Gonorrhea

The topic for a research paper in another class I am currently taking is what inspired me to choose to write my blog over sexually transmitted diseases this week. Among many types of std’s out there is gonorrhea. The sexually transmitted disease, gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This bacteria is at home in warm, moist places such as the reproductive track which includes the cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes in women and the urethra in both women and men.  Neisseria gonorrhoeae can also grow in the eyes, mouth, anus, and throat. Gonorrhea is one of the most common std’s around. The CDC(Center for Disease Control and Prevention) estimates 700,000 new cases of gonorrhea are born each year. Gonorrhea is obtained through contact with the penis, vagina, mouth or anus. There women may have no signs or symptoms of gonorrhea however men beginning exhibiting symptoms as shortly as 2 days after the infection. Symptoms of gonorrhea for men can also take up to 30 days to appear. Symptoms of this sexually transmitted disease are burning sensation when urinating, or a white, yellow, or green substance secreted from the penis. Swelling of the testicles is also another symptom exhibited by men with this STD. If gonorrhea is untreated in women this STD can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. Testing is available and the good news is there are treatments such as antibiotics that can cure this disease unlike some STD’s