8 Early Symptoms Of Gonorrhoea In Women, Expert Reveals What To Look Out For

Gonorrhoea, commonly known as ‘the clap,’ is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) that spreads through vaginal or anal sex with an infected partner. While some individuals may experience no symptoms, others may notice painful urination and abnormal vaginal discharge.

Interestingly, the bacterium responsible for gonorrhoea thrives in various warm and moist parts of the body, not just the reproductive tract but also the mouth and throat.

For women, gonorrhoea symptoms can differ from those in men, making it crucial to recognise early warning signs. We spoke with Dr Vandana Nikkam, Senior Medical Officer at SDM Kshemavana, Bengaluru, who shared key symptoms women should watch out for.

8 Early Symptoms Of Gonorrhoea In Women

Dr Vandana Nikkam explains that gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. While it affects both men and women, early detection in women can be challenging due to mild or no symptoms. However, timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications.

Common Symptoms of Gonorrhoea in Women:

• Unusual Vaginal Discharge: May appear watery, yellow, or green with an unpleasant odour.
• Pain or Burning During Urination: A sign of urinary tract irritation or infection.
• Frequent Urination: An increased urge to urinate, which may indicate a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) related to gonorrhoea.
• Painful Intercourse: Discomfort or pain during sex, often due to inflammation of the cervix or vaginal walls.
• Bleeding Between Periods: Unusual spotting or bleeding outside of regular menstrual cycles, signalling a cervical infection.
• Lower Abdominal Pain: A possible indication that the infection has spread to reproductive organs, potentially leading to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
• Rectal Discomfort: This may include itching, pain, discharge, or bleeding from the rectum.
• Fever: A low-grade fever may accompany the infection.

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Complications Of Untreated Gonorrhoea

If gonorrhoea is left untreated, it can lead to several serious health issues, particularly in women. According to Dr Nikkam, early detection and timely treatment are crucial to prevent complications that can affect reproductive health.

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): The infection can spread to the fallopian tubes, causing inflammation and scarring. In severe cases, it can also affect the ovaries, resulting in further complications.
• Chronic Pelvic Pain: Long-term pelvic pain is a common consequence of untreated PID, making daily activities uncomfortable.
• Infertility: Scarring and blockages in the fallopian tubes can prevent fertilisation, leading to difficulty in conceiving.
• Ectopic Pregnancy: When a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tubes, it can pose serious health risks and requires immediate medical intervention.
• Higher Risk of HIV Transmission: Dr. Nikkam highlights that untreated gonorrhoea increases the risk of HIV, making the body more vulnerable to infections.
• Bartholin’s Gland Abscess: The infection can lead to a painful abscess in the Bartholin’s gland, which may require surgical drainage.
• Endometritis: Gonorrhoea can cause inflammation of the uterus lining (endometritis), leading to pain, abnormal bleeding, and discomfort.
• Emotional and Psychological Impact: A gonorrhoea diagnosis can result in stress, anxiety, and emotional distress, affecting a person’s mental well-being.

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Dr Nikkam advises that if you notice any symptoms or believe you’ve been exposed to gonorrhoea, seeking medical care promptly is essential. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help prevent complications and safeguard reproductive health.

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Credits: Freepik