What is The Difference Between Gonorrhea and Trichomoniasis Tweet Trichomoniasis Trichomoniasis, sometimes referred to as "trich", is a common cause of vaginitis. It is a sexually transmitted disease, and is caused by the single-celled protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis producing mechanical stress on host cells and then ingesting cell fragments after cell death. trichomoniasis n : infection of the vagina Typically, only women experience symptoms associated with Trichomonas infection. Symptoms include inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis), urethra (urethritis), and vagina (vaginitis) which produce an itching or burning sensation. Discomfort may increase during intercourse and urination. There may also be a yellow-green, itchy, frothy, foul-smelling ("fishy" smell) vaginal discharge. In rare cases, lower abdominal pain can occur. Symptoms usually appear in women within 5 to 28 days of exposure. In many cases, men may hold the parasite for some years without any signs (dormant). Some sexual health specialists have stated that the condition can probably be carried in the vagina for years, despite standard tests being negative.

While symptoms are most common in women, some men may temporarily exhibit symptoms such as an irritation inside the penis, mild discharge or slight burning after urination or ejaculation. Data Sources: gonorrhea: Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0 gonorrhea: The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 trichomoniasis: WordNet (r) 2.0 Gonorrhea Gonorrhea By Wendy Innes. May 7th 2016 Known colloquially as "the clap", gonorrhea is one of many, widespread sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Though it is easily treated, many don't seek treatment, which can have devastating long-term side effects. Here you'll find all the information needed to understand and seek treatment for gonorrhea. What Is It? Gonorrhea is a disease that is easily transmitted through any type of sexual contact. Oral, anal or vaginal sex will spread the disease if one partner is infected. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are more than 700,000 cases of gonorrhea each year.

Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria Neissera Gonorrhoeae. This bacterium thrives in warm, moist environments including the female reproductive tract, urethra, mouth, anus, and even the eyes if exposed. Ejaculation is not necessary for gonorrhea to spread. Those who are most likely to be diagnosed with gonorrhea are those who: Have multiple sexual partners Abuse alcohol or other drugs Have a partner with a previous history of STDs Do not use condoms If someone is diagnosed with gonorrhea, the Board of Health for the state that they live in will be contacted. This is done to ensure follow-up care is obtained as well as to find past partners to test them in an effort to prevent further spreading of the disease. Symptoms The symptoms of gonorrhea can be somewhat deceptive. They are often so mild that people don't know there is a problem. Here is a comprehensive guide to the various symptoms of gonorrhea between men and women: Men: Some men have no symptoms at all, while others will develop symptoms 1 to 14 days after infection, though it can take up to a month for symptoms to appear.

Burning during urination White, yellow or green discharge from the penis Red or swollen urethra (opening in the penis) Painful or swollen testicles Women: Most women have no symptoms at all. If they do, they are often mild and are easily misdiagnosed as a vaginal or urinary tract infection. Symptoms usually appear within2-5 days, though it can take longer. Burning during urination Bleeding Pain during bowel movements Throat Infections: Throat infections rarely cause any symptoms. The only known symptom of a throat infection is a sore throat. If the infection spreads to the bloodstream symptoms will include a fever, rash and arthritis-like symptoms. A doctor will typically perform culture tests to determine if the symptoms are in fact gonorrhea. If someone is diagnosed with gonorrhea, they should be tested for other STDs, including HIV, since it's possible to have multiple infections at the same time, and these infections can cause complications with HIV. Treatment Because gonorrhea is a bacterial infection, most cases can easily be treated with a type of antibiotic called cephalosporin.

It is marketed under several different names and is related to penicillin, so those with an allergy to penicillin should be sure that there doctor is aware of the allergy to prevent a reaction. Cephalosporin medications are available as an oral tablet or as an injectable medication. While no studies have been performed on humans, there have been no reports of adverse affects on unborn babies whose mothers were treated with cephalosporin. Pregnant women who contract gonorrhea should get treatment immediately due to the risk of the infection spreading to the baby. There has been a disturbing emergence of cephalosporin resistant strains of gonorrhea, making treatment more difficult that it had been in the past. Because the control strategy for gonorrhea in the United States depends exclusively on antibiotic medications, strains of the bacteria that are resistant to treatment pose a big problem. So when doctors perform the tests to determine if someone is actually infected with gonorrhea, they will also determine the strain of the bacteria. If a person is infected with a drug resistant strain, the doctor may recommend a treatment approach that uses cephalosporin in conjunction with another medication, either azithromycin or doxycycline.

If it is found that someone is infected with a resistant strain, their doctor will monitor the condition closely to ensure that treatment is effective. Complications If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause serious, permanent health problems: In women, gonorrhea can cause a condition called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). About 750, 000 women develop PID each year, and it can lead to internal abscesses that are difficult to treat. It can also lead to ectopic pregnancy and infertility. If left untreated in men, gonorrhea can cause epididymitis, a very painful condition that affects the testicles and can lead to infertility. If a woman is pregnant, she can spread the infection to her baby during birth. This can be life threatening to the baby, leading to blindness, blood or joint infections. Anyone with untreated gonorrhea faces the risk of the disease spreading to the blood and joints which can be life threatening. Those with gonorrhea can also contract and transmit other STDs more easily, including HIV. Prevention Prevention of gonorrhea is simple. The easiest way to prevent the spread is to abstain from sexual activity. Sexual partners can also be tested before having sex to ensure neither is infected.

Condoms are highly effective at preventing the spread of disease and should be used consistently and correctly. There are now condoms made of materials that are safe for those with latex allergies, though lamb skin may not be effective at preventing the spread of the disease. Sources: What is Gonorrhea... And Why Is It Called "The Clap"? By Elizabeth Boskey, PhD - Reviewed by a board-certified physician. Updated August 07, 2016 What is Gonorrhea? The Clap. A Dose. GC. A Drip. All these phrases refer to the same thing – the sexually transmitted disease most accurately known as gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is an extremely common sexually transmitted disease in the United States, infecting over 800,000 new people a year. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and it can be spread by oral , vaginal , or anal sex . It can also be passed from a mother to her child during a vaginal delivery. Although gonorrhea is frequently asymptomatic , that doesn't mean it can't have serious health consequences. Left untreated, gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease in women and epididymitis in men.

Both of these conditions can eventually lead to infertility. Gonorrhea can also cause a disseminated infection , which happens when the bacteria get into the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. Symptoms of disseminated infection include fever, chills, skin blistering, and joint pain, which are different than the symptoms of a genital infection . Gonorrhea is on the brink of becoming a public health disaster. Over time, the bacteria that cause the disease have become resistant to all but one class of antibiotics. Fluoroquinolones, which had been a standard gonorrhea treatment for many years, became essentially obsolete in the early months of 2007 as resistant strains were found more and more often in the general public . Furthermore, in early 2012, scientists started reporting that gonorrhea was now becoming resistant to cephalosporins -- the last line of defense against infection. Today, in order to address concerns about antibiotic resistant gonorrhea, doctors treat it with not one but two antibiotics.The hope is that by doing so they can stop the spread of resistance in the population. Why is Gonorrhea Called The Clap?

There is a lot of folk history about why gonorrhea is called "the clap." The most common belief is that it gained the name because doctors treated it by clapping the penis hard between their hands to force out infected secretions. However, that may not be the real story. There have also been suggestions that gonorrhea is called the clap because it derives from related French words for the terms "brothel" and "sore". No one is entirely sure. One thing is certain, however, popular wisdom is wrong about the term dating back to World War II. The Oxford English Dictionary has examples of "the Clap" being used to describe genital infections since the 1500s. More About Gonorrhea To find out more about gonorrhea, including detailed information on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, click on one of the links below: STD Awareness: Gonorrhea | Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona by Anna C. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria species that causes gonorrhea, is pictured here in a photograph taken with a scanning electron microscope. Projecting from the organism’s surface are many pili, powerful appendages that enable the bacteria to adhere to human cells.

Image from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. April is STD Awareness Month, but this blog has sought to increase your awareness of sexually transmitted diseases on a monthly basis. So far in 2011 we’ve pointed the spotlight at human papillomavirus , barrier methods , and herpes . This month’s installment will focus on gonorrhea, colloquially known as “the clap,” a common sexually transmitted disease caused by sneaky bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is spread by vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and can infect certain cells in the throat, mouth, rectum, urethra, or cervix. It can also be transmitted manually to infect the eye. If you are sexually active, you can reduce risk of transmission by consistently and correctly using latex barriers such as condoms and dental dams. Four out of five females infected with gonorrhea do not experience symptoms – males, however, usually do, but they can be mild and therefore easy to overlook. Symptoms can appear within a month, and might include painful or frequent urination, vaginal or penile discharge, painful bowel movements, itching, or sore throat.

Additionally, females can experience abdominal pain, fever, irregular menstruation, or bleeding between periods. In pregnant women, untreated gonorrhea infections can lead to complications such as premature labor or stillbirth. The infection can also be passed from mother to infant during delivery. If gonorrhea is left untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in females and epididymitis in males, both of which are conditions that can affect fertility. In rare cases, an untreated person can develop disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), which can cause joint pain, rashes, lesions, or fever. DGI can be treated, but if it is ignored for too long it can cause permanent joint damage. Additionally, an untreated gonorrhea infection increases one’s chances of contracting HIV, and likewise, an HIV-positive person with gonorrhea is more likely to transmit HIV to his or her partner than he or she would be if not infected with gonorrhea. A photomicrograph of members of the species Neisseria gonorrhoeae, taken from a sample of gonococcal urethritis. Image from the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention.

Though the microbe behind the infection poses a threat to humans, it is, admittedly, a fascinating organism. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a bacteria species whose coffee-bean-shaped members thrive in mucosal cells of the human body. The gonococci, as they are called, adhere to host cells with appendages called pili (singular: pilus), which are less complex versions of flagella – in fact, there is evidence that flagella evolved from pili. A gonococcus’ pilus is akin to a grappling hook – it attaches to a surface and then retracts, pulling the bacterium into contact with the host cell, to which it can easily adhere. These retractile pili, which are usually bundled together for extra strength, can pull 100,000 times the weight of the bacterium, making N. gonorrhoeae among the strongest living organisms; in terms of proportional strength, it is the equivalent of a human lifting 10,000 tons. N. gonorrhoeae has a few tricks up its sleeves. By hiding inside the host cells, preventing immune response, and destroying antibodies, the bacteria are fully equipped to evade the immune system.

The gonococcus’ first tool is its pilus, the appendage that adheres to the host cell. The bacteria then form a microcolony and work together to pull on the host cell’s surface. They can now trick the host cell into allowing entry – where the gonococci are able to hide from the immune system. While inside the host cell, the bacteria can multiply, leave waste products, and do cellular damage. Gonococci also have surface proteins, called Opa proteins, that bind to receptors on immune cells, disabling them and preventing an immune response. The host is also unable to develop an immunological memory against the gonococci – which means that future reinfection is possible. N. gonorrhoeae can also evade the immune system through a process called antigenic variation, in which the gonococcus is able to alter the Opa proteins that adorn its surface. The many permutations of surface proteins make it more difficult for immune cells to recognize the gonococcus and mount a defense. Another item in N. gonorrhoeae’s toolkit is an enzyme that can destroy certain antibodies produced by the immune system. Finally, there is even recent evidence showing that N.

gonorrhoeae has incorporated a piece of human DNA into its own genome – though at this point, scientists can only speculate as to whether this gives it evolutionary advantages. Before sulfa drugs and antibiotics hit the scene in the 1930s and ’40s, treatments for gonorrhea were unpleasant and ineffective; one involved inserting a curved metal rod into men’s urethras. Luckily for those of us in the 21st century, nowadays gonorrhea is usually very easy to treat, despite all of its trickery. In most cases, a single dose of an antibiotic will clear the infection right up; in rare cases, more than one antibiotic will be needed. Antibiotic-resistant strains of gonorrhea are out there, so it is important to take the full course of antibiotics that you are prescribed. Infected individuals should also make sure their sexual partners receive treatment to decrease the chance of reinfection. You can receive treatment at a Planned Parenthood health center , as well as other clinics, health departments, and private health-care providers. Click here to check out other installments of our monthly STD Awareness series!

Share this post: Gonorrhea About Watch and Favorite Watch Watching this resources will notify you when proposed changes or new versions are created so you can keep track of improvements that have been made. Favorite Favoriting this resource allows you to save it in the “My Resources” tab of your account. There, you can easily access this resource later when you’re ready to customize it or assign it to your students. Gonorrhea Gonorrhea (also colloquially known as the clap) is a common human sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Learning Objective Key Points The usual symptoms of gonorrhea in men are burning with urination and penile discharge. Women with gonorrhea, on the other hand, are asymptomatic half the time or have vaginal discharge and pelvic pain . If gonorrhea is left untreated, it may spread locally causing epididymitis or pelvic inflammatory disease or throughout the body, affecting joints and heart valves.Treatment is commonly with ceftriaxone as antibiotic resistance has developed to many previously used medications. Term Register for FREE to remove ads and unlock more features!

Learn more Full Text Gonorrhea (also colloquially known as the clap) is a common human sexually transmitted infection . The usual symptoms in men are burning with urination and penile discharge. Women, on the other hand, are asymptomatic half the time or have vaginal discharge and pelvic pain. In both men and women if gonorrhea is left untreated, it may spread locally causing epididymitis or pelvic inflammatory disease or throughout the body, affecting joints and heart valves.Treatment is commonly with ceftriaxone as antibiotic resistance has developed to many previously used medications. In 2011, there were reports of some strains of gonorrhea showing resistance to ceftriaxone. Half of women with gonorrhea are asymptomatic while others have vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain or pain with intercourse. The most common male symptoms are urethritis associated with burning with urination and discharge from the penis . Either sex may also acquire gonorrhea of the throat from performing oral sex on an infected partner, usually a male partner. Such infection is asymptomatic in 90% of cases, and produces a sore throat in the remaining 10%.

The incubation period is 2 to 14 days with most of these symptoms occurring between 4–6 days after being infected. Rarely, gonorrhea may cause skin lesions and joint infection (pain and swelling in the joints) after traveling through the blood stream. Very rarely it may settle in the heart causing endocarditis or in the spinal column causing meningitis (both are more likely among individuals with suppressed immune systems, however). CAUSE Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae . The infection is transmitted from one person to another through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Men have a 20% risk of getting the infection from a single act of vaginal intercourse with an infected woman. The risk for men who have sex with men is higher. Women have a 60–80% risk of getting the infection from a single act of vaginal intercourse with an infected man. A mother may transmit gonorrhea to her newborn during childbirth; when affecting the infant's eyes, it is referred to as ophthalmia neonatorum. It cannot be spread by toilets or bathrooms. Why Is Gonorrhea Called The Clap? Why Is Gonorrhea Called The Clap?

May 14, 2015 By McKinzie Brocail Gonorrhea is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is easily spread because individuals with the disease are often symptomless. When symptoms are present they can include thick white or yellow/greenish discharge, painful urination, increased urination, sore throat and severe pain in lower abdomen. Gonorrhea has a nasty habit of occurring alongside chlamydia . Gonorrhea, also known as “The Clap” or “The Drip,” can be transmitted by vaginal, anal or oral sex. Gonorrhea can be treated and cured with antibiotics. There are a few theories behind why gonorrhea is referred to as The Clap: Theory #1: From the old French word for brothel: “Clapier.” Prostitutes were housed in clapiers (brothels). In Middle French language dating back to around the 1580s, “clapier” is also used to refer to a rabbit’s nest or hutch. Due to the prolific sex lives rabbits lead, it makes sense that a brothel might be named after it.

It’s also quite fitting that a moniker for an STD might arise from a location where such diseases and infections are easily (and often) spread. As such, the disease became known as clapier bubo (or clapior bubo) in French. A bubo is an inflamed lymph node or infection in the groin area, so clapier bubo would be an infection of the groin received after visiting a brothel. Theory #2: From a terrible treatment form that involved clapping hard on both sides of the penis simultaneously to try to rid the urethra of pus/discharge. This theory is sure to make anyone grimace in disgust and pain. This “treatment” could also involve essentially clapping (or smashing) the penis between a hard surface and a heavy item like a large book. We, obviously, do not recommend this at all. Theory #3: From the old English word “clappan” meaning to beat or to throb. This could be an origin for gonorrhea’s byname stemming from common symptoms of the STD– burning, painful urination and a throbbing sensation of the penis caused by inflammation and infection.

However, it seems that this word originated sometime after the French “clapier.” Gonorrhea is also sometimes referred to as “The Drip.” This nickname comes about by the grossly visual symptom of an infected penis that leaks and drips discharge. Icky, we know. No matter where the name ‘the Clap’ comes from, getting tested for gonorrhea is something we can all clap to! Help stop the spread of this all-too-common disease that has been around for hundreds of years by learning your status. Gonorrhea | K12 Academics 0 Gonorrhea Gonorrhea (also colloquially known as the clap) is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The usual symptoms in men are burning with urination and penile discharge. Women, on the other hand, are asymptomatic half the time or have vaginal discharge and pelvic pain. In both men and women if gonorrhea is left untreated, it may spread locally causing epididymitis or pelvic inflammatory disease or throughout the body, affecting joints and heart valves. Treatment is commonly with ceftriaxone as antibiotic resistance has developed to many previously used medications.

In 2011, there were reports of some strains of gonorrhea showing resistance to ceftriaxone. Signs and symptoms Half of women with gonorrhea are asymptomatic while others have vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain or pain with intercourse. Most men who are infected have symptoms such as urethritis associated with burning with urination and discharge from the penis. The incubation period is 2 to 30 days with most symptoms occurring between 4–6 days after being infected. Cause Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The infection is transmitted from one person to another through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Men have a 20% risk of getting the infection from a single act of vaginal intercourse with an infected woman. The risk for men who have sex with men is higher. Women have a 60–80% risk of getting the infection from a single act of vaginal intercourse with an infected man. A mother may transmit gonorrhea to her newborn during childbirth; when affecting the infant's eyes, it is referred to as ophthalmia neonatorum. It cannot be spread by toilets or bathrooms.

Diagnosis Traditionally, gonorrhea was diagnosed with gram stain and culture; however, newer polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based testing methods are becoming more common. In those who fail initial treatment culture should be done to determine sensitivity to antibiotics. All people who test positive for gonorrhea should be tested for other sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus. Screening The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for gonorrhea in women at increased risk of infection which includes all sexually active women younger than 25 years. It is not recommended in males without symptoms or low risk women. Prevention While the only sure way of preventing gonorrhea is abstaining from sexual intercourse, the risk of infection can be reduced significantly by using condoms correctly and by having a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected person. Treatment Gonorrhea if left untreated may last for weeks or months with higher risks of complications. As of 2010 injectable ceftriaxone appears to be one of the few effective antibiotics. Because of increasing rates of antibiotic resistance local susceptibility patterns need to be taken into account when deciding on treatment.

Many antibiotics that were once effective including penicillin, tetracycline and fluoroquinolones are no longer recommended because of high rates of resistance. Cases of resistance to ceftriaxone have been reported but are still rare. In 2011, there have been reports of a "Superbug" gonorrhea which is antibiotic resistant, specifically that this new strain is resistant to both cefixime (oral medication) and ceftriaxone (intravenous). Partners It is recommended that sexual partners be tested and potentially treated. One option for treating sexual partners of people infected is patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT) which involves providing prescriptions or medications to the person to take to their partner without the health care provider first examining them. Complications One of the complication of gonorrhea is systemic dissemination resulting in skin pustules or petechia, septic arthritis, meningitis or endocarditis.This occurs in between 0.6 and 3.0% of women and 0.4 and 0.7% of men.

In men, inflammation of the epididymis (epididymitis); prostate gland (prostatitis) and urethral stricture (urethritis) can result from untreated gonorrhea. In women, the most common result of untreated gonorrhea is pelvic inflammatory disease. Other complications include perihepatitis, a rare complication associated with Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome; septic arthritis in the fingers, wrists, toes, and ankles; septic abortion; chorioamnionitis during pregnancy; neonatal or adult blindness from conjunctivitis; and infertility. Neonates coming through the birth canal are given erythromycin ointment in the eyes to prevent blindness from infection. The underlying gonorrhea should be treated; if this is done then usually a good prognosis will follow. Among persons in the United States between 14 and 39 years of age, 46% of people with gonorrheal infection also have chlamydial infection. Epidemiology Gonorrhea is a common infectious disease.

In the United Kingdom 196 per 100,000 males 20 to 24 years old, and 133 per 100,000 females 16 to 19 years old were diagnosed in 2005. The CDC estimates that more than 700,000 people in the United States get new gonorrheal infections each year. Only about half of these infections are reported to CDC. In 2004, 330,132 cases of gonorrhea were reported to the CDC. After the implementation of a national gonorrhea control program in the mid-1970s, the national gonorrhea rate declined from 1975 to 1997. After a small increase in 1998, the gonorrhea rate has decreased slightly since 1999. In 2004, the rate of reported gonorrheal infections was 113.5 per 100,000 persons. In the US, it is the second most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections after chlamydia.

History It has been suggested that mercury was used as a treatment for gonorrhea. Surgeons' tools on board the recovered English warship the Mary Rose included a syringe that, according to some, was used to inject the mercury via the urinary meatus into any unfortunate crewman suffering from gonorrhea. The name "the clap", in reference to the disease, is recorded as early as the sixteenth century. Silver nitrate was one of the widely used drugs in the 19th century, but it became replaced by Protargol. Arthur Eichengrün invented this type of colloidal silver, which was marketed by Bayer from 1897 on. The silver-based treatment was used until the first antibiotics came into use in the 1940s. The exact time of onset of gonorrhea as prevalent disease or epidemic cannot be accurately determined from the historical record. One of the first reliable notations occur in the Acts of the (English) Parliament. In 1161 this body passed a law to reduce the spread of "...the perilous infirmity of burning." The symptoms described are consistent with, but not diagnostic of, gonorrhea.

A similar decree was passed by Louis IX in France in 1256, replacing regulation with banishment. Similar symptoms were noted at the siege of Acre by Crusaders. Coincidental to, or dependent on, the appearance of a gonorrhea epidemic, several changes occurred in European medieval society. Cities hired public health doctors to treat afflicted patients without right of refusal. Pope Boniface rescinded the requirement that physicians complete studies for the lower orders of the Catholic priesthood. Medieval public health physicians in the employ of their cities were required to treat prostitutes infected with the "burning", as well as lepers and other epidemic victims. After Pope Boniface completely secularized the practice of medicine, physicians were more willing to treat a sexually transmitted disease. STI Awareness: Gonorrhea | We Have Moved: blog.advocatesaz.org We Have Moved: blog.advocatesaz.org Posted on April 11, 2011 by Anna | 4 Comments Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria species that causes gonorrhea, is pictured here in a photograph taken with a scanning electron microscope. Projecting from the organism’s surface are many pili, powerful appendages that enable the bacteria to adhere to human cells.

Image from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. April is STD Awareness Month, but this blog has sought to increase your awareness of sexually transmitted infections on a monthly basis. So far in 2011 we’ve pointed the spotlight at human papillomavirus , barrier methods , and herpes . This month’s installment will focus on gonorrhea, colloquially known as “the clap,” a common sexually transmitted infection caused by sneaky bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is spread by vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and can infect certain cells in the throat, mouth, rectum, urethra, or cervix. It can also be transmitted manually to infect the eye. If you are sexually active, you can reduce risk of transmission by consistently and correctly using latex barriers such as condoms and dental dams. Four out of five females infected with gonorrhea do not experience symptoms – males, however, usually do, but they can be mild and therefore easy to overlook. Symptoms can appear within a month, and might include painful or frequent urination, vaginal or penile discharge, painful bowel movements, itching, or sore throat.

Additionally, females can experience abdominal pain, fever, irregular menstruation, or bleeding between periods. In pregnant women, untreated gonorrhea infections can lead to complications such as premature labor or stillbirth. The infection can also be passed from mother to infant during delivery. If gonorrhea is left untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in females and epididymitis in males, both of which are conditions that can affect fertility. In rare cases, an untreated person can develop disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), which can cause joint pain, rashes, lesions, or fever. DGI can be treated, but if it is ignored for too long it can cause permanent joint damage. Additionally, an untreated gonorrhea infection increases one’s chances of contracting HIV, and likewise, an HIV-positive person with gonorrhea is more likely to transmit HIV to his or her partner than he or she would be if not infected with gonorrhea. A photomicrograph of members of the species Neisseria gonorrhoeae, taken from a sample of gonococcal urethritis. Image from the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention.

Though the microbe behind the infection poses a threat to humans, it is, admittedly, a fascinating organism. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a bacteria species whose coffee-bean-shaped members thrive in mucosal cells of the human body. The gonococci, as they are called, adhere to host cells with appendages called pili (singular: pilus), which are less complex versions of flagella – in fact, there is evidence that flagella evolved from pili. A gonococcus’ pilus is akin to a grappling hook – it attaches to a surface and then retracts, pulling the bacterium into contact with the host cell, to which it can easily adhere. These retractile pili, which are usually bundled together for extra strength, can pull 100,000 times the weight of the bacterium, making N. gonorrhoeae among the strongest living organisms; in terms of proportional strength, it is the equivalent of a human lifting 10,000 tons. N. gonorrhoeae has a few tricks up its sleeves. By hiding inside the host cells, preventing immune response, and destroying antibodies, the bacteria are fully equipped to evade the immune system.

The gonococcus’ first tool is its pilus, the appendage that adheres to the host cell. The bacteria then form a microcolony and work together to pull on the host cell’s surface. They can now trick the host cell into allowing entry – where the gonococci are able to hide from the immune system. While inside the host cell, the bacteria can multiply, leave waste products, and do cellular damage. Gonococci also have surface proteins, called Opa proteins, that bind to receptors on immune cells, disabling them and preventing an immune response. The host is also unable to develop an immunological memory against the gonococci – which means that future reinfection is possible. N. gonorrhoeae can also evade the immune system through a process called antigenic variation, in which the gonococcus is able to alter the Opa proteins that adorn its surface. The many permutations of surface proteins make it more difficult for immune cells to recognize the gonococcus and mount a defense. Another item in N. gonorrhoeae’s toolkit is an enzyme that can destroy certain antibodies produced by the immune system. Finally, there is even recent evidence showing that N.

gonorrhoeae has incorporated a piece of human DNA into its own genome – though at this point, scientists can only speculate as to whether this gives it evolutionary advantages. Before sulfa drugs and antibiotics hit the scene in the 1930s and ’40s, treatments for gonorrhea were unpleasant and ineffective; one involved inserting a curved metal rod into men’s urethras. Luckily for those of us in the 21st century, nowadays gonorrhea is usually very easy to treat, despite all of its trickery. In most cases, a single dose of an antibiotic will clear the infection right up; in rare cases, more than one antibiotic will be needed. Antibiotic-resistant strains of gonorrhea are out there, so it is important to take the full course of antibiotics that you are prescribed. Infected individuals should also make sure their sexual partners receive treatment to decrease the chance of reinfection. You can receive treatment at a Planned Parenthood health center , as well as other clinics, health departments, and private health-care providers. Share this: What Are The Symptoms of Gonorrhea?

Both (throat infection): sore throat Gonnorhea is a relatively common bacterial STD, which used to be known colloquially as "the clap," due to an ineffective method of treating it in men. It can be transmitted during oral , vaginal , or anal sex, and it can infect any of these areas. Although theoretically straightforward to treat, the growing number of cases of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea mean that treatment is becoming more and more difficult. Using the wrong antibiotic, or the right antibiotic the wrong way, can leave someone still infected -- with bacteria that will be even harder to get rid of on the second attempt. Non-genital cases of gonorrhea are more difficult to treat than genital cases, and oral and rectal gonorrhea may also be more difficult to detect. Neither oral or anal STD testing is a standard part of doctors visits, which is why it's important to tell you doctor both if you have regular anal or oral sex and if you have any unusual rectal or oral symptoms. Without open and honest discussion, it's easy for such infections to go undetected for very long periods of time.

A Note on Asymptomatic Infections The vast majority of gonorrhea infections in women are asymptomatic, in other words, women with gonorrhea often have no idea they are infected. This is one reason why regular STD screening is so important. If people wait for symptoms to appear, the infections can be hanging around for a long period of time before detection, which is a longer window in which they can cause long-term fertility damage or spread to others. Asymptomatic gonorrhea infection can occur in men as well, although they are much less common. Learn more about the symptoms of other STDs here . Continue Reading STD Slang | about-std.com So far in our journey through STD slang we’ve talked about “ The Clap ” and “ Crabs .” Today we’ll uncover another STD slang term commonly used, “The Clam.” Yep, we’re talking about chlamydia again. Heard of "The Clam?" Realize it can refer to chlamydia? What is Chlamydia? If you need another refresher on this STD, take notes. In addition to “The Clam,” it’s also been called the “Silent” STD.

That’s because many times those with chlamydia have no idea they’ve been infected. Symptoms go rogue and leave no indication that anything is wrong … that is until a guy or gal tries to start a family and faces infertility or sterility because of untreated STDs. Here’s a quick refresher on chlamydia: Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs. Chlamydia is caused by a type of bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. It can infect the urethra, rectum and eyes in men and women, as well as the cervix in women. Chlamydia is spread via vaginal, anal or oral sex. It can be spread from eye to eye simply by touch, sharing towels or makeup, and by coughing or sneezing. Chlamydia can also be passed to an infant during childbirth. Some symptoms could include: abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, abdominal pain, pain during sex, fever, pain during urination, or the urge to urinate more frequently. Treating Chlamydia If there is a “great” thing about an STD, it’s that the infection is treatable. Luckily, chlamydia CAN be treated by antibiotics.

Many times those with chlamydia are also infected with gonorrhea – treatment for both STDs may be performed at the same time. If you’re sexually active (especially with multiple partners or not using a condom), you’re highly encouraged to be tested for chlamydia at least once/year because of its prevalence and detrimental effects if it goes untreated. Need to be tested for chlamydia? Sneak in and out of one of our local labs for your STD test. Find a quick, affordable and accurate STD testing facility near you. It’s time for another lesson on STD slang. Last time we talked about slang words for STDs we uncovered that “The Clap” refers to gonorrhea . Our next STD slang: Crabs. There's nothing cute about crabs AKA pubic lice. What are “Crabs?” Crabs – and we’re not talking about those little red things that crawl in the sand with pinchers – are actually public lice . We previously described public lice and the symptoms. Here’s a quick review: Public lice work like ticks – they attach themselves to skin and feed on blood.

Crabs can be passed by having contact with any person OR MATERIAL (sharing clothes, towels & bedding) Crabs can only survive through the warmth of a human host (so you can’t get them from a pool.) They are visible – they start out gray and turn red, they may drop eggs near public hair follicles and bite. They ITCH (especially at night.) They are easily treated with cremes (both prescription and non-prescription.) Chances are, if you’ve had crabs – you might have another STD (or two.) Why are Public Lice called Crabs? This nickname for a common STD is much easier to understand than “the clap.” Pubic lice, when viewed microscopically, look like little crabs. Plus, they feed off the host and turn red as they fill with blood. How to Avoid Crabs? Obviously, the best way to avoid crabs is to avoid any sexual contact with someone else who has crabs. Condom use won’t prevent you from getting crabs from another infected person since the condom does not cover the pubic hair follicles from touching. Make sure to take caution when sharing clothing, towels or bedding with another individual – especially if they have crabs.

Washing in hot water can help rid any lingering lice that may be hiding out in the fibers. If you do come down with crabs, see a physician to help recommend remedy. Pubic lice may be treated similarly to any other case of lice – it’s important to comb out any obvious parasites and eggs, faithfully apply cremes, and avoid contact with other individuals until the lice are gone. Don’t Forget: If you have Crabs it’s HIGHLY RECOMMENDED you get STD tested. Find a STD testing site near you. “The Clap” Doesn’t Mean “Congrats” in STD World Some of you may be all too familiar with “the clap.” And some of you might just think we’re talking about applause. However anyone out there who’s ever dealt with “the clap” will tell you it’s nothing to be excited or congratulatory about. Join me today as we open a chapter on STD slang! "The Clap" is nothing to clap about What is “The Clap?” “The Clap” is a slang term used to talk about gonorrhea .

In recent years, some have used it to refer to any STD or mistake it with chlamydia , but really – it refers to gonorrhea. Search the web and you will find several answers and theories about where this slang term came from. Some suggestions include: It’s derived from a French word for “brothel” It came from the Paris neighborhood Clapier which had a brothel During WW2, soldiers would “collapse” because of the infections, which turned into having “the clap” Treatment of the disease would involve “clapping” a penis from both sides, or pain would feel as tough there was “clapping” occurring inside of the urethra Margaret Clap, an 18th century brothel keeper – a namesake for her Microscopic term of two cocci “clapping” And then there’s this random thing that has to do with rabbits. Like we said – there’s not really a clear answer. But one thing is clear – having “the clap” is zero fun. Treating “The Clap” STDs are very common (did you see our STD statistics post last week?) and especially gonorrhea.

Gonorrhea usually effects areas of the reproductive tract, but can also disturb your rectum, throat/mouth and even your eyes. Usually signs appear within a week, but could take as long as a month. However – like several STDs, many have gonorrhea yet never know. Especially women. In the event there are symptoms, this is what may occur: Guys Gonorrhea Symptoms penis discharge (can be white, green, yellow or slightly bloody), burning pee, urge and increased frequency of pee, pain near your balls, swelling, fever Gals Gonorrhea Symptoms painful pee, urge to go pee, creamy or bloody discharge, abnormal bleeding, bleeding during sex, pain with sex, swelling and tenderness near the vagina (note: if you’re pregnant, you CAN pass this along to your baby if it goes untreated, fyi.) STD testing for “The Clap” With the right medication and treatment, you can clear up the infection in no time. While it may not seem like a big deal, not treating gonorrhea can create problems down the line – not just for you, but for your future spouse and/or kids.

Frequent STD testing , especially if you’ve had multiple sexual partners – is key in discovering if you have “the clap” and then forming a plan to get rid of it. Now being bold to do that and get an STD … is something to applaud.

Question: Which STD is colloquially known as ‘the clap’?
Answer: GONORRHEA