Gonorrhea is an infectious disease caused by gonococci and usually transmitted sexually. Daria Smirnova, a dermatovenereologist and dermatologist at the EMC European Medical Center, noted in an interview with socialbites.ca that sometimes bacteria can affect not only the human genital organs, but also the eyes.
According to the specialist, infection with a bacterium of the mucous membrane of the eyes is manifested in the form of increased photosensitivity, purulent discharge, as, for example, with conjunctivitis. Gonorrhea can also cause pain in both eyes.
“The defeat of the mucous membranes of these organs can occur in a domestic way, for example, if you rub the discharge (from the purulent or genital tract) directly into the eye with your finger. But the main route of infection is still sexual. It is possible to get gonorrhea during oral sex, but this does not happen very often. Also, a newborn can become infected from a sick mother during childbirth, ”said Smirnova.
In addition to the eyes, bacteria can enter other organs such as the mouth, throat, and rectum.
“If we are talking about lesions of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, the patient may notice the appearance of white spots in the mouth, increased sensitivity, dry mouth, often accompanied by hoarseness. Lymph nodes in the neck may also increase,” said Smirnova.
According to the dermatologist, gonorrhea can lead to serious and irreversible consequences for both women and men, if you do not go to the doctor in time.
“In women, gonorrhea can spread to the uterus or fallopian tubes and lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Symptoms can range from abdominal pain to fever. PID is dangerous with internal abscesses and chronic pelvic pain. There is an increased risk of damage to the fallopian tubes and infertility or ectopic pregnancy. In men gonorrhea can be complicated by inflammation of the epididymis. In rare cases, this can lead to infertility, ”the specialist concluded.
In addition, the causative agent of gonorrhea can enter the bloodstream and cause the appearance and development of disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI). It is characterized by arthritis, tenosynovitis and dermatitis.