Gonorrhea belongs to the most common bacterial infections transmitted sexually. In women, this disease in the early stages often proceeds with few symptoms or completely without pronounced manifestations, which significantly complicates timely detection and increases the risk of complications.

In this article, we will consider how gonorrhea is transmitted, what its first symptoms may be, which specialist should be consulted if an infection is suspected, as well as what treatment methods are used and what is important to pay attention to during therapy.

What Is Gonorrhea in Women

Gonorrhea in women is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which affects the mucous membranes of the genitourinary system. Most often, primary inflammation develops in the cervix and urethra, less often — in the vagina, rectum, or oropharynx depending on the route of infection.

The pathogen is transmitted during sexual contact and attaches to the cells of the mucous membrane, causing a local inflammatory process. In response to bacterial penetration, an immune reaction is activated, which is accompanied by tissue swelling, increased discharge formation, and discomfort. At the same time, the clinical picture may be subtle, especially in the early stages.

A feature of the course is that without treatment the infection is capable of spreading upward — from the cervix to the uterine cavity, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Such a process increases the risk of inflammatory complications of the pelvic organs and may affect reproductive function.

To confirm the diagnosis, laboratory tests of biological material are carried out. Patients often ask how a smear test for gonorrhea is performed: during a gynecological examination, the doctor takes a sample of discharge from the cervical canal or urethra with a special sterile instrument, after which the material is sent for microscopic or molecular testing. The procedure lasts several minutes and usually does not require special preparation.

How Gonorrhea Manifests in Women

Clinical manifestations may differ depending on the localization of the inflammatory process and the stage of the disease. In some women, symptoms appear within the first 2–14 days after infection; in others, the course may be subtle or barely noticeable.

Most often, the cervix and urethra are affected. In this case, the following are possible:

  • a change in the nature of vaginal discharge — it becomes thicker, yellowish, or with admixtures of pus;

  • discomfort, itching, or burning in the genital area;

  • unpleasant sensations during urination;

  • pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse;

  • pulling pain in the lower abdomen.

At the initial stage, symptoms may be mild and resemble other gynecological conditions, for example bacterial vaginosis or nonspecific cervicitis. That is why it is impossible to establish an accurate diagnosis based only on clinical signs — laboratory confirmation is required.

If the infection spreads upward, signs of pelvic inflammatory disease may appear: increased body temperature, pronounced lower abdominal pain, general weakness. In such cases, urgent medical consultation and examination are necessary.

It is also worth considering that gonococcus can affect not only the genital organs. When the rectum is infected, itching and discharge from the anus occur; when the oropharynx is affected — sore throat and redness of the mucous membrane. Therefore, any atypical symptoms after unprotected contact are grounds for consulting a specialist.

How Gonorrhea Is Transmitted

Gonorrhea is transmitted primarily during sexual contact with an infected partner. Infection is possible during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, since the bacterium enters the mucous membranes and begins to multiply at the site of contact.

Most often, infection occurs during unprotected sexual intercourse. It is important to understand that a person may be a carrier of the infection and have no pronounced symptoms, therefore the risk of transmission remains even in the absence of obvious signs of the disease.

Due to the instability of the bacterium in the external environment, household transmission practically does not occur. The infection can also be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth if the woman has not undergone timely examination and treatment.

Is Gonorrhea Treatable

Gonorrhea belongs to infections that are treatable provided timely diagnosis and properly selected therapy. The basis of gonorrhea treatment is antibacterial drugs to which the pathogen is sensitive. In most cases, with an uncomplicated course, a short course of treatment is sufficient.

At the same time, it is important to consider that gonococcus is capable of developing resistance to some antibiotics. That is why self-medication or taking medications “at one’s own discretion” may be ineffective and lead to the transition of the disease into a chronic form.

After completing the course of therapy, it is necessary to undergo a follow-up laboratory examination to ensure eradication of the infection. Until confirmed results are obtained, it is recommended to abstain from sexual contact.

Timely treatment allows complete elimination of the infection and reduces the risk of complications, in particular pelvic inflammatory disease and reproductive function disorders.

Which Doctor Treats Gonorrhea

If gonorrhea is suspected, a woman should consult a gynecologist. This specialist conducts the initial examination, evaluates complaints, collects medical history, and prescribes the necessary laboratory tests to confirm or exclude the infection.

During the appointment, the gynecologist performs an examination in the chair and collects material for testing. If necessary, the doctor may recommend additional tests for other sexually transmitted infections, since they often occur together.

In cases when the infection spreads beyond the reproductive system or has a complicated course, an infectious disease specialist or other профильные specialists may be involved in treatment. However, in most situations, it is the gynecologist who accompanies the patient from the diagnostic stage to the follow-up examination after completion of therapy.

How Gonorrhea Is Treated in Women

Treatment of gonorrhea in women is based on the use of antibacterial drugs to which the pathogen is sensitive. The treatment regimen is selected by the doctor taking into account the clinical picture, localization of the infection, the presence of concomitant STIs, and possible complications. In most cases, modern cephalosporins are used, sometimes — in combination with other antibiotics to cover concomitant infections.

The drugs may be administered intramuscularly or taken orally — depending on recommendations and approved clinical protocols. It is not allowed to independently change the dosage, duration of the course, or stop treatment after symptoms disappear, since this increases the risk of bacterial resistance formation and transition of the process into a chronic form.

During treatment, it is important:

  • to abstain from sexual contact until recovery is confirmed;

  • to inform the sexual partner about the need for examination;

  • to strictly follow the prescribed treatment regimen;

  • to undergo follow-up tests after completion of treatment.

If gonorrhea is complicated by pelvic inflammatory disease, therapy may be longer and include additional anti-inflammatory drugs. In case of pregnancy, the regimen is selected individually, taking into account safety for the fetus.

A follow-up laboratory test after completion of the antibiotic course makes it possible to ensure complete elimination of the infection. Such an approach helps not only to cure the disease, but also to reduce the risk of reinfection and long-term complications.