Gonorrhoea is an inflammatory venereal disease affecting the mucous membrane of the urethra in the male, and that of the vagina in the female. But this disease also spread to other parts of the body. Gonorrhoea is a disease caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The bacteria are found mainly in the semen of infected men and vaginal fluids of infected women, so gonorrhoea is easily passed between people through sexual contact. The disease most frequently affects 15 to 25-year-olds, although the number of cases has fallen in recent years.

Gonorrhoea is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. However, mothers infected with gonorrhoea can also transfer the disease to their children during delivery. If untreated, such children may develop a serious inflammation of the eyes, which can result in blindness. To prevent this, lapsis or silver nitrate used to be applied to the baby`s eyes soon after birth. The treatment was discontinued in 1985, and is only used today if an inflammation of the eyes actually develops.

Causes and Symptoms: Gonorrhoea is directly contagious, usually by sexual intercourse. However, it can occasionally be conveyed by discharge on towels or clothing as well.

In men, the disease manifests itself in the form of irritation of the urethra, scalding pain on passing urine, and a viscid, yellowish-white discharge. The lymph glands in the groin often become enlarged and may suppurate. The urine contains yellow threads of pus visible to the naked eye. When the disease continues for some time, inflammation in the neighboring organs may appear as for example the testicles, prostate gland, and the bladder being affected. At a still later stage, the inflammation of the urethra is apt to lead to formation of fibrous tissue around it. It eventually leads to its narrowing and also great difficulty in passing urine. The infection may spread to the various joints of the body and making them stiff. Occasionally, general septicaemia with inflammation of the heart valves and abscesses in various parts of the body may also set in. Gonorrhoea may also cause a severe form of conjunctivitis. In newly born children it may lead to total blindness. This condition is called ophthalmia neonatorum.

In females, the course and complications of the disease are somewhat different. It begins with a yellow vaginal discharge and pain on passing urine. Very often inflammation of the glands situated close to the valva i.e. the mouth of the vagina occurs. The most serious problem is that the inflammation may spread to the uterus, the fallopian tubes, and the ovaries and it can also cause permanent damage. Occasionally, it may lead to peritonitis, that is, inflammation of the enveloping membrane of the abdomen, with fatal results. Many cases of continued ill health, sterility, and recurring miscarriages happen due to these changes.

Medicines & Prescriptions: The following medicines are recommended in all the cases

Puyamehantaka Rasa, Raladi Churna: 1 gm of Puyamehantaka Rasa and 3 gm of Raladi Churna to be taken thrice daily with water, or with water to which a little un boiled fresh milk is added.

Chandanadi Vati: half gm to be taken in two hourly doses along with the medicine prescribed above.

Shatapatryadi Churna: 4 gm to be taken in a single dose at night with warm cow`s milk.

Along with the oral medication, local applications are advised. The urethra should be flushed with a solution of potassium permanganate with the help of a syringe. The syringe may be kept in the urethra for five minutes before its contents are allowed to come out.

The medicines prescribed for dysuria are also effective in gonorrhoea.

Diet and Other Regimen: Spicy foods should be avoided. More liquids should be taken.

The patient should be given complete rest. Riding horses or other forms of transport, particularly in which the hips come in contact with a hard seat, is prohibited, as is any discussion or thinking of sex. Warm water baths are indicated. Diuretics and laxatives in case of constipation are also advised. Fluid intake should be increased and water mixed with a little milk should being the chief drink.