Exposed To HIV?
Contact us today to begin PEP treatment. The sooner you begin treatment after exposure the better chance you will not contract HIV. Every hour counts!
MAKE AN APPOINTMENTProtecting Your Health, Preventing Tomorrow's Infections
At League Against AIDS, under the expert care of Dr. Clara Baccini MD PA in Hialeah, Florida, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is one of the most common STIs, caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can infect both men and women, primarily affecting the genital tract, but it can also affect the rectum, throat, and eyes. Left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious health complications, including infertility and increased susceptibility to other infections like HIV.
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, oral, and anal sex. The infection often affects the mucous membranes of the genital area but can also infect the throat or rectum. Although many people with gonorrhea may not experience any symptoms, they can still spread the infection to others. This highlights the importance of regular STI screenings, especially for sexually active individuals.
The symptoms of gonorrhea can vary depending on the site of infection and whether the individual is male or female. Many people with gonorrhea may not have noticeable symptoms, especially women. When symptoms do occur, they typically appear within 2 to 14 days after exposure.
Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which spreads through sexual contact with an infected person. The infection can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and it can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth, leading to serious complications for the newborn. Key risk factors for gonorrhea include:
Diagnosing gonorrhea involves testing a sample of body fluid from the site of infection. This can include testing urine or a swab from the infected area (vagina, cervix, penis, rectum, or throat). At League Against AIDS, Dr. Clara Baccini will conduct the appropriate tests based on your symptoms and sexual history. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent the spread of the infection and to reduce the risk of complications.
Gonorrhea is treatable with antibiotics, although the growing resistance of the bacteria to certain antibiotics has made treatment more challenging in recent years. Currently, a dual therapy of injectable antibiotics (usually ceftriaxone) combined with oral antibiotics (such as azithromycin) is the recommended treatment. It's important to complete the entire course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve to ensure the infection is fully eradicated. Untreated gonorrhea can lead to complications such as:
The best way to prevent gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted infections is to practice safe sex and get regular STI screenings. At League Against AIDS, we provide education on prevention methods, including:
Untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious health problems, especially if the infection spreads to other parts of the body. In women, untreated gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which may cause chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. In men, gonorrhea can cause inflammation of the epididymis, a tube that carries sperm, potentially leading to infertility. Gonorrhea can also spread to the bloodstream, causing disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), which can affect the joints, heart, and other organs.
Contact us today to begin PEP treatment. The sooner you begin treatment after exposure the better chance you will not contract HIV. Every hour counts!
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT