Gonokpangus Is Common

Gonokpangus is Common

THE NAME

The term old gonorrhea is used commonly in Nigeria. It refers to a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is difficult to treat. Humorous nicknames are used for the disease since it is associated with low life. Gonokpangus, Gbelecaccus, or Cac are aliases for stubborn or persistent gonorrhea.

THE PERSISTENCE

There are three reasons for Gonokpangus. The first is improper treatment. With a proper course of antibiotics, the disease can be treated quickly. That said, many infected people do not take the full course of antibiotics recommended. Self-medication without the advice of a health professional adds to this problem for many victims.

The next problem is cyclic reinfection – being reinfected by the same person. A man goes away for a convention or jamboree. Away from home he has cheap sex with sex workers. He returns home infected, and his unwitting wife collects it. Men show symptoms early, but women often do not. Thus, the man self-treats himself alone and his wife reinfects him. Sometimes again and again. Even if he gets medical advice, how does he tell his wife about the problem?

One guy revealed that he had infected his wife with gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis. So, the blood tests showed. He had to lie to his wife that he had contracted tuberculosis.  That was how he could persuade his wife to take a cocktail of antibiotics without suspicion.

The final problem of persistence is denial. There are men who believe their gonorrhea or STD was caused by witchcraft. Many claim to have been infected in their dreams. The surprise is these men eventually take antibiotics to treat the disease.  Does that sound illogical?

PRECAUTIONS

Abstinence is near impossible for men who seek casual commercial sex at large events. Or on their own. The use of condoms may help protect the man. Group-rate and group sex should be avoided. Paying more for unprotected sex is popular but carries high risks.

Apart from taking care of your health and life, consider those of your wife and children. Death, long term illness and orphanhood are real.

Regret is a brother to Mr. Too Late.

TAKEAWAY

Pleasure and humor are no good compensation for the ravages of STDs. Prevention is always better, especially since treatment is not always straightforward.