Gonorrhea, colloquially also known as the clap, is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae and affects people of all ages – often without immediately noticeable symptoms. However, if left untreated, the clap can have serious health consequences.
Transmission routes
The clap is transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse. Infection is also possible through the exchange of sex toys or close mucous membrane contact. Transmission from mother to child during birth can also occur.
Symptoms – often unnoticed
A large portion of infections initially proceed without symptoms, especially in women. When symptoms do occur, they usually appear within 2 to 7 days.Typical signs are:
-
In men:
-
Burning sensation when urinating
-
Pus discharge from the urethra
-
Pain or swelling in the testicular area
-
-
In women:
-
Discharge or spotting
-
Pain when urinating
-
Lower abdominal pain
-
Rare: Fever or general malaise
-
If the infection is not detected and treated, it can lead to inflammation of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries in women – and in the long term, even infertility. In men, it can also lead to epididymitis.
Diagnosis
A reliable diagnosis is made by detecting Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a swab or urine sample. Modern laboratory diagnostics typically use PCR methods (nucleic acid detection) to reliably identify the bacterium.
Those who wish to get tested can do so either at a doctor's office or – discreetly and easily – with a home STI test. The sample material is usually a urine sample, which is self-collected under guidance and sent to a specialized laboratory.
Treatment
Gonorrhea is generally well treatable – however, only with antibiotics. It is important to start treatment as early as possible to avoid complications and prevent the infection of other people.As Neisseria gonorrhoeae increasingly develops resistance to common antibiotics, the choice of medication is based on current guidelines.
During and shortly after treatment, sexual intercourse should be avoided until a follow-up test shows that the infection has completely healed.
Prevention
The safest method to protect against gonorrhea is the consistent use of condoms, especially with changing sexual partners. Regular testing is also advisable – especially if no protection was used or if there is uncertainty about the infection status.
Home testing option
For those who want to discreetly gain clarity about a possible infection with gonorrhea (and other common STI pathogens),
-
STI-Check Basic: includingwith proof of Neisseria gonorrhoeae
-
STI-Check Complete: comprehensive test for 13 different pathogens, including viral infections
Both tests are based on a simple urine sample, which is collected at home and analyzed in a specialized laboratory – discreet, reliable, and medically secured.
Conclusion
Gonorrhea is treatable – but often goes unnoticed for a long time. Therefore, it is important to get tested regularly, especially with changing partners or unprotected sex. Those who seek clarity early not only protect themselves but also others.
