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Read time: 6 min
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Posted on:
Read time: 6 min
Posted on:
There are many different sexually transmitted diseases out there, but gonorrhea is amongst the most well-known. Not only that but it is also one of the most common STDs in the United States right now.
The most recent data from 2020 concludes that it is the second most common sexually transmitted infection and has increased by 111% since 2009.
Over the years, it has taken on many nicknames, with the most prevalent being the clap. But, why exactly is gonorrhea called the clap?
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection. It is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a bacteria that likes to target warm and moist parts of the body. As a consequence, it typically infects the female reproductive tract, vagina, anus, and urethra.
This particular STI can be transmitted and caught by having unprotected sex – be it oral, anal, or vaginal. Thus, one of the best ways to protect yourself from this infection is by wearing a condom. It won’t 100% guarantee you don’t contract the STI, but it does a fantastic job of lowering the risks.
Strangely, there is no concrete theory as to why gonorrhea is called the clap. Over the years, many different theories have been discussed that may indicate where this nickname has come from. Generally, most medical experts can agree that it stems from one of the following three theories:
Like most sexually transmitted diseases/infections, gonorrhea has more than one nickname. The clap is the most widely known, but it is sometimes referred to as either of the following:
Both men and women can contract this disease, and there is a common misconception that it is much more prevalent in men. However, one research study concluded that the true ratio is actually 2.5:1, male: female, which is far lower than regularly reported. One of the reasons men are reported to have this STI more often is that it is harder for women to spot the symptoms in themselves.
For men, symptoms include:
For women, symptoms manifest themselves as:
Unfortunately, these symptoms are mild in women, which is why gonorrhea is often ignored or presumed to be something else. If you suffer from any of the above, it is always good to see a doctor for an STI test just to be sure.
We should also note that gonorrhea contracted via anal sex can lead to these symptoms:
Gonorrhea can be diagnosed using a variety of methods.
In most cases, a urine test will be used to see if you are carrying this infection. It’s a very simple test that can present quick results.
Alternatively, swab tests might be required if the results of a urine sample are inconclusive. Medical professionals may also prefer this method if you are testing for gonorrhea caused by oral or anal sex. The test is a lot longer, which is why the urine method is preferred.
Thankfully, gonorrhea can be treated by a course of antibiotics when caught early on. These can be taken orally or injected into your system. One review found that the best oral antibiotic for gonorrhea is azithromycin, and ceftriaxone is the best for injections.
Sometimes, you may only get oral antibiotics, but other times you will have an injection and then be given oral ones to take for the next seven days.
It is very important that this STI is treated because it can have some serious repercussions when left alone. It is believed that leaving gonorrhea untreated can increase the chances of contracting other sexually transmitted infections.
You should see a doctor immediately if you spot any signs of gonorrhea. You cannot treat it at home or with any over-the-counter medication; you need to see a doctor and get a prescription for antibiotics.
It’s important to act fast, which is why getting help from an online doctor is the best course of action. Our board-certified clinicians can provide online consultations that let you figure out if you have this infection or not. If your symptoms align, they can order you a test to take and send off before getting antibiotics if required.
Gonorrhea is the second most widely spread STI in the US, and it has been nicknamed the clap since the 1500s. Plenty of theories speculate why this is the case, but the good news is that this infection is very treatable with modern antibiotics. Be sure to take a test as soon as you spot the symptoms!
Content on the DrHouse website is written by our medical content team and reviewed by qualified MDs, PhDs, NPs, and PharmDs. We follow strict content creation guidelines to ensure accurate medical information. However, this content is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For more information read our medical disclaimer.
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