Gonorrhea in men is diagnosed quite often, especially when it comes to sexually active members of the stronger sex. This is an infectious disease that is transmitted from person to person mainly during sexual intercourse. In the absence of timely diagnosis and appropriate therapy, the disease leads to the development of very dangerous complications.
Of course, many patients seek information about this pathology. Why does gonorrhea develop in men? A photo depicting the pathogen, the first symptoms of the disease, possible complications - these are important information that you should familiarize yourself with. So what is pathology dangerous and how to treat it?
Why does gonorrhea develop in men? Photo with the image of the pathogen and its description
Many people are interested in more information about this disease. To begin with, it is worth learning about why gonorrhea develops in men (in fact, in women).
This is a sexually transmitted disease caused bygonococcus. It is a gram-negative, non-motile diplococcus that lives in the mucous membranes of the genitourinary system.
During sexual intercourse, these bacteria are transmitted from an infected person to a he althy one. Microorganisms get on the mucous membrane of the urethra, where they linger for about two hours (during this time, bacteria can still be eliminated, for example, during hygiene procedures). Further, gonococci quickly penetrate into the interepithelial space and connective tissues. Bacteria multiply rapidly. Their activity leads to the development of purulent inflammation. If untreated, the infection spreads to the tissues of the testes, the prostate gland in men, and the internal reproductive organs in women.
How does the infection spread?
Gonorrhea in men and women is diagnosed quite often, so it is worth understanding the ways of transmission of the infection.
- Most often, gonococci are spread during unprotected intercourse. By the way, according to statistics, in about 20-50% of cases, only one unprotected sex was enough for infection.
- It should also be understood that the infection is transmitted not only during vaginal intercourse, though in such cases the clinical picture looks a little different. For example, as a result of anal intercourse, gonorrheal inflammation covers the tissues of the rectum, and during oral intercourse, the pathogen affects the pharynx and tonsils.
- In some cases, the infection is spread by sharing sex toys.
- Possible transmission of the pathogen from mother to child duringtime of passage of the birth canal. It should be noted that the disease in newborns is severe. Gonococcus infects the mucous membranes of the eyes, leading to ulceration and scarring of the conjunctiva.
- There is a small chance of household transmission, but only if people share the same underwear, etc.
It is worth saying right away that the causative agent of the disease is extremely unstable in the external environment. That is why the infection cannot be spread, for example, by sharing cutlery, toilet bowls, swimming in public pools, etc.
There is another important point. According to statistics, approximately 80% of women and 10% of men are not even aware of the presence of a problem. Gonorrhea is asymptomatic, but patients can spread the infection.
What does gonorrhea look like in men? Description of the main symptoms
It is very important to study the features of the clinical picture. The incubation period for gonorrhea in men is approximately 15 days. On the other hand, the first signs may appear as early as 2 days after infection. Patients complain of discomfort along the urethra.
The activity of gonococci leads to the development of urethritis. The inflammatory process of the mucous membranes leads to the appearance of unpleasant itching and yellowish purulent discharge from the urethra. The outer folds of the urethra swell and acquire a red tint. As the disease progresses, other symptoms appear - patients complain of pain duringurination.
Sometimes there are signs of intoxication. In men, there is an increase in body temperature (in most cases insignificant), weakness, constant fatigue, chills.
Sometimes the infection spreads up the urethra and reaches the tissues of the bladder. Gonococcal cystitis is accompanied by pain during urination and the appearance of traces of blood in the urine.
If you have the above symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. Lack of timely therapy can lead to the development of chronic gonorrhea. In men, as well as in women, this form of the disease is very difficult to treat.
Symptoms outside the reproductive system
As already mentioned, gonorrhea in men most often affects the mucous membranes of the genital organs, but sometimes the infection spreads to other tissues and organs.
- Gonococci often get into the throat, leading to the development of pharyngitis. In most cases, such inflammation is asymptomatic, but sometimes redness of the throat can be detected, as well as the formation of abscesses. Regional, nearby lymph nodes are enlarged.
- According to statistics, gonorrhea in men in 40% of cases is accompanied by inflammatory processes in the tissues of the rectum. Symptoms for such a development of the disease are very characteristic. First, the skin in the anus turns red. Gradually, small warts, rashes, small blisters and wounds form on the tissues. Patients note the appearance of discharge from the rectum. The act of defecation is often accompanied by a slight bleeding. In addition, periodically there is itching in the anus. An internal examination can detect the appearance of abscesses and pinpoint hemorrhages on the mucous membranes of the rectum.
- Gonorrhea in men can be accompanied by the development of arthritis. This form of the disease is rarely recorded and, as a rule, is associated with the refusal of drug therapy or a pronounced decrease in the activity of the immune system. Most often, the inflammatory process affects the ankle, knee and wrist joints. The skin in the affected areas turns red and swells, patients complain of pain and stiffness in movements. Gonococci can be found in the synovial fluid in a laboratory test.
Possible complications of the disease
Many people are interested in information about the signs of gonorrhea in men, treatment and possible complications. According to statistics, the disease responds well to drug therapy. Unfortunately, many men never see a doctor.
Of course, the treatment of gonorrhea in men at home with folk methods can be a good addition, but it cannot replace the use of special drugs. If the patient does not go to the doctor, then it is likely that the symptoms will go away on their own, but this does not at all indicate recovery. The disease simply becomes a latent or chronic form, which leads to the development of a mass of complications.
- Infection can spread up the urethra, affecting tissues in the bladder, testicles, and prostate. In this casedrawing pain in the perineal region, discomfort during ejaculation, and cutting pains during urination join the standard symptoms. Inflammation of the prostate often leads to the development of infertility, as well as problems with sexual activity.
- Sometimes the inflammatory process extends to the testicles and their appendages. A similar complication is accompanied by redness and significant swelling of the scrotum. Patients complain of sharp pain during palpation of the scrotum, as well as discomfort while walking. The pathological process often leads to a narrowing of the lumen of the vas deferens with further development of infertility.
- Sometimes the inflammatory process penetrates into the deeper layers of the urethra, which ends with the development of urethral stricture. If the normal outflow of urine is obstructed, then the fluid stagnates in the bladder and can be thrown back into the ureters. This creates a good environment for a secondary bacterial infection.
- In rare cases, the pathogen enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body, which leads to a generalization of the infection. This can lead to sepsis, heart valve disease, etc.
Features of the clinical picture in the chronic form of the disease
Chronic gonorrhea in men usually develops 2-3 months after infection. The transition of acute inflammation to a chronic form is associated either with the lack of therapy or with its ineffectiveness.
The clinical picture in this case directly depends on the degree of spread of the infection and the depthtissue damage. So, if the inflammatory process is localized in the anterior part of the urethral canal, then some specific symptoms may be absent. Some patients report the appearance of discharge from the urethra in the morning, however, in small quantities.
However, a chronic inflammatory process can lead to unpleasant complications, in particular, to epididymitis, prostatitis, inflammation of the head, foreskin and testicles with further development of infertility. That is why it is so important to consult a doctor in time. Chronic gonorrhea in men can lead to dangerous, irreversible changes in the functioning of the reproductive system.
Diagnosis of gonorrhea
You already know about how gonorrhea manifests itself in men. Diagnosis of the disease is rarely associated with any difficulties. The activity of the gonococcus is accompanied by the appearance of very characteristic disorders. One external examination and information about the symptoms that have appeared is enough for the doctor to suspect the presence of gonorrhea. However, additional tests are being done to confirm the diagnosis.
- Be sure to take a swab for gonorrhea. In men, samples are taken from the urethra, and sometimes additionally also from the pharynx, rectum. They are further used for microscopic examination. More informative is the sowing of biological material, since a specialist has the opportunity to grow a culture of bacteria, determine the genus and type of pathogen, and check its response to the effects of certain drugs.
- Sometimes a two-glass test is done. The patient urinates into two beakers. If there is damage to the mucous membranes of the anterior part of the urethra, then changes in the analyzes will be detected only when examining the first portion of urine. If changes are observed in two portions of urine, then this may indicate lesions in both the anterior and posterior part of the urethra.
- Sometimes PCR diagnostics are additionally carried out. The procedure involves checking the patient's blood for the presence of the pathogen's genetic material.
As evidenced by the reviews of doctors, the likelihood of complications is associated with some risk factors. Their list is as follows:
- The presence of inflammatory processes in the organs of the genitourinary system.
- Simultaneous infection with other sexually transmitted infections (for example, gonorrhea is often combined with chlamydia).
- Weakened immune system activity.
- Alcohol abuse and other bad habits.
- Exhausting physical activity.
- Wrong diet, in particular, the abuse of spices and spicy food.
- regular use of the coitus withdrawal method.
Necessary and instrumental methods of diagnosis, in particular, ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs, examination of the rectum, palpation of the prostate gland. Such procedures help to assess the degree of damage to the body. After receiving the tests, the doctor can choose effective gonorrhea medications for men.
Medicated treatment
How to treat gonorrhea in men? In this case, antibiotic therapy is extremely important. Gonococcus is sensitive to antibiotics of the tetracycline and penicillin series, as well as to cephalosporins. Dosage, schedule for taking gonorrhea pills for men is determined by the doctor.
In addition, auxiliary drugs are also introduced into the therapy regimen.
- Immunomodulators help to normalize the immune system, enhance protection and help the body cope with infection.
- For the same purpose, preparations are used that contain a complex of vitamins and minerals. Periodic vitamin therapy helps to improve metabolism, increase the body's resistance to various infections, and reduce the risk of complications from gonorrhea.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also used, for example, Ibuprofen, Nurofen. Such drugs help relieve inflammation, swelling and redness, eliminate pain and other symptoms of gonorrhea.
- Hepatoprotectors are also used to protect the liver.
- Pre- and probiotics must be included in the treatment regimen. The fact is that antibiotic therapy is detrimental not only to gonococci, but also to bacteria of beneficial microflora. Probiotics help to populate the intestines with beneficial microorganisms, and prebiotics create an ideal nutrient medium for their further reproduction.
- If various complications occur, doctors begin more aggressive antibiotic therapy, which involves taking two or more antibiotics.
During treatment, the patient is advised to rest. It is worth giving up sexual intercourse, too intense physical activity, cycling. Alcohol and smoking are contraindicated. Patients are also advised to dress appropriately for the weather and avoid hypothermia.
In most cases, therapy is done at home. Indications for hospitalization are:
- Recurrence of gonococcal inflammation.
- Generalization of infection with risk of sepsis.
- Presence of complications, in particular, epididymitis, prostatitis.
- If the doctor has suspicions that the patient will not take drugs at home.
Only a doctor knows how to cure gonorrhea in a man. Therefore, it is not worth refusing qualified assistance in any case. After the end of therapy, the patient is tested again. If laboratory tests confirm the absence of the pathogen or its DNA in the samples, then we can talk about a complete recovery.
Folk remedies
How to treat gonorrhea in men at home and is it worth it? As already mentioned, one cannot do without medical help with such a disease. Traditional medicine can be a good addition to drug therapy.
- Decoction of burdock root is considered useful. Herbalists claim that this remedy has anti-inflammatory properties. Preparing the medicine is easy. You need to pour three tablespoons of chopped root (you can use both raw anddried raw materials) 500-600 ml of water. The agent must be brought to a boil, then kept in a water bath for another half an hour. After cooling, the liquid is filtered, after which 2-3 tablespoons are taken every hour. Every day you need to prepare a fresh broth. The course of treatment lasts at least 7-14 days.
- Many healers recommend taking ginseng tincture. This remedy also helps to cope with inflammation and activate the immune system. The tincture can be purchased at the pharmacy. You need to take it in the morning during breakfast.
- Treatment of gonorrhea in men at home may include taking diuretics. You can cook them yourself. Two tablespoons of parsley herb (suitable for both fresh and dried), pour 500 ml of boiling water and cover with a lid. The mixture is infused for an hour, after which it can be filtered. Take in small portions throughout the day. Diuretic drugs help to avoid congestion and quickly “wash away” pathogens from the urethral mucosa. Of course, in no case should the remedy be taken in the presence of strictures and some other complications accompanied by a violation of the flow of urine.
- Chinese lemongrass tea is considered a good remedy. Dry fruits can be purchased at the pharmacy. 0.5 teaspoon of raw materials should be poured with a glass of boiling water. The drink can be sweetened with sugar or natural honey. Schisandra is believed to activate the immune system, helping the body fight infection.
- To relieve inflammation, you can also use herbal collection. To prepare it, you need to mix inequal amounts of birch leaves, juniper berries and crushed dandelion root. Three tablespoons of the mixture should be poured with 200-250 ml of boiling water. You can strain only after the remedy is infused. Healers recommend taking a teaspoon three times a day.
Of course, you should consult your doctor before using home remedies.
Prevention measures
You already know how gonorrhea is treated in men. But it's much easier to try to avoid infection. There are no specific preventive measures. But doctors recommend following some simple rules.
- Promiscuous sex life is a risk factor, so casual sex should be avoided. If such sexual contact takes place, then it is important to use a condom. In the event that, for one reason or another, protective equipment has not been applied, immediately after sexual intercourse, you need to take a shower and thoroughly wash the genitals.
- It is also important to get tested for STDs on time - the sooner they are detected, the easier it is to deal with them.
- Remember that it is important to abstain from sexual intercourse during therapy.
- If infection occurs, both partners should be treated.
If alarming symptoms appear, you need to see a doctor. Do not ignore such a state.
