowers protection against gonorrhoea and makes it more likely to spread during sex.

• Multiple Sexual Partners: Having several sexual partners raises the chance of coming into contact with someone who has the infection, especially if condoms are not always used.

• Co-existing Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): People who already have other sexually transmitted infections, like chlamydia or HIV, are more likely to get gonorrhoea because these infections often spread in similar ways and are linked to risky sexual behaviours.

What are the Complications of Gonorrhoea?

Getting diagnosed early and starting antibiotics can greatly lower the risk of these problems. Without treatment, gonorrhoea can cause serious health issues, such as:

• Disseminated Gonococcal Infection (DGI): In rare cases, the bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body. This serious condition can cause fever, joint pain, skin rashes, and inflammation of tendons. 

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): In women, if gonorrhoea is not treated, it can spread to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This can cause long-lasting pelvic pain, trouble getting pregnant, or a higher chance of ectopic pregnancy.

• Pregnancy and Newborn Complications: Pregnant women with untreated gonorrhoea may pass the infection to their baby during childbirth. 

• Epididymitis: Men who do not treat gonorrhoea may get epididymitis, which is swelling of the tube that carries sperm from the testicles. This can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in the scrotum.

• Infertility: Gonorrhoea can damage the reproductive system in both men and women if left untreated. In women, scarring of the fallopian tubes may make pregnancy difficult, while in men, the infection can affect the epididymis and reduce fertility.

• Increased Risk of HIV: Gonorrhoea can cause inflammation in the genital tract, which makes it easier to get or pass on HIV. People who are diagnosed with gonorrhoea are usually encouraged to get tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Related Diseases Comparison

Gonorrhoea shares symptoms with other sexually transmitted infections but differs in its cause, complications, and treatment.

Gonorrhoea vs Chlamydia vs Syphilis

How is Gonorrhoea Diagnosed?

Doctors usually diagnose gonorrhoeathrough a physical examination and medical history review. Various methods to diagnose this condition are as follows:

How is Gonorrhoea Managed?

Gonorrhoea can be managed through the following ways:

Medicines Used to Treat Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is mainly treated with antibiotics. Due to increasing antibiotic resistance, treatment recommendations may change over time. Sexual partners should also be tested and treated if necessary. Some medicines used to treat gonorrhoea are:

• Ceftriaxone injection (first-line treatment)

• Doxycycline (if chlamydia infection has not been excluded or is also present)

• Azithromycin (used in selected situations, depending on current treatment guidelines)

• If you are allergic to ceftriaxone, your doctor might give you an injection of gentamicin along with azithromycin.

Disclaimer: Always consider your healthcare provider's recommendations when taking such medicines.

Gonorrhoea During Pregnancy

Pregnancy-related gonorrhoea turns challenging, as it increases the risk of infection for both the mother and the foetus. Low birth weight, an early delivery, or an early water break could occur if treatment is not received. You can control gonorrhoea during pregnancy by following these tips:

• Go to all your prenatal check-ups so any infections can be found and treated early.

• If you are at risk or your doctor suggests it, get tested for gonorrhoea during pregnancy.

• Take all the antibiotics your healthcare provider prescribes, and follow their instructions closely.

• Ensure your sexual partner is also tested and treated to prevent reinfection.

• Avoid sexual activity until both partners have completed treatment and your doctor confirms it is safe.

• Inform your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms such as unusual vaginal discharge, pain during urination, or bleeding.

Can Gonorrhoea be Cured?

If gonorrhoea is diagnosed early and treated with the right antibiotics, it is usually cured and does not cause lasting health problems. Most people start to feel better a few days after beginning treatment, but it is important to finish all the antibiotics as prescribed. If the infection is not treated or treatment is delayed, it can cause problems like infertility or ongoing pelvic pain or spread to other parts of the body. 

Getting tested again, practising safe sexual intercourse, and making sure your sexual partners are treated can help prevent getting infected again and support better long-term health.

How Can I Prevent Gonorrhoea?

The various precautionary steps to prevent gonorrhoea are as follows:

• Using condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sex significantly reduces the risk of gonorrhoea by preventing the exchange of infected body fluids.

• Having fewer sexual partners lowers the chances of exposure to Neisseria gonorrhoeae and other sexually transmitted infections.

• Routine screening is recommended for sexually active individuals, especially those with multiple partners or other risk factors, as gonorrhoea often causes no symptoms.

• Before starting a new sexual relationship, both partners should consider getting tested for sexually transmitted infections to reduce the risk of transmission.

• Refrain from sexual activity until both you and your partner have completed treatment and your healthcare provider confirms it is safe to resume sexual activity.

• If diagnosed with gonorrhoea, complete the prescribed antibiotic treatment even if symptoms improve, as stopping treatment early may lead to persistent infection.

Gonorrhoea Treatment Cost in India

The cost of gonorrhoea treatment depends on diagnostic tests, medicines, follow-up visits, and whether complications require hospitalisation.

Disclaimer: The above-mentioned costs are indicative and could vary based on the hospital's facilities, the location, and more.

Does Health Insurance Cover Gonorrhoea?

Yes, most comprehensive health insurance policies in India include the diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhoea. This can include medical visits, tests, prescribed antibiotics, and hospital stays if needed, provided that it aligns with the policy's terms and conditions. The coverage may differ depending on your insurance, the type of plan you have, and whether your treatment is inpatient or outpatient. 

How Much Health Insurance Coverage is Needed for Gonorrhoea Treatment?

Most cases of gonorrhoea can be treated as outpatients with antibiotics and follow-up visits. But if complications like pelvic inflammatory disease, a widespread infection, or hospital stays occur, treatment costs can go up. 

Usually, a health insurance policy with coverage of at least ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh is enough for standard treatment and other medical emergencies. People who want more protection or have extra health risks might want to choose higher coverage for better financial security.

Living with Gonorrhoea in India: Daily Challenges & Prevention

Gonorrhoea can be cured, but it is important to get diagnosed and treated quickly to avoid complications and stop it from spreading.