Which STI Is Becoming Harder To Treat?

Oct 28, 2017 Condoms and Sexual Health

STI is short for sexually transmitted infection. They are transmitted through sexual intercourse and can either be treated with antibiotics or antivirals. Viruses such as HIV or Herpes cannot be eradicated completed but can be controlled with antivirals.  If you have an STI such as Gonorrhea or Chlamydia antibiotics will cure the condition. Presently we are heading towards a crisis with antibiotics because they are becoming less effective.  This is because they have been overprescribed causing bacterial infections to adapt and become immune to the effects of antibiotics.  The implications of this are beginning to filter into STI treatments. According to CNN, the bacteria in Gonorrhea are starting to evolve and become resistant to antibiotics.  Infections which develop a resistance to antibiotics are increasingly difficult to treat. Chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhoea are all becoming harder to treat with the latter becoming the most resistant.

What Is Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is an STI which affects the genitals, rectum and throat.  It is contracted through either vaginal, anal or oral sex.  Newborn babies can contract the infection if their mother has it at the time of birth.  The only guaranteed way to avoid catching this STI is by not having any intercourse.  As this is not possible it is advised by the CDC that you try to remain in a monogamous relationship with someone who has tested negative for STIs or you use a condom. Symptoms of gonorrhoea include;

• Painful urination with a burning sensation.
• A white, yellow or green discharge from the penis.
• Bleeding between periods.
• Vaginal discharge.
• Rectal infections manifest themselves as;  discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding and painful bowel movements.

Women don’t generally suffer symptoms which can have serious implications if left untreated.  If you are concerned that you may have contracted an STI and are having any unusual symptoms it is important that you visit your doctor.

STI Treatment

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection which means that it can be treated with antibiotics.  They will cure the disease but not repair any damage it may have caused.  After treatment, you should wait a week before having sex and use protection. If you don’t treat this STI your fertility will be affected and you may encounter pelvic pain.  Untreated gonorrhoea can become life-threatening and increase your chances of contracting HIV.   Pregnant women can pass the STI on to the baby as they pass through the birth canal so it is important that you get yourself treated before delivery.  

Why Are Antibiotics Getting Less Effective?

For many years we have relied on antibiotics to cure all of our illnesses.  They have saved many lives and allowed us to live longer healthier lives.  Alexander Fleming discovered Penicillin in 1928 and since then many different types of antibiotics have been developed. Antibiotic use has only become an issue since patients have demanded, a ‘pill for all ills’.  Many people have visited the doctor with viral infections and don’t feel as if they have been treated without a prescription.  Antibiotics do not treat viral infections so all that happens is that bacteria in the body starts developing immunity to them. As a result of their overuse, we are seeing more, ‘superbugs’, which are resistant to antibiotics making them difficult to treat.  Gonorrhea is an STI that is in danger of becoming a superbug which is not good news for people with the condition. Doctors are much more careful now when prescribing medication so you may find yourself leaving empty-handed.  You will only be prescribed antibiotics for bacterial infections. To review and purchase treatment for STI please click here.