Let us face it. It is a very personal health issue. The option of calling your mother or friends and asking for their seasoned advice is not feasible. That is where we step in. A one-stop guide explaining everything you need to know about the treatment for gonorrhea.

There is a fair chance that you are reading this piece in the incognito mode because sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are still taboo in our society. However, you need to know that millions of people annually are affected by gonorrhea, and you are not the only one searching for the right treatment for gonorrhea.

Before we take a deep dive to know more about the disease and its treatment, here is a suggestion for all those finding it difficult to visit a doctor, in person. Whether the physician is unavailable or you are hesitant to approach them, if you cannot see your doctor in person, consider online STD consultation.

What is gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is an STD caused due to sexually transmitted bacteria. Oral, anal, or genital sexual contact are the routes of transmission of the infection. A gonorrhea-infected mother may pass the infection to her baby while in labor. If left untreated, gonorrhea could progress to bigger health problems such as infertility, thereby necessitating immediate attention and treatment for gonorrhea.

What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?

• Symptoms usually occur within 2 to 14 days after exposure.

• It is also possible that a person may acquire gonorrhea but may not show any noticeable symptoms. Such a person becomes an asymptomatic carrier.

• An asymptomatic carrier can transmit the infection to other partners.

A man or a person with a penis may not develop noticeable symptoms for several weeks. Similarly, a woman or a person with a vagina may not develop any overt symptoms of gonorrhea.

Some of the symptoms seen in a man or a person with a penis include

• Burning or painful sensation during urination.

• Greater frequency or urgency of urination.

• A pus-like discharge (or drip) from the penis (white, yellow, beige, or greenish).

• Swelling or redness at the opening of the penis.

• Swelling or pain in the testicles.

• A persistent sore throat.

Some of the symptoms seen in a woman or a person with a vagina include

• Common vaginal yeast or bacterial infections.

• Discharge from the vagina (watery, creamy, or slightly green).

• Pain or burning sensation while urinating.

• Urge to urinate more frequently.

• Heavier periods or spotting.

• Sore throat.

• Pain during sexual intercourse.

• Sharp pain in the lower abdomen.

• Fever.

Treatment for gonorrhea

Due to scientific and pharmaceutical advancements, gonorrhea can now be cured with modern antibiotics. You will also find free diagnosis and treatment at state-sponsored health clinics in many states.

Antibiotics used in treatment for gonorrhea

An antibiotic injection of ceftriaxone intradermally and a single dose of azithromycin orally should give you relief within days. As with any other course of medication, it is important that you complete the course of antibiotics as prescribed by the physician.
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of gonorrhea is a testament to the importance of completing the course. Antibiotic-resistant cases require extensive treatment, with a 7-day course of an oral antibiotic or dual therapy with two different antibiotics—azithromycin and doxycycline.

Once you have received the treatment you need, the law requires healthcare professionals to report the diagnosis, usually to the county public health department. The officials then identify, contact, test, and treat any sexual partners of the person diagnosed to help prevent the spread.

What’s more, researchers are working towards developing vaccines to prevent the transmission of gonorrhea.

IMPORTANT: There are no at-home remedies or over-the-counter medications for the treatment of gonorrhea. Immediately seek care and consult with a healthcare professional to treat the infection. Do not self-medicate. What is the fastest way to get rid of gonorrhea?

How long does it take to treat gonorrhea?

Depending on the severity of the infection, the number of days that you may be required to take the antibiotic course may vary. Usually, one full dose is enough for the treatment of gonorrhea; however, certain infections may require oral antibiotics for a week or more.