1

Running Header: N. gonorrhoeae

N. gonorrhoeae
Jonathan Bland
Pathophysiology
Professor Lori McGowan

2
Running Header: N. gonorrhoeae

Jane, aged 23 years, tested positive for gonorrhea a year ago. Her partner was also
diagnosed with pencillinase producing N. gonorrheae, and was given antibiotics. However, on
the same day, Jane was taken to the ER with severe abdominal pain and vomiting. Her cervical
smear test revealed N. gonorrhoeae as well as other bacteria.
What are the signs and symptoms of gonorrhea in a male and in a female? One finds that in
men there is creamy or green, pus-like discharge from the penis. He has painful urination
(burning sensation) and testicular pain (Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 2008). In women she
might have bleeding between periods, creamy or green, pus-like or bloody vaginal discharge,
excessive bleeding during menstrual period. Irritation of the vulva, lower abdominal pain, she
has pain during intercourse, painful burning sensation when she urinates, could have a rectal
infection and even a throat infection. (Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 2008)
How does gonorrhea lead to PID? In women, gonorrhea is a common cause of pelvic
inflammatory disease (PID). The symptoms may be quite mild or can be very severe and can
include abdominal pain and fever. PID can lead to internal abscesses (pus-filled pockets that
are hard to cure) and long-lasting, chronic pelvic pain. PID can damage the fallopian tubes
enough to cause infertility or increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a lifethreatening condition in which a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian
tube. In men gonorrhea can cause epididymitis, a painful condition of the ducts attached to the
testicles that may lead to infertility if left untreated (Weinstock, S, & W, 2011)

3
Running Header: N. gonorrhoeae

Is there any peritonitis involved? In pelvic inflammatory disease in women, in which

infections ascends through the uterus and into the fallopian tubes, which provide direct access to
the peritoneal cavity, may result in peritonitis (Gould, 2006).
Will Jane develop infertility? Only if she goes untreated for time a long period of time, there
is no reason why she would not seek help in this matter. What are drug-resistant bacteria? A
drug-resistant bacteria is just what it says it is, a bacteria that will not die when it comes into
contact with antibiotics design to kill that particular strain.

4
Running Header: N. gonorrhoeae

Works Cited
Gould, B. E. (2006). Pathophysiology for the Health Professionals, 3rd Edition. Philadelphia: W.B.
Sauders.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases. (2008). Gonorrhea. Retrieved April 1, 2011, from Sexually Transmitted
Diseases: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/gonorrhea.htm

Weinstock, H., S, B., & W, C. (2011, March 25). Gonorrhea-CDC Fact Sheet. Retrieved April 1, 2011, from
CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/stdfact-gonorrhea.htm