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Gonorrhoea

7 questions · Health & Medicine

Gonorrhoea, popularly called „the clap“, is one of the oldest and most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, transmitted during unprotected sexual contact, and it attacks the mucous membranes of the urethra, cervix, rectum and throat. Typical signs are a pus-like discharge and a burning feeling when urinating: in women, however, the infection often goes unnoticed, which is especially insidious. For if gonorrhoea is not treated, it can ascend and cause severe inflammation in the pelvis, which in both men and women can lead to infertility. An infected mother can also pass the pathogens to her child during birth and damage its eyes. For centuries gonorrhoea was barely treatable; only with antibiotics, especially penicillin, did it become easily curable. But that is exactly where the great problem lies today: the gonococci have developed resistance to many antibiotics, and experts warn that the clap could one day become hardly treatable. The best protection against infection is therefore still the condom, together with regular testing with changing partners.

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4 of 7 questions with answers

What is gonorrhoea popularly called?

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The clap

It is a classic sexually transmitted disease.

💡 Did you know? The name is centuries old.

Which bacterium causes 'the clap'?

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Neisseria gonorrhoeae

It attacks the mucous membranes.

💡 Did you know? A relative causes meningitis.

How is gonorrhoea transmitted?

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During sexual contact

Also from mother to child during birth.

💡 Did you know? Unprotected sex is the main route.

Which typical symptoms does gonorrhoea cause?

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Discharge and burning when urinating

In women it often goes unnoticed.

💡 Did you know? That is exactly what makes it so insidious.

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