Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) brought on by theNeisseria gonorrhoeaebacterium.

Gonorrhea is spread through sexual contact with an infected person.

However, many people with gonorrhea do not have symptoms.

A man lying down with arms near his stomach (abdominal pain)

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Symptoms may clear faster in males than females.

While most symptoms typically clear quickly, some may take longer.

If you experience pelvic or testicular pain, it can take up to two weeks for it to resolve.

Untreated gonorrhea can cause several health complications.

How long treatment lasts depends on the jot down and route of medication your provider prescribes.

For example, they may prescribe oral antibiotics that are taken for several days.

Your healthcare provider can help you understand your treatment options to determine the right one.

Additionally, partners of an individual who tested positive for gonorrhea should also be treated or tested.

It can take time for a gonorrhea test to become positive.

If you are still experiencing symptoms after treatment, contact your healthcare provider before resuming sexual activity.

Some gonorrhea strains are resistant to treatment, and you may need a different medication to clear your infection.

The preferred antibiotic used by healthcare providers is ceftriaxone.

Gonorrhea infection in the throat can be difficult to treat.

If you test positive for gonorrhea, talk with your healthcare provider about re-testing in three months.

This is done to ensure an infection has cleared or to detect reinfection.

Side Effects

Aceftriaxoneshot, the most common treatment for gonorrhea, is a cephalosporin antibiotic.

Risk Factors of Untreated or Undertreated Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea may not disappear because of failed treatment or reinfection.

A healthcare provider will determine the best next steps if treatment is unsuccessful.

Anyone can be reinfected if they have sexual contact with someone who has gonorrhea.

STI prevention measures include:

Summary

Gonorrhea is an STI sparked by a bacterial infection.

Treatment with the antibiotic ceftriaxone is usually successful at treating gonorrhea.

Adequate treatment typically resolves gonorrhea symptoms within a week.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Gonorrhea.

2021;97(5):368-374. doi:10.1136/sextrans-2020-054626

National Health Services.Treatment.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Gonococcal infections among adolescents and adults.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Drug-resistant gonorrhea.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Gonorrhea treatment and recovery.

UpToDate.Treatment of uncomplicated Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).