Patrick Battani
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In the clinical setting it is usually abbreviated as GC. Gonorrhea has an incubation period of 2-30 days. Most people experience symptoms around 4-6 days after the infection.. In men only 1 in 10 will not have symptoms; however, a small number of people could be asymptomatic, or without any symptoms, for their lifetime
Symptoms include:
Yellowish, green, or white discharge from the penis.
Discomfort
Pain during urination or ejaculation.
I cannot say this enough, if you are having any unusual discharge from you penis, you need to seek medical attention!
Leaving Gonorrhea untreated can cause a number of different complications. The infection can spread throughout the reproductive tract causing: abscesses, Epididymitis (swelling of the epididymis, the tube that connects the vas deferens to the testicles.), and septic arthritis.
If you have contracted Gonorrhea through the anus, symptoms may include:
Soreness and itching with a possible anal discharge
Sometimes this is associated with severe pain especially when defecating
Sometimes there are no symptoms except a moist feeling in the rectum.
The infection is passed on during subsequent anal intercourse.
You can also contract Gonorrhea in the mouth. This often characterized by inflammation in the throat. Oral Gonorrhea is usually not infectious to others.
If you are having sex with women, you should understand that 70-90% of women do not have symptoms. Symptoms include: unusual vaginal discharge, pain during sex, pain during urination, and a strong odor.
Like I mentioned before Gonorrhea is curable, often with just a 14-day supply of antibiotic. You should take all of the pills and refrain from having sex until you are done. This will cut back on the reinfection. Also, make sure that you are telling your partner so that they can be treated.
The Test for gonorrhea is often easy. Some clinics will do a urethral swab, others you will have to pee in a cup! Both methods are effective if you contracted gonorrhea through the penis. Testing for anal, vaginal, or throat infections requires a swab of the infected area.
Now the name of this article is “Make it Clap!” The reason for that is that every Sexually Transmitted Disease has a nickname. One of the more prevalent nicknames for Gonorrhea is “The Clap”. The specific origins of the phrase “The Clap” are disputed. However, the term “The Clap” has been recorded as early as the 16th Century. After doing some research I found three possible meanings.
1) an old treatment for Gonorrhea was said to be that they would take their hands and clap them together around the penis to discharge the blockage.
2) It comes from the French word “Clapier” which means “rabbit burrow” literally translated. It was the term used for brothels in the 14th Century.
3) From “Mother Clap” who ran homosexual brothels in 18th century England.
All of these could be possible meanings. However the true beginning of this disease is relatively unknown. There have been many historical references to similar ailments of this disease. The earliest recorded was in 1161 when English Parliament passed a law to reduce the incidence of "...the perilous infirmity of burning”. Louis IX created similar decree banishing people infected. Some even say that this was written evidence during the Crusades.
Regardless of where it came from, it is here now. It is the second most prevalent Sexually Transmitted Disease in the United States. If you think that you could have been infected with Gonorrhea please see your Doctor. If you do not have a physician, call your local health department.
Stay Healthy and Be FIERCE!
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