Treatment of Gonorrhoea in the Female

Consulting Venereologist to the Army Gonorrhoea in the female is similar in many respects to that in the male, but in some ways is of considerably more importance, since many women suffer from the disease without knowing it and therefore probably convey it to a greater number of people than they would otherwise. Incidentally, too, gonor- rhoea not only may infect the eyes of the child during its passage through the birth canal but is also a very common cause of sterility, mainly as a result of salpingitis causing occlusion of the Fallopian tubes. In the case of gonorrhoea in a married woman consent should be obtained to tell the husband not only in order that he may be examined and, if necessary, treated, but also to avoid the risk of marital infelicity should he find out accidentally; in the case of a girl under 21 the parents should be told if circumstances appear to demand it. Such action is likely to prevent difficulties arising later, especially if the girl should become engaged to be married. It is a great mistake to adopt a policy of secrecy, and all those who are, or are likely to be, involved should be told in confidence.