Gonorrhea in Pregnancy
Gonorrhea in Pregnancy
Statistics show that sexually transmitted diseases are common among pregnant women in the United States. Pregnant women can be infected with the same sexual transmitted diseases as women who are not. The most common form of sexually transmitted disease found in pregnant women is genital herpes and bacterial vaginosis, where two million cases are found each other. Rates are then followed by chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, hepatitis b, HIV, and syphilis. Sexually transmitted diseases are transmitted the same way they are for all which is through some type of intercourse. This intercourse is unprotected meaning without the use of a condom and therefore, pregnant or not, diseases are transmitted equally. For a pregnant woman thought, there is more danger when infected with a sexually transmitted disease because there is not only one person at hand, but two lives in danger. It can be more dangerous to a fertile baby who does not have a strong immune system like the mother.
Gonorrhea, a bacterial disease transmitted through genital, oral, or anal sex can be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her baby if not properly cared for. Gonorrhea has a high transmission rate meaning the chances of catching gonorrhea from a infected partner are extremely high, pregnant or not. From exposure, it takes on average, anywhere from two to ten days for an infection to develop.
Because women may not have any symptoms, it is important to get tested when pregnant. You are putting yourself at risk for having a higher chance of a miscarriage which is something no woman wants, affecting your health later on. You can also infect the amniotic sac and fluid, have a preterm birth and preterm premature rupture of membranes. Untreated gonorrhea also makes you more susceptible to other sexually transmitted diseases and increases the risk of you having a uterine infection after having your baby. Most importantly, you can transfer the bacteria to your baby which will affect their eyes in most cases. Gonorrhea can spread to the other parts of a baby’s body which can cause more severe problems.
Although some women with gonorrhea do not have any symptoms of gonorrhea, some may experience a variety of symptoms depending on the infected area. For those women who develop gonorrhea in the vagina, symptoms include abnormal vaginal discharge, and burning and or pain during intercourse as well as urination. For those with an anal infection, discharge, itching, and pain during bowel movements is likely. Women who contract gonorrhea from oral sex can develop redness or soreness in the throat or mouth.
Treatment for pregnant women with gonorrhea is simple without the risk of harming the baby. It includes the use of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor that are safe to take during pregnancy. It is important to have your partner treated as well and to refrain from having sex until both of you have fully undergone the treatment to decrease the risk of getting affected again. The best way to prevent and protect yourself and your baby from sexually transmitted diseases is to stay protected by using a condom.
If you are looking for information on Gonorrhea in Men then check out our helpful information on Gonorrhea in Men and how to treat this sexually transmitted disease.