When it comes to pregnancy, prioritizing your health is crucial for the well-being of your developing baby. This can pose a challenge for women who have sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or who contract one during pregnancy. One common concern is gonorrhea.
Having gonorrhea during pregnancy doesn’t mean you are destined for complications. With the right care and communication with your healthcare provider, you can have a healthy pregnancy.
What is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease (STD) that affects both men and women. It spreads through vaginal, anal, and oral sex with an infected partner. If not treated, the bacteria can rapidly spread from the initial infection site. The good news is that gonorrhea is treatable with appropriate medical intervention.
Symptoms of Gonorrhea in Pregnancy
Gonorrhea can be tricky to detect, as many people do not show symptoms right away. Often, the first indication of infection comes when a partner begins to experience symptoms. Men may experience:
- Burning sensation during urination
- Discharge from the penis
- Swelling and tenderness in the testicles
Women may also be asymptomatic initially, and early symptoms can resemble a bladder infection. However, serious complications can still arise even without obvious signs. Symptoms in women may include:
- Painful urination
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Irregular vaginal bleeding
- Anal itching
- Anal soreness or bleeding
- Painful bowel movements
If treated promptly, gonorrhea can be fully resolved. However, delayed treatment may lead to long-term complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can result in infertility, ectopic pregnancies, and chronic pelvic pain.
Treating Gonorrhea During Pregnancy
To minimize risks during pregnancy, it’s advised to get screened for gonorrhea during your first prenatal visit. Early detection allows for effective treatment, reducing the risk of complications and the likelihood of transmission to your baby. Untreated gonorrhea can increase the chances of miscarriage and premature birth. Additionally, it can be passed to the newborn during vaginal delivery, potentially causing severe eye infections.
Fortunately, if detected, gonorrhea in infants is easily treatable. The standard treatment involves a dose of ceftriaxone, which is safe for both pregnant women and their babies.
Preventing Gonorrhea
There are only two foolproof ways to prevent gonorrhea: abstaining from sexual activity or being in a long-term, monogamous relationship. While condoms can lower the risk of transmission, they do not eliminate it entirely. A study shared at the 2002 National STD Prevention Conference indicated that using condoms can reduce the risk by about 50%.
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In summary, gonorrhea in pregnancy is a manageable condition with timely screening and treatment. By working closely with your healthcare provider, you can ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.