Comprehensive Guide : What is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea, also known as “the clap”, is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global prevalence of gonorrhea was estimated to be 30.6 million in 2016 (or 0.7% in men and 0.9% in women aged 15-49), and the estimated global incidence was 86.9 million new cases (or 26 per 1000 men and 20 per 1000 women). Approximately 10-40% of people infected with gonorrhea are also co-infected with chlamydia.
What is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that can infect the urethra, rectum, female reproductive tract, mouth, and throat . It is primarily spread through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. A pregnant person can also pass the infection to their newborn during childbirth, which can cause serious eye infections in the baby .
◈ Signs and Symptoms of Gonorrhea
Many people with gonorrhea experience no symptoms at all, which makes it easy to unknowingly transmit the infection . When symptoms do occur, they typically appear within 2 to 14 days after exposure .
The following table outlines common symptoms based on gender and infection site:
| Infection Site | Symptoms in Men | Symptoms in Women |
|---|---|---|
| Genitals | White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis; Burning pain when urinating; Painful or swollen testicles | Increased vaginal discharge; Painful or burning sensation when urinating; Vaginal bleeding between periods; Lower abdominal or pelvic pain |
| Rectum | Anal itching, discharge, soreness, bleeding, or painful bowel movements (can occur in both men and women) | Anal itching, discharge, soreness, bleeding, or painful bowel movements (can occur in both men and women) |
| Throat | Sore throat and swollen lymph nodes in the neck (often mild or asymptomatic) | Sore throat and swollen lymph nodes in the neck (often mild or asymptomatic) |
| Eyes | Pain, sensitivity to light, and pus-like discharge (can affect adults and newborns) | Pain, sensitivity to light, and pus-like discharge (can affect adults and newborns) |
◈ Causes and Transmission in Hong Kong
Gonorrhea spreads through contact with infected sexual fluids (semen or vaginal fluid) . The main transmission routes in Hong Kong are consistent with global patterns:
- Unprotected sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sex) .
- Sharing sex toys that have not been washed or covered with a new condom .
- Mother-to-child transmission during vaginal delivery .
The infection cannot be spread through casual contact like kissing, hugging, sharing food, or using public toilets .
◈ Potential Complications of Untreated Gonorrhea
Leaving gonorrhea untreated can lead to serious and permanent health problems .
- In Women: The infection can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID can lead to chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility .
- In Men: It can cause a painful condition in the tubes attached to the testicles (epididymitis), which may result in infertility .
- In All Genders: The bacteria can enter the bloodstream, infecting joints and other parts of the body, and increase the risk of acquiring HIV .
◈ Gonorrhea Testing and Diagnosis in Hong Kong
If you suspect you have gonorrhea, it is essential to get tested. The Centre for Health Protection in Hong Kong advises that you see a doctor for an examination .
- Testing Methods: Diagnosis can involve providing a urine sample or having a swab taken from the urethra (for men), cervix (for women), throat, or rectum .
- What to Do: You can visit a public sexual health clinic, a private doctor, or a community health organization. If you test positive, your recent sexual partner(s) must also be tested and treated to prevent reinfection and further spread .
◈ Treatment Options and Antibiotic Resistance
Gonorrhea is curable with the correct antibiotics . However, the treatment landscape has changed due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea, often called "super gonorrhea" .
- Standard Treatment: Current guidelines recommend a single antibiotic injection (typically ceftriaxone) . Your doctor may also prescribe additional antibiotics if a chlamydia co-infection is suspected .
- Completing Treatment: It is crucial to take all medication exactly as prescribed, even if your symptoms disappear quickly. You should avoid all sexual contact until you and your partner have completed treatment and a follow-up test confirms the infection is gone .
◈ Prevention Strategies for the Hong Kong Community
Protecting yourself and your partners is key to controlling the spread of STIs in Hong Kong.
- Use Condoms: Consistently and correctly using male or female condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sex significantly reduces risk .
- Mutual Monogamy: Being in a long-term relationship where both partners are tested and faithful to each other lowers exposure .
- Regular Testing: Get tested regularly, especially if you have new or multiple sexual partners. The Department of Health provides resources and services for STI testing .
- Open Communication: Discuss sexual health with your partners and agree on safe sex practices.
◈ Conclusion: Protect Your Health in Hong Kong
Gonorrhea is a serious but treatable infection. Due to the high number of asymptomatic cases, regular testing is the only sure way to know your status. If you are sexually active, practicing safe sex and getting tested are responsible steps for your health and the well-being of the wider Hong Kong community. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to seek professional medical advice promptly.
REF:
World Health Organization. Report on global sexually transmitted infection surveillance 2018.
Handsfield HH, Lipman TO, Harnisch JP, Tronca E, Holmes KK. Asymptomatic gonorrhea in men. N Engl J Med, 290(3), 117–123 (1974).)
Fleming D, Wasserheit J. From epidemiological synergy to public health policy and practice: the contribution of other sexually transmitted diseases to sexual transmission of HIV infection. Sex Transm DIs, 75(1), 3–17 (1999).
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