Treatment For Gonorrhea: An Overview!

Did you know? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2020, it was estimated that 374 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were acquired around the world. Out of which 82 million cases were due to gonorrhea.¹ This high prevalence is due to the fact that most people are unaware they have the infection as the symptoms are usually non-specific.

And if left untreated or undiagnosed, these STIs can have a serious impact on the reproductive health of an infected person.¹ Having said that, it’s important to remember that timely diagnosis and the right treatment can help the infected person beat gonorrhea!²

Now if you are wondering about how long it takes to fully recover from the infection or what your treatment options are, then continue to read this blog and find answers to all your questions!

What Is The Treatment For Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea can be cured with the right treatment. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. 

Antibiotics are usually recommended if:²

• Your tests confirm the gonorrhea infection
• There's a very high chance you have the infection, even though your test results have not come back yet
• Your partner has been diagnosed with the infection

However, due to emerging strains of drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae, CDC now recommends that uncomplicated gonorrhea be treated with antibiotics, usually given as an injection.³

For pregnant or breastfeeding women, your doctor may prescribe a different antibiotic treatment.

If you’re treated for gonorrhea, it’s really important for your sexual partners to get treated also. Otherwise, you may pass the infection back and forth, or to other people.⁴ Sometimes your doctor will give you medicine for both you and your partner.

Things To Keep In Mind While Getting Treated For Gonorrhea

If you’re getting treated for gonorrhea:

• Take your medicine in the prescribed manner. Remember, that even if your symptoms go away, the infection stays in your body until you finish the complete course of antibiotics.
• Since re-infection is common, men and women with gonorrhea should re-test after 3 months of the initial infection, regardless of whether they believe that their sexual partners were successfully treated.⁴
• You and your partner should avoid having sex until you both have completed the entire course of treatment and till you no longer have symptoms.⁴
• If you still have symptoms after you finish your treatment, please consult your doctor.⁴

Conclusion

It's important to remember that even if you complete your treatment and the gonorrhea infection is fully cured, reinfection is still possible. Gonorrhea isn’t a one-time occurrence, so practicing safe sex, including regular condom use, is essential.

Moreover, proactive testing for gonorrhea is one of the best ways to protect your health and that of your partner. In fact, the CDC recommends annual gonorrhea testing for all sexually active men and women.

At-home gonorrhea and chlamydia test kits provide a convenient and discreet way to monitor your sexual health. These kits allow you to self-collect a sample and schedule a pickup, ensuring privacy while getting accurate results. Regular testing helps in early detection and timely treatment, reducing the risk of complications.