Gonorrhea and pregnancy: What are the risks of infection of the baby
Gonorrhea, also known as hot-piss is a bacterial infection that is transmitted by all types of sexual intercourse (oral or anal). It can also spread from an infected woman to her baby during delivery. The time it takes for an infection to develop is usually two to ten days after exposure.
Gonorrhea is very contagious, so if you have unprotected sex with an infected partner, it is likely that you are contaminated..
How can gonorrhea affects my pregnancy and my newborn?
If you have gonorrhea during pregnancy, you are more likely to have a miscarriage, or an amniotic bag infection. You also risk premature rupture of the membranes and premature delivery. An untreated infection makes you more vulnerable to HIV and some other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It increases the risk of uterine infection after delivery.
In addition, if you have an infection when you go into work, you can transmit the bacteria to your baby. Gonorrhea in newborns most often affects the eyes. Make sure you always do the test before giving birth. If left untreated, it can cause blindness or spread to other parts of the body. This will eventually cause problems such as blood or joint infections and meningitis.
It is recommended that all pregnant women under the age of 25 be tested at their first prenatal visit.
What are the symptoms of the infection?
It does not always cause symptoms. You might not be able to say that you have been infected. If you have symptoms, they can vary depending on which part of your body is infected. If your cervix, vagina, or urethra are infected, symptoms may include abnormal vaginal discharge, burning, or pain while urinating. To this may be added stains and pains during intercourse.
With an anal infection, you may have loss, itching or pain during bowel movements. If you think that you may be infected with gonorrhea or another STI, tell your doctor. Risk factors include: Previous infection with gonorrhea or other STIs, early sexuality and multiple sexual partners.
Will my partner have symptoms?
Women may have no signs of infection. Most infected men have symptoms. These include burns or pain while urinating, discharge from the penis and tender or swollen testicles.
If your partner has any of these symptoms, both of you should see a doctor as soon as possible for screening.
In the meantime, do not have sex anymore. If any of your tests are positive, wait seven days after your treatment is over before you have sex.
How is gonorrhea treated during pregnancy?
It can be treated with antibiotics safely during pregnancy. If you have more than one STI, your doctor will treat you at the same time. (It is common to have chlamydia at the same time as a gonorrhea infection.)
Your partner should also be treated. To avoid reinfection.
What are the risks if the infection is not treated?
Left untreated, gonorrhea can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious problems. It can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
How can I avoid having gonorrhea?
Have a single long-term sexual partner who is not infected. If not, use condoms to reduce the risk of getting gonorrhea. Birth control pills, injections, implants, and diaphragms do not protect you from gonorrhea or other STIs.
