Gonorrhea Infection Prevention
Gonorrhea Infection Prevention and Risk Reduction
Gonorrhea is a serious sexually transmitted disease that affects men and women of different ages and in different parts of the world. The disease is caused by bacteria that is found the urethra, throat, or cervix of women and can be easily transmitted to their sexual partners and even to babies during child birth.
Gonorrhea infection can have no or little symptoms and this is one of the reasons it might be left untreated. Most men will experience a discharge from the penis or pain while urinating. Women might experience the same pain with some unusual vaginal discharge. If the gonorrhea affects the eyes you will see pus like discharge, and in the throat it can cause symptoms that resemble a sore throat.
In this article we will talk about the best ways to control Gonorrhea, prevent the infection and reduce its risks:
- Engage in safe sex:Not having sex is a sure way to stay away from Gonorrhea but is not a practical solution. Instead, you should use a condom every time you are having sex if you want to stay safe. If you are monogamous and have a stable relationship then you should always use a condom if your partner is treated for Gonorrhea. Communicating with your partner is essential. Limiting the number of your sex partners and engaging in sex with only the people who are honest with you is essential in reducing your risk. If your partner hasn’t been tested for Gonorrhea or other STDs, you should wait until they do before deciding to have sex.
- Use condoms properly:It is very important to know how to use the condom. You should open the package carefully and make sure that condom is not cut or scratched by fingernails before putting it on. If you are using female condoms, then make sure that the condom is properly placed and used. Make sure not to exchange female and male condoms with your partner. Toys and devices should be cleaned and disinfected every time after use. You should always use a condom on a toy or a device and replace condoms if you exchange them with your partner.
- Use dental dams:
Dental dams are very important if you engage in oral sex. Make sure that you use the dam properly and that it is not cut. Get the dental dam out of its pouch and make sure that you don’t use your teeth or fingernails. Use a water based lubricant before using a dental dam. - Don’t touch your eye:If you are suspecting that you or your partner might be infected with gonorrhoea, then make sure that you don’t touch your eye after touching your genitals or the genitals of your partner. This will ensure that infection doesn’t spread to your eyes.
- Follow the doctor’s orders:The regular check is your best chance to discover your gonorrhea and to get it treated. Not skipping your scheduled exams is a great chance for your doctor to prescribe the right medication. Most of the times, your doctor will prescribe an injection mixed together with an antibiotics course. Once your start your medication you should keep on taking it until your doctor asks you to stop even if your start to feel better.
- Protect your baby:
Gonorrhea is easily transmitted from the mother to the unborn child so if you have discovered that you have Gonorrhea then chances are your baby will get infected too. You should inform your doctor immediately and he will take quick measures to prevent the disease from spreading to your unborn baby. Most babies will be treated after birth by a medication that is especially given to prevent the disease from infecting their eyes. - Wait before having sex:If you have discovered that you have gonorrhea and are currently under medication, you should wait before engaging in any sexual interaction with your partner. Your partner might be also treated for gonorrhea. The best thing is to wait for at least 7 days after the medication before engaging in sex.
- Prompt, qualified and appropriate medical intervention, treatment and follow-up are important steps in breaking the disease cycle.
- Know your partner(s). Careful consideration and open communication between partners may protect all partners involved from infection.
- Water-based spermicides can be used along with latex condoms for additional protection during vaginal intercourse. Use of spermicide is not recommended nor found to be effective for oral or anal intercourse.
- Having sex with only one uninfected partner whom only has sex with you (mutual monogamy).
Follow-up
- Take all medications-even if you start to feel better before you finish the bottle.
- Treat all partners.
- Also treat chlamydia if it is not ruled out.
- Inform all partners.
- Abstain from sex until all partners are treated.
