AB.R Health for wealth

What is kidney failure?
Kidney failure (renal failure) means one or both of your kidneys no longer function well on their own. Kidney failure is sometimes temporary and develops quickly (acute). Other times it’s a chronic (long-term) condition that slowly gets worse.

Kidney failure is the most severe stage of kidney disease. It’s fatal without treatment. If you have kidney failure, you may survive a few days or weeks without treatment.

What do the kidneys do?
Your kidneys are bean-shaped organs about the size of your fist. They sit under your ribcage, toward your back. Most people have two working kidneys, but you can live well with only one kidney as long as it’s working correctly.

Kidneys have several jobs. One of the most important jobs is helping your body eliminate toxins. Your kidneys filter your blood and send waste products out of your body in urine (p*e).

When your kidneys don’t work correctly, waste products build up in your body. If this happens, you’ll feel sick and eventually die without treatment. Many people can manage kidney failure with the proper treatment.

Who does kidney failure affect?
Kidney failure can affect anyone. However, you may be at a higher risk of developing kidney failure if you:

Have diabetes.
Have high blood pressure (hypertension).
Have heart disease.
Have a family history of kidney disease.
Have abnormal kidney structure.
Are Black, Hispanic, Native American, Alaska Native or First Nation.
Are over 60.
Have a long history of taking pain relievers, including over-the-counter products such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
How common is kidney failure?
Kidney failure affects over 750,000 people in the United States each year. It affects around 2 million people worldwide.

What happens when kidney failure starts?
There are kidney disease stages according to your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Your eGFR is a calculation of how well your kidneys filter substances. A normal eGFR is about 100. The lowest eGFR is 0, which means there’s no remaining kidney function.

The stages of any kidney disease include:

Stage I. Your GFR is higher than 90 but below 100. At this stage, your kidneys have mild damage but still function normally.
Stage II. Your GFR may be as low as 60 or as high as 89. You have more damage to your kidneys than in stage I, but they still function well.
Stage III. Your GFR may be as low as 30 or as high as 59. You may have mild or severe loss of kidney function.
Stage IV. Your GFR may be as low as 15 or as high as 29. You have severe loss of kidney function.
Stage V. Your GFR is below 15. Your kidneys are nearing or at complete failure.
SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES
What are the first warning signs of kidney failure?
Many people experience few or no symptoms in the early stages of kidney disease. However, chronic kidney disease (CKD) may still cause damage even though you feel fine.

CKD and kidney failure symptoms vary between people. If your kidneys aren’t working properly, you may notice one or more of the following signs:

Extreme tiredness (fatigue).
Nausea and vomiting.
Confusion or trouble concentrating.
Swelling (edema), particularly around your hands, ankles or face.
Peeing more often.
Cramps (muscle spasms).
Dry or itchy skin.
Poor appetite or food may taste metallic.
What are the most common causes of kidney failure?
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.

Unmanaged diabetes can lead to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Consistently high blood sugar can damage your kidneys as well as other organs.

High blood pressure means blood travels forcefully through your body’s blood vessels. Over time and without treatment, the extra force can damage your kidneys’ tissue.

Kidney failure usually doesn’t happen quickly. Other CKD causes that may lead to kidney failure include:

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD). PKD is a condition you inherit from one of your parents (inherited condition) that causes fluid-filled sacs (cysts) to grow inside your kidneys.
Glomerular diseases. Glomerular diseases affect how well your kidneys filters waste.
Lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause organ damage, joint pain, fever and skin rashes.
Kidney failure can also develop quickly because of an unexpected cause. Acute kidney failure (acute kidney injury) is when your kidneys suddenly lose their ability to function. Acute kidney failure may develop within hours or days. It’s often temporary.

Common causes of acute kidney failure include:

Autoimmune kidney diseases.
Certain medications.
Severe dehydration.
A urinary tract obstruction.
Untreated systemic diseases, such as heart disease or liver disease.
Is kidney failure contagious?
No, kidney failure isn’t contagious. You also can’t spread conditions that cause CKD to another person.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS
How is kidney failure diagnosed?
A healthcare provider may use a variety of kidney function tests to evaluate your kidneys and diagnose kidney failure. If the provider suspects you’re at risk of kidney failure, common tests include:

Blood tests. Blood tests show how well your kidneys remove waste from your blood. A provider will use a thin needle to withdraw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. Technicians will then a**lyze your blood sample at a lab.
Urine tests. Urine tests measure specific substances in your p*e, such as protein or blood. You’ll p*e into a special container at a provider’s office or a hospital. Technicians will then a**lyze your urine sample at a lab.
Imaging tests. Imaging tests allow a provider to look at your kidneys and the surrounding areas to identify abnormalities or blockages. Common imaging tests include kidney ultrasound, CT urogram and MRI.
MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT
How is kidney failure treated?
Kidney failure treatment depends on the cause and extent of the problem.

Treatment for a chronic medical condition can slow down the progression of kidney disease. If your kidneys gradually stop working, a healthcare provider may use a few different methods to track your health and maintain kidney function as long as possible. These methods may include:

Regular blood tests.
Blood pressure checks.
Medication.
If you’re in kidney failure, you need treatment to keep you alive. There are two main treatments for kidney failure.

Dialysis
Dialysis helps your body filter blood. There are two types of dialysis:

Hemodialysis. In hemodialysis, a machine regularly cleans your blood for you. Most people get hemodialysis three to four days a week at a hospital or dialysis clinic.
Peritoneal dialysis. In peritoneal dialysis, a provider attaches a bag with a dialysis solution to a catheter in your abdominal lining. The solution flows from the bag into your abdominal lining, absorbs waste products and extra fluids and drains back into the bag. Sometimes people can receive peritoneal dialysis at home.
Kidney transplant
A surgeon places a healthy kidney in your body during a kidney transplant to take over for your damaged kidney. The healthy kidney (donor organ) may come from a deceased donor or a living donor. You can live well with one healthy kidney.

Can a person recover from kidney failure?
Yes, you can recover from kidney failure with proper treatment. You may need treatment for the rest of your life.

How long can you live with kidney failure?
Without dialysis or a kidney transplant, kidney failure is fatal. You may survive a few days or weeks without treatment.

If you’re on dialysis, the average life expectancy is five to 10 years. Some people can live up to 30 years on dialysis.

If you have a kidney transplant, the average life expectancy if you receive a kidney from a living donor is 12 to 20 years. The average life expectancy if you receive a kidney from a deceased donor is eight to 12 years.

What medications are used to treat kidney failure?
Depending on the cause of your kidney disease, a healthcare provider may prescribe one or more of the following medications:

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). These medications help lower your blood pressure.
Diuretics. These help remove extra fluid from your body.
Statins. These help lower your cholesterol levels.
Erythropoietin-stimulating agents. These help build red blood cells if you have anemia.
Vitamin D and calcitriol. These help prevent bone loss.
Phosphate binders. These help remove extra phosphorus in your blood.
PREVENTION
How can I prevent kidney failure?
Though kidney failure and CKD aren’t reversible, you can take steps to help preserve your kidney function. Healthy habits and routines may slow down how quickly your kidneys lose their ability to function.

If you have CKD or kidney failure, it’s a good idea to:

Monitor your kidney function.
Keep your blood sugar levels in normal range if you have diabetes.
Keep your blood pressure levels in a normal range.
Avoid using to***co products.
Avoid foods high in protein and sodium.
Go to every regularly scheduled appointment with your healthcare provider.
OUTLOOK / PROGNOSIS
What can I expect if I have kidney failure?
There isn’t a cure for kidney failure. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, you may still live a long life without drastic changes to your quality of life.

LIVING WITH
When should I see a healthcare provider?
Contact a healthcare provider if you have kidney failure risk factors, including:

High blood pressure, changes in your p*eing habits, swelling, brain fog and nausea or vomiting.
Diabetes.
A family history of kidney disease.
A past kidney injury.
You regularly take NSAIDs.
What questions should I ask a healthcare provider?
How do you know that I have kidney failure?
If I don’t have kidney failure, what other condition might I have?
What is the cause of my kidney failure?
What kind of dialysis do you recommend?
Am I a good candidate for a kidney transplant?
What medications do you recommend?
Should I make any changes to my diet?
How often do I need to come in for treatment?
A note from Cleveland Clinic

Your kidneys perform a critical job in your body by getting rid of waste and extra fluid. If you have kidney failure, your kidneys no longer work effectively. It’s fatal without proper treatment.

Dialysis or a kidney transplant can help you continue to live a long life. Your treatment plan may also include taking medications and following a special diet. Be sure to go to all of your appointments. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your treatments, medications, lifestyle change or any other part of your treatment plan.

Sexual Dysfunction in Females
Female s*xual dysfunction can prevent a woman from experiencing satisfaction during s*x. It may affect your ability to become aroused, have an or**sm or enjoy s*x without pain. Causes can be physical or psychological
Symptoms and Causes Diagnosis and Tests Management and Treatment Prevention Outlook / Prognosis Living With
OVERVIEW
What is s*xual dysfunction?
Sexual dysfunction can happen to an individual or a couple. It refers to any problem that prevents pleasure during the s*xual response cycle. This cycle includes four phases:

Motivation, or desire.
Arousal.
Or**sm.
Resolution.
What are the types of s*xual dysfunction in women?
Sexual dysfunction in women is a disorder that can take many forms and have many causes. It can occur before, during or even after s*x. The most common problems related to s*xual dysfunction include:

Anor**smia: Or**smic disorder, or inability to have an or**sm.
Dyspareunia: Pain during s*x.
Hypoactive s*xual desire disorder: Low libido, or lack of s*xual desire.
Sexual arousal disorder: Difficulty becoming aroused.
How common is s*xual dysfunction in women?
Sexual dysfunction affects about 30% to 40% of women. A lack of desire is the most common complaint. Problems with s*x tend to increase as women age, but can affect women at any stage of life. Sexual dysfunction may be temporary or chronic (long-lasting).

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES
What causes s*xual dysfunction in women?
Physical causes of s*xual dysfunction in women may include:

Blood flow disorders: Some research points to vascular (blood vessel) disorders. These disorders may prevent blood flow to parts of the female reproductive system. The va**na, cl****is and l***a need increased blood flow for s*xual arousal.
Certain medications and treatments: Some medications affect s*xual function. Antidepressants may reduce your s*x drive or your ability to have an or**sm. Selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are especially likely to cause s*xual side effects. Chemotherapy and other cancer treatments can also affect hormone levels and cause problems.
Gynecologic conditions: Endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids and vaginitis can all cause pain during s*x. Vaginismus, a condition that causes va**nal muscle spasms, can also make in*******se uncomfortable.
Hormonal changes: Hormone imbalances may cause va**nal dryness or va**nal atrophy, making s*x painful. Low estrogen levels can also reduce feeling in ge****ls. Menopause, surgery and pregnancy can affect hormone levels.
Particular health conditions: A number of health conditions can affect your ability to enjoy s*x. These include diabetes, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and heart disease. Drug addiction or alcohol abuse may also prevent a healthy s*xual experience.
Psychological causes of s*xual dysfunction in women may include:

Depression: Depression may cause a lack of interest in activities you enjoyed before, including s*x. Low self-esteem and feelings of hopelessness can also contribute to s*xual dysfunction.
Stress: Stress at home or work can make it hard to focus on enjoying s*x. Some studies show that stress can increase levels of the hormone cortisol. This increase may lower s*x drive.
Past physical or s*xual abuse: Trauma or abuse may cause anxiety and a fear of intimacy. These feelings can make it difficult to have s*x
Relationship issues: Some women may be unhappy with their partner or feel bored during s*x. Other strains on the relationship may lead to s*xual dysfunction.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS
How is s*xual dysfunction in women diagnosed?
If you’re experiencing s*xual dysfunction, talk to your healthcare provider. The provider can do a thorough evaluation of physical and psychological factors tied to s*x.

Your healthcare provider will likely start by taking a full health history. Past surgeries, such as a hysterectomy or oophorectomy, may contribute to s*xual dysfunction. A physical exam can also rule out any gynecologic issues. Your provider may do a pelvic exam and a Pap smear. Your medications will also be reviewed.

In some cases, other tests such as imaging may be necessary. Your provider uses these tests to check for tumors, cysts or other unusual growths. Blood tests can help diagnose hormone imbalances. Vaginal cultures may be collected to look for an infection.

Your healthcare provider will also explore possible psychological causes. Talk openly and honestly about s*xual challenges you’re experiencing. Don’t be afraid to share your fears or anxieties. In some cases, your provider may recommend that you speak to a mental health professional or a relationship counselor.

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT
How is s*xual dysfunction in women treated?
Women can work with their healthcare team to create a s*xual dysfunction treatment plan. It’s important to understand the physical or psychological causes before choosing therapies.

Treatments include:

Arousal techniques: Talk to your partner about different ways you can enhance desire and arousal. Consider making changes to your s*xual routine. You may also try erotic materials (s*xual stimulation devices, videos or books), massage or ma********on.
Counseling: Talking with a mental health professional may help. You can work through emotional or psychological barriers to pleasurable s*x. You may choose to have one-on-one counseling or couples counseling.
Hormone therapy: depending on your symptoms, your provider may recommend topical creams, va**nally administered medications or hormones taken orally or applied to your skin.
Medication: Flibanserin (Addyi®) and bremelanotide (Vyleesi™) are the only medications approved to treat hypoactive s*xual desire disorder (low s*x drive) in women. Only women who are premenopausal are candidates for this type of treatment. Your provider may discuss other medications that are used ‘off-label’ to treat s*xual dysfunction.
Pain management: There are several approaches to reducing pain during in*******se. You can try different s*xual positions, va**nal lubricants or relaxation techniques before s*x. Your provider may also talk to you about use of va**nal dilators.
PREVENTION
Can I prevent s*xual dysfunction?
While there isn’t a single way to prevent s*xual dysfunction, you can reduce your risk by:

Avoiding drugs and too much alcohol.
Eating a balanced diet.
Exercising regularly.
Maintaining a healthy body weight.
Seeking help from a health care professional if you are experiencing trouble with your mood or difficulty communicating with your partner.
Also, talk to your healthcare provider about s*xual dysfunction risk before starting new medications or undergoing certain medical procedures.

OUTLOOK / PROGNOSIS
Is s*xual dysfunction a permanent condition?
For some women, s*xual dysfunction may go away on its own. It also might only happen at certain times, such as after childbirth or during hormonal changes. For others, s*xual dysfunction may need ongoing management. Sexual dysfunction often requires the assistance of different multiple different types of health care professionals, including physical therapists and counselors.

LIVING WITH
When should I call the doctor about female s*xual dysfunction?
Many women experience the occasional s*xual issue. But if it bothers you or becomes a frequent problem, it’s time to get help. Talk to your healthcare provider about evaluation and treatment.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Sexual dysfunction can be a frustrating, challenging condition for many women. But it’s nothing you should feel ashamed of or embarrassed about. Talking openly and honestly with your partner and your healthcare provider can help get to the root of the problem. Therapies are available for the physical and psychological causes of s*xual dysfunction. Most women are able to enjoy healthy, pleasurable s*x with the right treatments.

Promote healthy active lifestyle through good nutrition and make cash amazingly.

Description/Taste
Prekese, is a shiny, glabrous dark purple-brown fruit, 15-25 cm long and about 5 cm across, with four longitudinal, wing-like ridges. It has a slightly sweet, stringent taste. When cooked into soups and other dishes it adds a depth of flavor and a sweet, fragrant aroma.
Seasons/Availability
Dried Prekese pods are available year-round.
Current Facts
Botanically known as Tetrapleura tetraptera Prekese is widely used in West Africa as a cooking spice and as a traditional medicine. The fruit grows on a deciduous tree commonly known as the Aidan tree. The Aidan tree is a deciduous tree growing 20-25 meters tall.
Nutritional Value
Prekese is rich in protein, lipids, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, calcium, sodium, copper, antioxidants, sugars, and vitamin C.
Applications
The fruit is rich in sugars and is used to flavor food, especially traditional West African soups such as pepper soup and palm nut soup, as well as a flavoring in desserts and baking. The long hard fruit is dried and grated, or boiled into soup and removed before serving. In addition to being used as a seasoning, Prekese is widely used as a medicine for many ailments. The fruits and flowers are also used as perfume in locally made products.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Prekese is well known as a medicinal plant throughout Africa. It is cooked in soup and fed to mothers to prevent post-partum contraction. It is also used to prevent certain types of ulcers, to inhibit the growth of bacteria, as an anti-microbial, to reduce hypertension, to manage asthma, and to promote blood flow. In Ghana, Prekese has been used to flavor soft drinks. Other names for Prekese include Aridan, Oshosho, Imiminje, Apapa, Edeminang, Ighirehimi, and Ighimiaka.
Geography/History
Prekese has been known as a medicinal plant in Africa for centuries; the therapeutic properties of the plant have been documented since 1948 and authenticated in laboratory and field experiments. It ranges all over West Africa, from Senegal to Sudan, Uganda and Kenya, South to Angola and Tanzania. The Aidan tree thrives best in secondary forests and rainforests, but is also found in savannah woodlands and occasionally in African plains as well.

Coronavirus

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub frequently and not touching your face.

The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).

At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments. WHO will continue to provide updated information as soon as clinical findings become available.

Don't do this 10 things immediately after taking your meal.

1. Walking.
it is very important that after eating you should wait for 30 minutes before walking or going to any where. Walking immediately after eating has a significant effect on blood sugar aftermeals. Blood sugar typically rises and then falls after eating, but large spikes and variations can raise cardiovascular risk and potentially signal diabetes. Going for a walking immediately after eating can cause acid influx and indigestion.
2. Gym
Don't gym or do heavyweight exercises immediately after eating. Strenuous exercises after meal can cause reflux, nausea, vomiting and hiccups.

3. Drinking of cold water

Avoid drinking of cold water immediately after eating. Cold water causes bunching of food because it does not properly allow food to digest . it can cause indigestion and constipation.

4. Brushing of teeth.

it is recommended to brush teeth at least 30minutes after eating. Don't brush immediately after eating. Brushing immediately after meal in some cases have negative effect on the enamel.

5. Eating of fruits.

Fruits requires special enzymes for its digestion and it need more time to digest. Eating of fruits immediately after meal can cause heartburn and indigestion.
6. Sleeping.
Sleeping immediately after eating can bring discomfort and bloating. Instead of sleep immediately after eating, try and engage in other activities before going to bed.
7. Smoking .
Smoking immediately after taking your meal increases the chance of bowl cancer and lung cancer.

8. Showering

Taking your bath immediately after eating increases blood flow across the expect the stomach. It can lead to digestive problems and indigestion.
9. Drinking of tea and coffee.
It is advisable to take tea and coffee in reasonable quantity at least one hour after taking your meal.
10. Loosening of belt
Loosening of belt after eating is assumed that you've eaten a lot more than was necessary,

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*SUDDEN DEATH*

(Venous Thrombo Embolism)

A man admitted into hospital following a road traffic accident appeared to be making an excellent recovery. He was well-known locally and was chatting heartily with visitors one afternoon but by dusk he had died suddenly.

I observed this as a medical student and was shocked. I have since encountered similar cases involving relatives and colleagues of mine.

A doctor recovering from an operation that went well died unexpectedly while in hospital.

Another doctor died suddenly while recovering at home *with one leg in an orthopaedic plaster.*

A woman recovering smoothly from a brain operation was about to be discharged home when she suddenly died.

The clinical explanation for these deaths is
*Venous Thrombo-embolism (VTE).*

This is a condition in which a blood clot (thrombosis) forms in a vein. A chunk of this clot may break off and be carried in the blood stream to the lungs (this is called ‘Pulmonary Embolism ’, PE).

Immobilisation due to surgery or other medical conditions predisposes to clot formation. Obesity and genetic factors increase the risk but VTE could happen to anybody.

If the dislodged clot is large enough it will cause instant death. If it isn’t, there may be time to treat PE. If untreated, death will occur in most cases.

It is not only after a surgical operation that VTE may occur.

It can occur from prolonged immobilisation, as in

(1) long-distance travel - more than 4 hours by air or by road.

2) long period of bed rest in persons who are chronically ill.

Globally, venous thromboembolism (VTE) commands insufficient attention. This is regrettable because it carries a high mortality rate.

The best treatment is prevention.
This includes ambulation, hydration, use of compression stockings and blood-thinning injections. These measures have been shown to be very effective but under-utilised.

The first step towards reducing the number of deaths from thromboembolism is AWARENESS. Unfortunately awareness of VTE in Ghana(as in many countries across the world) is low, among health professionals and the public at large.

Let us start today to raise awareness of VTE among Ghanaians.

If you are a Ghanaian reading this post please share it with your friends (health professionals and the public) and encourage them to spread it in their own networks. Together we can generate swirls of AWARENESS and, who knows, a life saved could be that of your parent, spouse, sibling, friend – or your own.

October is World Thrombosis Month, a month set aside to promote awareness on the dangers of VTE .
Please, let us share this information as wide as we can.

What to know about gonorrhea.

Gonorrhea is a common s*xually transmitted disease, sometimes referred to as "the clap." It affects hundreds of thousands of men and women annually in the United States.
Globally, there are an estimated 78 million new cases of gonorrhea diagnosed each year. In the United States alone, there are an estimated 820,000 new gonorrhea infections each year. However, not all cases are diagnosed and reported; only 333,004 cases of gonorrhea were reported in the U.S. in 2013.

Gonorrhea is easily treated but can cause serious and sometimes permanent complications. Pelvic inflammatory disease occurs in women when the gonorrhea infection affects their uterus or fallopian tubes. The most serious complication associated with pelvic inflammatory disease is infertility.

Complications in men with gonorrhea include epididymitis (an inflammation of the tube which carries s***m) and infertility.

Fast facts on gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Gonorrhea can be passed from mother to baby during delivery.
Gonorrhea and chlamydia can be experienced simultaneously.
If untreated, gonorrhea can increase a person's risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV.

Symptoms
Symptoms may be absent despite an active gonorrheal infection. Symptoms can appear anywhere from 1-14 days following exposure to the infection.

Men and women experience slightly different symptoms; these can include:

Men:

white, yellow, or green urethral discharge, resembling pus
inflammation or swelling of the fo****in
pain in the testicles or sc***um
painful or frequent urination
a**l discharge, itching, pain, bleeding, or pain when passing stools
itching, difficulty swallowing, or swollen neck lymph nodes
eye pain, light sensitivity, or eye discharge resembling pus
red, swollen, warm, painful joints
Women:

painful s*xual in*******se
fever
yellow or green va**nal discharge
vulvar swelling
bleeding in-between periods
heavier periods
bleeding after in*******se
vomiting and abdominal or pelvic pain
painful or frequent urination
sore throat, itching, difficulty swallowing, or swollen neck lymph nodes
eye pain, light sensitivity, and eye discharge resembling pus
red, swollen, warm, painful joints
A**l gonorrhea signs include:

itching, bleeding, or pain with passing bowel movements
a**l discharge
An itching or burning sensation in the eyes may be a symptom of conjunctivitis. If infected semen or fluid comes into contact with the eyes, a person can develop conjunctivitis.

Treatment
Upon displaying symptoms, a doctor may recommend a test for gonorrhea in addition to other diseases. Testing for gonorrhea can be completed by a**lyzing a urine sample or a swab of an affected area. Swab samples are commonly taken from the p***s, cervix, urethra, a**s, and throat.

Home kits for women are also available that include va**nal swabs. These kits are sent to a laboratory and results are reported directly to the patient.

If testing is positive for a gonorrhea infection, the individual and their partner will need to undergo treatment. This typically involves:

Antibiotics - a doctor will likely administer both a shot (ceftriaxone) and an oral medication (azithromycin).
Abstaining from s*xual in*******se - until treatment is complete, there is still a risk of complications and spread of infection.
Repeat testing in some cases - it is not always necessary to be tested to make sure the treatment has worked. However, the CDC recommends retesting for some patients, and a doctor will decide if it is necessary. Retesting should be performed 7 days after treatment.
If a woman is pregnant and infected with gonorrhea, the infant will be given an eye ointment to prevent gonorrhea transmission. However, antibiotics may be required if an eye infection develops.

Causes
Gonorrhea is an infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It not only affects the reproductive tract, but can also affect the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, eyes, and re**um.

The infection is transmitted through s*xual contact with an infected person involving the p***s, va**na, a**s, or mouth. Men do not need to ej*****te to transmit or acquire gonorrhea.

Gonorrhea can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during delivery.

Although all s*xually active individuals are at risk for acquiring gonorrhea, the highest rates of infection occur in teenagers, young adults, and African-Americans.

Prevention
There are many ways to prevent acquiring or passing on gonorrhea; they include:

abstinence from s*x
using condoms for va**nal or a**l in*******se
using condoms or dental dams for oral in*******se
having s*xual activity with a mutually monogamous, unaffected partner
Individuals should speak with their doctor if they or their s*xual partner have been exposed to gonorrhea or if they are experiencing any symptoms of infection.

Complications
There are many serious potential complications, which highlights the need for a quick diagnosis and treatment if symptoms occur.

In women, gonorrhea can lead to:

pelvic inflammatory disease, a condition that can cause abscesses
chronic pelvic pain
infertility
ectopic pregnancies - pregnancy where the embryo attaches outside of the uterus
In men, a gonorrheal infection can lead to:

epididymitis - inflammation of the epididymis, which controls the production of s***m
infertility
Both men and women are at risk of developing a life-threatening disseminated gonococcal infection when gonorrhea is untreated. This type of infection is often characterized by:

fever
arthritis
tenosynovitis - inflammation and swelling around tendons
dermatitis
Those infected with gonorrhea are also at a higher risk of contracting HIV or, if already HIV positive, spreading HIV in addition to gonorrhea.

Further complications of a gonorrheal infection can occur in pregnant women during delivery; it is possible to pass the infection to the child. Gonorrhea passed to an infant can cause joint infection, blindness, or a life-threatening blood infection.

Also, infected women are at an increased risk for premature labor or stillbirth if left untreated.