Mr. Chen developed urinary discomfort two days after the encounter and visited Tam Anh General Hospital - District 8. A PCR test confirmed he had a gonorrhea infection. Master, Doctor, Second-Degree Specialist Duong Quang Huy, Head of the Andrology Unit, stated that the gonorrhea bacteria caused urethritis and purulent discharge in the patient's urinary tract, indicating an active infection.
Gonorrhea typically has an incubation period of about 7-14 days. However, Mr. Chen's rapid progression suggests either high bacterial virulence or a significant bacterial load acquired from the source, indicating severe acute inflammation. The gonorrhea bacteria can ascend from the urethra, causing prostatitis, seminal vesiculitis, or epididymitis, which can lead to fibrotic scarring, obstruction of the vas deferens, and potentially infertility.
Doctors suspected drug resistance due to the long-standing nature of the infection source. A bacterial culture was ordered from the patient's urethral discharge to determine which antibiotics could eradicate the bacteria. While awaiting the antibiogram results, which typically take 3-5 days, Mr. Chen received a 7-day course of antibiotics following World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines to inhibit bacterial multiplication, alleviate pain, and prevent complications. The patient was advised to drink plenty of water to help flush out bacteria through the urinary tract, abstain from sexual activity to prevent transmission and further irritation of the inflamed mucosa, and not to discontinue medication prematurely even if symptoms improved.
Mr. Chen responded well to the medication, and after 7 days, his painful urination and discharge ceased. The antibiogram results showed no growth, meaning the bacteria did not replicate or develop in the artificial environment. Doctor Huy explained this might be because Mr. Chen detected the disease at an early stage, when the bacterial count was too low for successful culturing.
Gonorrhea is one of the common sexually transmitted infections (STI) caused by the bacterium *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*. It is primarily transmitted through unsafe sexual contact, including oral or anal sex, or via sex toys, and can also spread through open wounds. Doctor Huy noted that multidrug-resistant gonorrhea bacteria pose a significant global health challenge, making the disease dangerous, difficult to treat, and increasing the risk of permanent complications.
Tam Anh General Hospital observed a 30-40% increase in sexually transmitted infection (STI) patients at year-end compared to other months, possibly due to heightened year-end social activities. Doctors advise individuals to minimize sexual activity while intoxicated, always use condoms correctly, and not to be complacent about oral sex. Anyone experiencing unusual symptoms like sores, pimples, itching, or discharge should seek examination and timely treatment at reputable medical facilities.
Dinh Lam
*Character's name in the article has been changed
