Gonorrhoea is caused by infection with the bacterium known as Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcus). In women the initial infection initially presents with urinary symptoms and a vaginal discharge. There is a risk of transmitting this infection to the baby during labour, in which case a severe form of conjunctivitis can result. In men there may also be urinary symptoms, and a slight pus-like discharge from the urethra. This condition is called urethritis. Urethritis may be caused by a number of organisms in addition to the gonococcus.
In many of these initial infections, particularly in women, symptoms may be so mild as to be ignored. This means that there is high risk of transmission of the infection at this stage.
The real problems of gonorrhoea come if the infection spreads. In women, the next site of infection is the cervical canal and thence the lining of the uterus. This can lead to the chronic condition known as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID will be discussed in more detail presently.
In men the gonococcus can spread to cause a chronic infection of the prostate, epididymis and the testes. Occasionally the infection can enter the blood stream. A feverish illness develops, characterised by painful joints and a widespread rash. This form of gonorrhoea is more common in women.
Gonorrhoea is treated by means of antibiotics. A single dose of amoxycillin or spectinomycin is all that may be necessary in uncomplicated cases. Long courses of these antibiotics may be required to treat chronic infections. Ideally, sexual contacts should be traced and treated also.
In Chinese medicine gonorrhoea would appear to represent Damp Heat in the Lower Jiao. It can manifest as Wind-Heat on the exterior (rashes and fever) and Wind-Damp (arthritis) in severe cases.
