TIPS ON HOW TO TREAT GONORRHEA
Gonorrhea is a sexually-transmitted disease (STD) which can affect the reproductive tract in men and women. Gonorrhea can occur in the uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes in women, and in the urethra (urine canal) in both genders. Gonorrhea can also affect the throat, eyes, mouth, and anus.
Symptoms may appear within 2-5 days of infection, or as late as 30 days after infection. If you detect any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. The following will inform you of the medical treatment for gonorrhea.
- First, remember that any sexually active person can be infected with gonorrhea. In the United States, the highest reported rates of infection are among:
- Know that gonorrhea requires medical treatment. If left untreated, it can cause numerous serious health problems, including chronic pain and infertility in both men and women. Eventually, untreated gonorrhea can be spread to the blood and joints, which can be a life-threatening condition.
- There are several antibiotics that can be used to treat adults and adolescents with gonorrhea. Your physician will discuss your treatment with you.
- For uncomplicated Gonococcal infections of the cervix, urethra, and rectum, the following may be prescribed:
- Ceftriaxone
- Cefixime
- Single-dose cephalosporin regimens
- Anyone being treated for gonorrhea will likely be tested/treated for other STDs, most often chlamydia.
- It is extremely important to take all of the medication prescribed by your doctor to cure gonorrhea.
More Tips
- Learn to recognize the signs of gonorrhea. Look for the following symptoms:
- Be aware of a burning sensation while urinating.
- Look for a white, green, or yellow discharge from the penis, if you are male. Any discharge from the genital area should be examined by a doctor.
- In men, watch for painful or swollen testicles.
- If you are a woman and you have reason to suspect you may be at risk for gonorrhea, get tested. Many women who are infected do not have any symptoms, or symptoms so non-specific as to be mistaken for other conditions.
- For women, watch for increased vaginal discharge or bleeding between periods. Any unusual vaginal discharge should be examined by a doctor.
- Watch for anal discharge, soreness, bleeding, itching, or painful bowel movements.
- Rectal infection may also cause no symptoms, so see a doctor and get tested if you believe you are at risk.
- With basic safe-sex behaviors, gonorrhea can be prevented. These include:
- Wearing a condom during intercourse or oral sex.
- Be tested. Ask your partner(s) to be tested also.
- Do not be afraid to ask your partner(s) if they have been tested.
- Abstinence from sex.
- If you believe you are infected with gonorrhea:
- Seek medical treatment immediately.
- Refrain from all sexual activity with your partner(s).
- Advise all recent sex partners that they should be tested for gonorrhea.
- Do not have sexual relations until your medical treatment has been completed and you have been given a clean bill of health by your doctor.
Warning
- People who have gonorrhea can more easily contract HIV. Likewise, those infected with HIV and gonorrhea can more easily transmit HIV to others.
- Left untreated, gonorrhea can cause permanent and serious health problems, including:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women. PID can lead to chronic, long-lasting pelvic pain, and hard to cure internal abscesses (pus-filled sores that are hard to treat). PID can also cause infertility and increase the risk of etopic pregnancy.
- Epididymitis for men. Epididymitis is a condition of the ducts attached to the testicles, in which normally one side becomes infected. It is a painful condition that may very rarely cause infertility.
