Gonococcal: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'gonococcal' derives from the Greek words 'gonos' meaning seed or offspring, and 'coccus' indicating a spherical bacterium.
• It specifically refers to infections caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria responsible for gonorrhea, which highlights its biological nature.
• The word has been in use since the late 1800s, reflecting the era's increased awareness of sexually transmitted infections.

Medical Insights

• Gonococcal infections are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide.
• If left untreated, a gonococcal infection can lead to serious health issues like pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility, making early detection crucial.
• Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem with gonococcal infections, with some strains becoming resistant to multiple types of antibiotics, complicating treatment.

Social Impact

• Awareness campaigns about gonococcal infections have been key to reducing stigma and encouraging safer sexual practices.
• In many countries, public health initiatives focus on education and free testing to reduce the prevalence of gonorrhea.
• The rise in cases has led to increased conversations about sexual health and the importance of regular check-ups among sexually active individuals.

Cultural References

• Some music and pop culture references discuss gonorrhea, bringing awareness to the risks associated with not being careful sexually.
• In literature, there's often a stigma associated with sexually transmitted infections, where characters may face societal judgment, impacting their stories.

Preventive Measures

• Using condoms consistently and correctly can significantly reduce the risk of gonococcal infections.
• Routine screening for sexually active individuals is recommended, particularly for those with multiple partners or engaging in non-monogamous relationships.
• Vaccines for other sexually transmitted infections, like HPV, can help lower risk factors related to gonococcal transmission by promoting overall sexual health.

This word's position of #30,174 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 30171 sulking
• 30172 signor
• 30173 hydrolyze
• 30174 gonococcal
• 30175 reconcilable
• 30176 pegging
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