Go No! For Gonorrhea

By Ryan Q. De Torres and Carlos Diego A. Rozul

Ever had that burning sensation when you pee? Has there been odd smelling discharge staining your underwear recently? That could be a sign of gonorrhea, one of the most common sexually transmitted infections according to the World Health Organization in 2016. But worry not, because there are ways to prevent, detect, and cure gonorrhea infections, so we can all Go No! For Gonorrhea.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria responsible for Gonorrhea. Image retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neisseria_gonorrhoeae#/media /File:Neisseria_gonorrhoeae_PHIL_3693_lores.jpg

Cause of Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea (also known as urethritis, urethritis, or tulo) is an infection of the mucous membrane surfaces caused by the gram-negative bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. N gonorrhoeae can be spread through sexual contact (oral, anal, and vaginal) and vertical transmission during childbirth.It can cause infections in the genitals, rectum and throat.

For men, symptoms can include painful urination, green or yellow discharge from the penis, and swollen tender testicles. On the other hand, women can experience vaginal discharge, painful intercourse and urination, intermenstrual bleeding, and mid lower abdominal pain.

Ryel in LoveYourself Uni conducting EGASP consultation

Going No For Gonorrhea with the Triangle of Self Care

Living in a triangle of self care, we can prevent gonorrhea infection through timely testing and treatment, safe and satisfying sex, and the correct and consistent use of condoms and lubricants.

LoveYourself Uni offers free gonorrhea testing for males assigned at birth experiencing gential discharge. Currently, the service is being done under the supervision of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) through the Enhanced Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Program (EGASP). 

When results turn out reactive, the consulting doctor will prescribe the appropriate medicine and administer it as soon as the client has purchased the prescription. It is important to consult a doctor when treating the gonorrhea infection to avoid recurrence of symptoms, complications, and antibiotic resistance through inappropriate medication.

Image retrieved from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/yogendra174/4833656613

Gonorrhea is also easily preventable by choosing safer yet satisfying sex options which can include the correct and consistent use of condoms and lubricants. Don’t let the fear of gonorrhea prevent you from enjoying a healthy sex life! We can all Go No! For Gonorrhea.