The symptoms of genital gonorrhea differ in men and women.
The cervix is primarily affected in women diagnosed with gonorrhea. However, untreated gonorrhea can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes. Unfortunately, the symptoms of gonorrhea in women often go unnoticed. When women do experience symptoms, they may include :
· abnormal bleeding
· a burning sensation during urination
· vaginal discharge
· general irritation of the outer area of the vagina
So how can you know if a man is possibly infected with gonorrhea ? About 20 percent of the time, you won't see anything that you can recognize as a symptom of gonorrhea in a man. However, when symptoms of gonorrhea are present in men they can include :
· a yellow pus-like discharge from the tip of the penis
· stinging during urination
· frequent urination
· blood in the urine
· swelling of the glands in the groin
· the head of the penis may turn red
When either women or men experience gonorrhea infection in the throat or rectum, symptoms such as pain, swelling, and discharge often occur.
What are the treatments for gonorrhea ?
The CDC recommends several treatment options which include :
· Cefixime 400 mg orally in a single dose,
· Ceftriaxone 125 mg IM in a single dose,
· Ciprofloxacin 500 mg orally in a single dose,
· Ofloxacin 400 mg orally in a single dose, PLUS Azithromycin 1 g orally in a single dose,
· Doxycycline 100 mg orally twice a day for 7 days
Patients who are unable to tolerate these treatments can be offered alternative pharmaceutical treatments.
How to prevent gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted diseases...
Condoms provide your best protection against gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted diseases. Of course you have to know how to use a male condom , or you can choose to use the female condom just don't try using both a male and female condom at the same time. Remember, everyone who is not in a monogamous long-term relationship needs to protect themselves by practicing safe sex routinely.
The above information thankfully comes from the womenshealth.about.com at the following link.