Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infectious disease that occurs due to the penetration of gonococci (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) into the body.

The development of gonorrhea is fraught with damage not only to the genitals, but also to the urethra, rectum, eyes, pharynx - depending on the way in which the infection occurred, and on the individual characteristics of the body. The same factors are responsible for the different course of the disease, differences in latent and pronounced forms, its ability to turn into a chronic form.

Infection, except during sexual intercourse, is possible in utero - from a sick mother to a child during childbirth - household infection is quite rare, and it can be excluded by observing the basic rules of personal hygiene.

After infection, the incubation period begins, the duration of which depends on the sex of the patient (in men up to 5 days, in women - up to 10), on the individual resistance of the body, the presence of other diseases, especially acute forms of infections. Then the first signs of the development of early gonorrhea appear:

inflammatory processes of the mucosa of the genitourinary organs

burning, pain, itching when urinating

purulent discharge

swelling, redness

ulcers

If gonococci have penetrated through the oral cavity, there are:

sore throat

swelling

excessive salivation

redness

purulent plaque

The localization of the causative agent of gonorrhea in the rectum is indicated by:

discharge from the rectum

itching, pain

The disease can affect the mucous membrane of the eyes, as well as cause inflammatory processes in the joints, in the abdominal cavity, and with uncontrolled development, vital organs such as, for example, the heart begin to suffer. At the same time, passing into the chronic stage, the disease is characterized by a latent course, almost all the signs that disturbed the patient before disappear.   

It is also worth noting that cases of asymptomatic course are not uncommon in women already in the early stages of gonorrhea, in addition, the severity of the disease can be smoothed out by uncontrolled use of antibiotics that can slow down the reproduction of gonococci, but not stop their development completely. In addition, the specificity of the above symptoms for inflammatory processes with a less dangerous etiology often misleads about the possibility of self-control against them. However, the serious consequences caused by this infection, including infertility, indicate that it is necessary to consult a specialist at the first, even insignificant at first glance, alarming signs.