Gonorrheal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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gonorrheal
[ษกษหnษriษl ]
Definition
medical terminology
Gonorrheal refers to anything related to gonorrhea, a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This infection can affect various parts of the body, including the genitals, rectum, and throat. It is often asymptomatic in some individuals, particularly women, leading to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease if left untreated. Gonorrheal infections are usually treated with antibiotics, although resistance to treatment is an emerging concern.
Synonyms
gonococcal, gonorrhea-related.
Examples of usage
- Gonorrheal infections can lead to serious health issues.
- She was diagnosed with gonorrheal urethritis.
- Gonorrheal conjunctivitis is a risk for newborns.
- Regular screenings can help prevent gonorrheal complications.
Translations
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Origin of 'gonorrheal'
The term 'gonorrheal' is derived from the word 'gonorrhea,' which originates from the Greek words 'gono,' meaning 'seed,' and 'rrhea,' meaning 'flow.' The name was first used in the medieval period to describe a disease characterized by the discharge of pus from the genital tract. The infection itself was officially identified in the 19th century after advances in microbiology revealed the causative agent, Neisseria gonorrhoeae. As medical understanding and technology progressed, the term 'gonorrheal' has been used to denote any health-related issues stemming from this infection, including gonorrheal arthritis and gonorrheal ophthalmia. Today, with rising antibiotic resistance, public health campaigns emphasize the importance of education and prevention regarding gonorrheal infections.