Gonorrhea, sometimes referred to as the clap, is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease that affects more than 350,000 Americans each year.

Many times, gonorrhea is characterized by thick discharge from the penis or vagina. However, many people experience no signs or symptoms.

Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is also referred to as gonococcus. The disease spreads during unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner through semen or vaginal fluids. A person cannot become infected through casual contact, such as kissing.

An estimated 75% of reported cases of gonorrhea in the United States occur in people younger than 30 with the highest rates of infection present in 15- to 19-year old women and 20- to 24-year-old men.

Signs and symptoms of gonorrhea may include:

- Thick, cloudy or bloody discharge from the penis or vagina

- Pain or burning sensation when urinating

- Frequent urination

- Pain during sexual intercourse

In most cases, initial signs & symptoms of gonorrhea appear within two to 10 days after exposure to the bacterium. However, some people can be living with the infection and not experience symptoms for months.

Gonorrhea affects men and women differently.

Men typically experience a tingling sensation in the urethra, which is the canal that transports urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. As time progresses, urination becomes painful and a discharge may occur from the penis.

Women however, generally don’t experience any symptoms at all and if they do, they are extremely mild. Many times, women find out they have been infected as a result of being tested because the partner has the disease. The organs typically infected include the cervix and other reproductive organs as well as the urethra. Some women may experience frequent, urgent and painful urination along with an abnormal discharge from the vagina or urethra.

Conventional medical treatment of gonorrhea involves the use of antibiotic therapy prescribed by a medical doctor. If you're taking an antibiotic, be sure to complete the full course and take an acidophilus supplement to replace "friendly" bacteria.

For a holistic approach to treating & preventing gonorrhea, see the regimen outlined below:

Practice abstinence or safe sex by using a condom.

Always talk with partners about sexual history prior to engaging in sexual activity.

If you are sexually active, have one partner at a time.

If you suspect you are infected, abstain from sexual activity until the infection is treated and see a naturopathic doctor.

The supplements listed below may also be beneficial:

Acidophilus (take as directed on label) - Replenishes gastrointestinal flora, which are destroyed by antibiotics.

Pau d' Arco (take as directed on label) - A powerful herb that holds antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties and reduces viral replication.

Echinacea and Goldenseal (take as directed on label) - A powerful combination to combat any infectious disease and provides antiviral and antibacterial actions.

Garlic (2 capsules 3 times daily) - A natural antibiotic that boosts immunity. I recommend Kyolic by Wakunaga of America.

Vitamin C (3,000 - 10,000 mg a day in divided doses) and Zinc (30 mg daily) - Improves immune function.

Super Green Formula (by Garden of Life) - Contains chlorella and spirulina, which provide a host of phytonutrients that boost immunity, fight infection and can help stop the virus from replicating.

Calendula and Myrrh - Reduce vaginal discharge and inflammation when used as a tea or douche.

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