Gonorrhea explained

Gonorrhoea is one of the venereal diseases spread by sexual intercourse. It is due to a germ, the gonococcus, which invades the sex organs and sets up inflammation. In the male, symptoms usually commence about four days to a week after intercourse, and there is sometimes some pain on passing water, and may be yellowish discharge from the penis. In the female the symptoms may be delayed and rather indefinite, but pain and some discharge from the vagina are usually present. The pain may seem worse on passing water and women may label this “cystitis”. If a woman fears that her “cystitis” could be due to a sexual contact, she should mention this to her doctor so that special tests can be made. Ordinary tests for “cystitis” may miss gonorrhea. Gonorrhoea can be rapidly cured by antibiotics, but treatment should be started early to ensure the best results. 

Neglected gonorrhea can have serious consequences. In female it may spread and result in sterility or serious internal disorder, and in the male it may spread to affect the testicles. Other unpleasant sequels to neglected gonorrhea are acute arthritis, and the baby of an untreated mother may develop an infection of the eyes which leads to blindness.

It cannot be too strongly emphasized that if there are any symptoms suggestive of gonorrhea a doctor should be consulted. If the disease is present treatment must be continued until tests show that cure is complete. Doctors at the V.D clinics arrange for sexual contacts to be traced and treated. As early symptoms in women may be non-existent a treated man can help his sexual partner (and perhaps many others) by informing her immediately of the risk. Rather a nasty shock now than subsequent abdominal abscesses or sterility later. As always prevention is better than cure. The use of a sheath can prevent infection but is not foolproof. To neglect symptoms or to try to treat oneself by “quack” remedies is to store up trouble for the future – not only oneself but others who may become infected. No need for shyness; doctors are not moralists and treatment is confidential.