Gonorhea developing new drug resistance.

[Dr Michael]

WHO is reporting an increasing number of cases of Gonorrhea that are resistant to Cephalosporins which have been the antibiotic of choice for many years. Condoms use is even more important.

Once considered a scourge of sailors and soldiers, gonorrhea became easily treatable with the discovery of penicillin. Now, it is emerging with new virulence and again is the second most common sexually transmitted infection after chlamydia.
World Health Organization states that of the 498 million new cases of curable sexually transmitted infections worldwide, gonorrhea is responsible for some 106 million infections annually. It also increases the chances of infection with other diseases, such as HIV.
Scientists believe overuse of antibiotics, coupled with the gonorrhea bacteria’s astonishing ability to adapt, means the disease is now close to becoming a super bug.

[SunandFun]

Dr. Michael, what are the most common symptoms of STD's and how would you proceed to get it checked out. Simple blood test?

[PeteC]

For the specific one the Doc is talking about here, it's also called the "clap".....as indicated in most military handbooks worldwide. They don't call it that for nothing as besides a fluid discharge and drip, drip, drip, every time you urinate you will scream and "clap" onto the urinal plumbing! I don't think they do a blood test for this one, just a urine/culture sample. Pete

[Dr Michael]

Frequency of urination
Blood in the urine.
Burning on urination
Nasty greeny, yellow discharge,
Swollen glands in groin.
Fever.

Dianosis by looking at discharge undera microscope--no bllod test for GC--but it is usual to check for other STDs---Syphylis and AIDS when you are seen by blood tests.

If you check the web, you may find Oral Cephalosporins or Oral Cipro recommended.
Asian bugs eat that stuff for breakfast.

[MXcross]

Bring back the umbrella treatment !!! when you've had that you we're a LOT more careful next time !!

[richard]

I went into 'gone arrears' a few times in London in the swinging 60's. Basically dirty crumpet. IMO most Thai ladies are far more aware and cleaner. Most insist on wearing a raincoat of some sort

[Dr Michael]

I am not sure who deserves the credit--the girls, the mamasans, the bar owners or public health but it is firmly ingrained into the bar girl culture that condoms are a MUST.
I would be interested to hear if HHF players have found this to be a 100% rule

[richard]

I am not sure who deserves the credit--the girls, the mamasans, the bar owners or public health but it is firmly ingrained into the bar girl culture that condoms are a MUST.
I would be interested to hear if HHF players have found this to be a 100% rule

NO not 100%

Girls.............. maybe but not all. Lot of BB riders about and to the girl money comes first. Health second.

Mamasams......don't give a shit

Bar owners......yes. most

Public health....Token gesture IMO

[Super Joe]

WHO is reporting an increasing number of cases of Gonorrhea that are resistant to Cephalosporins which have been the antibiotic of choice for many years.

When asked about the deteriorating situation Cephalosporin said, I'm a gonner 'ere.

SJ

[PeteC]

I had a run in with that stuff about 40+ years ago. Penicillin was the only drug available and it worked back then. Not wanting to have a blotch on my military medical record, I went to a local Thai doctor. He smiled in a somewhat evil manner at me then got out what he used, which was a reusable glass tube syringe with stainless steel finger loops on both sides at the top where he held it while he pushed the plunger down. To that he screwed in a huge reusable needle. To me it looked like something from an animal vet's office, and maybe it was. That experience and the pain of that injection alone made me be careful from that day forward. Pete

[Dr Michael]

Glass syringe and re-useable needles in early 70s--that is very believable. Disposables were coming in then but were not available eveywhere.

There is a catch. Disposables are NOT meant to be re-used and are not easy to re-sterilze, ditto disposable needles. In the days of glass syringes, every clinic and Dr office had very efficient sterilizers-- now those are often absent.

I have seen in advice to travellers in Asia that you carry tour own disposable needles, not a bad idea.

[charlesh]

I believe if reading is correct that it has it's origins in Japan and spread from there to western europe including Norway. Interesting travel connections?

[Nereus]

Many years ago the "Port Medical Officer" ( which was actually a private clinic), in Fremantle West Australia, had a wise old school doctor.
He used to say: "you bloody seamen, you put your willy where I wouldn't put the end of my walking stick"!

[Korkenzieher]

I have seen in advice to travellers in Asia that you carry tour own disposable needles, not a bad idea.

I had one I travelled with for years. Well past its expiration date now of course, and never had need to use it; but it had 3 or 4 disposable syringes, a catheter and a range of other things. If I remember, it came from Trailfinders in High Street Kensington. At that time (93/94), backpacking around India and Nepal, it was pretty much considered an essential item I think. I also recall there was some sort of medical form which sought to explain in reasonable terms why it was I might be carrying stuff like syringes across a border.

[Dr Michael]

I remember when i was a child, if my mother had to get a splinter out or prick a spot--she would take a sewing needle, strike a match and hold the needle in the flame for about 5- 10seconds---very effective sterilising technique.