Dr. Aditi Singhi

The technique of IVF is bringing miracles to lives of infertile couples where it would not have been possible naturally but it has its own limitations as it is science, not magic.

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial STD that can affect both men and women. It can be transmitted from one person to another through oral, vaginal or anal intercourse. A person who is already suffering from an STD is at a high risk of suffering from Gonorrhoea as well. This disease affects the eyes, throat, vagina, urethra, anus and female reproductive tract. Gonorrhoea can be treated with antibiotics as long as it is diagnosed in time. In order to do so, it is essential to understand the symptoms of this disease.

Some people do not show any visible symptoms of gonorrhoea. This is known as nonsymptomatic Gonorrhoea. Even though there are no symptoms, these people can infect others through unprotected intercourse. However, in most cases, the symptoms of this STD can be seen in 2 to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria. These symptoms are different for men and women.

Men infected with this disease may not show symptoms for several weeks. Some of the symptoms of this disease as seen in men are:

1. Frequent urge to urinate
2. A burning or painful sensation while urinating
3. Pus-like discharge from the penis
4. Inflammation and redness of the tip of the penis
5. Swelling that may or may not be accompanied by pain in the testicles
6. Sore throat

In some cases, the pain may even spread to the rectum.
Gonorrhoea is more difficult to diagnose in women as the symptoms were shown are milder and tend to be similar to other infections. Some of the symptoms to look out for are:

1. Watery or creamy discharge from the vagina
2. Painful or burning sensation while urinating
3. Increased urge to urinate frequently
4. Heavier periods
5. Spotting in between periods
6. Sore throat
7. Painful intercourse
8. Pain in the lower abdomen
9. Fever

Gonorrhoea can be diagnosed with a simple blood test or by taking a sample swab from the infected area and subjecting it to lab tests. Once diagnosed, it can be treated with antibiotics. In some cases, an injection may also be required. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics even if the symptoms disappear in a few days. As with any other STD, prevention is better than cure. To avoid suffering from this disease, always use a condom while having intercourse. If you have more than one partner, insist on getting tested regularly. This is extremely important as many cases of Gonorrhoea go undetected for the lack of symptoms shown. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a sexologist.

Though pregnancy is one of the most cherished phases in a woman’s life, there are times when it is not desired. This can be due to various reasons ranging from premarital sex to the couple not being ready yet. Whatever the reason, emergency contraceptive measures are available, and I-Pill has become synonymous with that.

Since its introduction, it is widely used to prevent unwanted pregnancies. The easy availability (no prescription required) and low cost have added to its popularity. However, not many realize it has some side-effects and the need to be aware of certain facts when using the I-pill.

1. It is an emergency contraceptive pill, should be used between 24 to 72 hours after unprotected sex
2. It is effective in 95% of the women when taking during this time frame
3. It prevents pregnancy by stopping fertilisation or preventing implantation of the fertilising egg
4. It stops pregnancy; however, if you conceive before the pill it was taken, it will not have any effect. It is therefore not an abortion pill
5. So, if you miss the period the next month, test for pregnancy
6. It does not offer protection against sexually transmitted disease including HIV/AIDS
7. It is not to be used on a regular basis
8. If you are on long-term medication, please consult with the doctor before taking the I-pill
9. It has no long-term consequence. However, there could be some minor symptoms including breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, headache, and lower abdominal pain (pelvic area),
10. The next menstrual cycle could be delayed by a couple of days
11. There could also be spotting before the actual period starts
12. Women who are allergic to levonorgestrel should not take I-pill.
13. It can cause skin allergies and reduce libido.
14. When used repeatedly, it can cause delayed and irregular menstruation
15. It is ideal for use between the age of 25 and 45. Teenagers should not use it regularly. This needs to be made aware through sex education, as the prevalence of teenage sex and pregnancy is on the rise in India
16. Repeated usage can cause ovarian damage and severe menstrual issues, so occasional use is the only recommended usage
17. It is safe to take the pill during lactation. There is no effect on the quality of milk or any other adverse effect on the baby

I-Pill was introduced as an emergency contraceptive method, and not for regular contraceptive purpose. Its correct usage and avoiding complications is largely dependent on sex education which needs to start early and talk about other safe sex measures and avoid using it on a regular basis.