3. Gonorrhea
Infection with the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria occurs through sexual transmission with an infected partner. The bacteria enter the body through the urethra as it comes in contact with the body fluids. The bacteria migrate toward the bladder, causing inflammation and swelling along the way.
Occasionally, gonorrhea presents no symptoms in some patients, and they become “carriers” of the disease. However, years later, the infected individual may find they suddenly start to develop symptoms of infection, and may have inadvertently infected multiple partners during this period.
Doctors treat gonorrhea infection using antibiotics. However, there are strains of the bacteria that are resistant to medication, making treatment a challenge for physicians. Should you develop a gonorrhea infection, its best to notify your recent partners as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the disease amongst the community.
Testing for the bacteria involves swabbing the urethra, where a doctor inserts an earbud into the urethra to obtain a sample for lab testing.