GONORRHEA
(Drip)
- In The Netherlands, in 2019, Gonorrhea was diagnosed more than 19,000 times. 77% of people who have a Gonorrhea infection are men who have sex with other men.
Symptoms
Gonorrhea is an infection in the urethra, vagina, cervix or anus. Complaints that are associated with Gonorrhea are a burning sensation when urinating and yellow-green or clear discharge from the penis, vagina or anus.
This discharge can smell bad. However, only in four people with a gonorrhea infection experience symptoms. If you have no symptoms, you can unknowingly pass on gonorrhea to your bed partner.
This discharge can smell bad. However, only in four people with a gonorrhea infection experience symptoms. If you have no symptoms, you can unknowingly pass on gonorrhea to your bed partner.
Cause
Gonorrhea is caused by a bacteria. It is transmitted when the bacteria comes into contact with the mucous membranes of the penis, vagina, mouth or anus. The danger of gonorrhea is that many people do not develop any symptoms and can pass it on to others without realizing it. Gonorrhea is treatable with antibiotics.
In pregnant women, gonorrhea can cause problems during pregnancy, such as inflammation within the uterus or premature birth of the baby. The baby can also contract gonorrhea during delivery. This can lead to eye infections or blindness in the baby.
Risk group
Groups at risk for getting gonorrhea are people who have sex without a condom with various bed partners, men who have sex with men, sex workers and visitors to sex workers. If your bed partner belongs to one of these groups, you also have a higher chance of getting gonorrhea.
HIV and gonorrhea
Gonorrhea, like HIV, is transmitted through sexual contact. In addition, a gonorrhea infection makes the mucous membranes more sensitive, making it easier for HIV to enter the body. Therefore, a gonorrhea infection increases the risk of contracting HIV.
HIV indicator conditions are conditions or symptoms that occur more often in people with an underlying HIV infection than in people without an HIV infection. Gonorrhea is one of the HIV indicator conditions. If you have or have had Gonorrhea and have not been tested for HIV, it is advisable to ask your doctor or general practitioner for an HIV test. Find it difficult to ask for an HIV test? You may download a call card that will help you formulate your question.
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