
Insights from Occupational Health Nurse Abdulsalam Abdulmalik on the Dangers of Untreated Gonorrhea in Pregnant Women
Abdulsalam Abdulmalik, an occupational health nurse, discusses the ramifications of untreated gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection, shedding light on the risks it poses if left unaddressed.
What Exactly is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea, a prevalent sexually transmitted infection, is caused by the bacterium neisseria gonorrhoeae. This infection spreads through sexual fluids such as vaginal fluids and semen. It can be contracted via oral sex, anal sex, or through sharing items like steroids with an infected person. Often, the infection remains asymptomatic, making transmission to others easier.
The Role of Unprotected Sexual Intercourse
The primary mode of transmission is through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected individual. This holds true for both men and women, involving vaginal or anal sex, oral activity, or sharing of unprotected sex toys. Even close genital contact without penetration can lead to gonorrhea in both genders.
Are There Early Warning Signs?
Gonorrhea can initially manifest without obvious symptoms. Signs tend to appear when the infection progresses, causing varying symptoms depending on the gender and affected reproductive parts.
High Prevalence in Nigeria
With over 1.5 million reported cases annually, Nigeria faces a substantial burden of gonorrhea infections. This staggering figure underscores its widespread prevalence, largely due to increased exposure to unprotected sexual activity.
Symptoms and Gender Variations
Symptoms can be categorized by gender. In females, unusual vaginal discharge – white or yellow – might occur, accompanied by pelvic pain, pain during sex, burning sensation during urination, and bleeding between periods. In males, abnormal discharge from the penis, testicular pain, and swollen testicles are common.
Risk Factors and Vulnerability
People of all ages and sexes who engage in sexual activity are susceptible to gonorrhea. Furthermore, newborns can contract the infection during childbirth. Individuals under 25 are at a higher risk due to increased sexual activity and unprotected intercourse. Those with a history of sexually transmitted infections are also more vulnerable.
Complications and Dangers
Left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to infertility, miscarriages, and even blindness in newborns. The infection can spread through the bloodstream, causing life-threatening conditions like septicaemia. Those with compromised immunity are at greater risk of contracting other diseases due to the infection's impact on the body's defenses.
Addressing Misconceptions
Misconceptions about gonorrhea are prevalent, including the belief that it is incurable. Stigmatization of infected individuals and misunderstandings about transmission routes are also common. The disease cannot be contracted through casual contact like kissing or sharing toilets.
Caution Against Herbal Remedies
While native healers may claim to offer herbal cures for gonorrhea, these claims are not substantiated. Herbal treatments lack proper dosages and medical validation, posing potential risks to individuals. Medically-proven antibiotics are the recommended course of treatment.
Effective Management and Treatment
Prompt diagnosis and early treatment are crucial for managing gonorrhea. Diagnosis involves examinations, tests, and sampling, followed by antibiotic treatment tailored to the severity of the infection. Both partners should be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection.
Utilizing antibiotics under medical guidance remains the most effective approach to tackling gonorrhea and mitigating its potential complications.