Overview
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. While it’s commonly associated with genital infections, gonorrhea can also infect the mouth and throat. Oral gonorrhea, also known as pharyngeal gonorrhea, is on the rise, and many people don’t realize they have it.
Symptoms of oral gonorrhea can be mild or non-existent, making it difficult to diagnose. However, it’s important to be aware of the risks and to get tested if you think you may be at risk. In this article, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for oral gonorrhea.
Causes of Oral Gonorrhea
Oral gonorrhea is caused by the same bacteria that causes genital gonorrhea, Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The bacteria is transmitted through sexual contact, including oral sex. The infection can occur in the back of the throat, tonsils, and the roof of the mouth.
While anyone who engages in oral sex can contract oral gonorrhea, certain groups are more at risk. Men who have sex with men are particularly vulnerable, as are those with multiple sexual partners or those who have unprotected sex.
Symptoms of Oral Gonorrhea
The symptoms of oral gonorrhea can be mild or non-existent, making it difficult to diagnose. However, if symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Redness or inflammation in the back of the throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- White or yellow discharge from the back of the throat
- Hoarseness or changes in the voice
While these symptoms may seem like a typical cold or sore throat, they can also be signs of oral gonorrhea. It’s important to get tested if you have any concerns or if you have engaged in high-risk sexual activity.
Diagnosis of Oral Gonorrhea
Diagnosing oral gonorrhea can be challenging, as the symptoms can be mild or non-existent. However, if you have engaged in high-risk sexual activity or if you have any concerns, it’s important to get tested.
Testing for oral gonorrhea involves a swab of the throat, which is sent to a lab for analysis. The test is quick and painless, and results are usually available within a few days.
Treatment of Oral Gonorrhea
If you are diagnosed with oral gonorrhea, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics, but the bacteria is becoming increasingly resistant to traditional treatments. Your doctor may prescribe a combination of antibiotics to ensure that the infection is fully treated.
It’s also important to inform any sexual partners about the infection so that they can get tested and treated as well. Engaging in sexual activity while infected can lead to the spread of the infection and can increase the risk of complications.
Complications of Oral Gonorrhea
While oral gonorrhea is typically not life-threatening, it can lead to complications if left untreated. The infection can spread to other areas of the body, including the eyes and the joints. It can also increase the risk of HIV transmission and can lead to infertility in women.
Prevention of Oral Gonorrhea
The best way to prevent oral gonorrhea is to practice safe sex. This includes using condoms during oral sex and limiting sexual partners. Regular testing for STIs can also help to catch infections early, before they have a chance to spread.
Conclusion
Oral gonorrhea is a silent infection that can be easily overlooked. It’s important to be aware of the risks and to get tested if you think you may be
