Gonorrhea – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Healthcare professionals use different methods to check for gonorrhea, a common sexually transmitted infection. Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes this infection.
Early detection helps prevent serious health problems like pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and the spread of infection.
Doctors collect samples from the body to look for the bacteria. They mainly use two ways to collect a sample:
Urine Test: This test finds the bacteria in the urethra. It is especially useful for people without symptoms.
Swab Test: A doctor uses a soft swab to collect fluid or cells from the throat, urethra, vagina, or rectum. Lab technicians then check these samples for signs of infection.
If you use an at-home gonorrhea test and get a positive result, you should follow up with a healthcare provider. A doctor can confirm the diagnosis and start proper treatment.
Screening for Additional Infections
Doctors often recommend tests for other sexually transmitted diseases during a gonorrhea evaluation. Chlamydia infection often appears alongside gonorrhea.
People with gonorrhea have a higher risk for other diseases, including HIV. Testing usually includes:
- Blood tests for HIV
- Swabs or urine tests for chlamydia
- Other STD screenings based on your risk factors
Routine screening helps doctors find and treat infections early. This reduces the risk of further health problems and transmission.
Treatment
How Adults Are Treated for Gonorrhea
Doctors usually treat gonorrhea with antibiotic therapy. The most commonly recommended option is a single injection of a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, which is effective for most cases.
| Antibiotic | How Given | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cephalosporin | Injection | First-line treatment |
| Macrolide antibiotic | Oral tablet | Used in special cases |
| Cephalosporin (oral) | Tablet | Alternative when ceftriaxone not used |
Because some strains of the bacteria are becoming harder to treat, doctors may adjust antibiotic choices based on current guidelines and resistance patterns.
After treatment, itโs advised to avoid sex for at least seven days to reduce the chance of spreading the infection.
Doctors also recommend testing again after three months to check for reinfection. Other types of macrolide antibiotics or oral cephalosporins may be used in special situations, but they are no longer considered first-choice options due to resistance.
Partner Care and Preventing Reinfection
Anyone who has had sexual contact with the infected person in the last 60 days should get screened and treated, even without symptoms. This helps stop the spread of gonorrhea and prevents reinfection.
Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) allows partners to receive medicine without a medical exam. Doctors advise waiting at least one week after both partners finish treatment before having sex again.
Key steps:
- Notify recent sexual partners.
- Use EPT when possible for quick partner treatment.
- Avoid sex until everyone is treated.
Treating Newborns With Gonorrhea
Doctors treat babies who get gonorrhea from their mother during birth with antibiotics. They usually use injections or oral medicine.
Early treatment helps prevent serious health problems. Follow-up with healthcare professionals ensures the infection is gone.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Steps You Can Take Beforehand
Preparing ahead helps you get the most from your healthcare visit. Write down any symptoms you are experiencing, even if they seem unrelated.
Track when your symptoms began. Make a list of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you take, including doses.
Consider gathering questions such as:
- What types of tests are recommended?
- Should other sexually transmitted infections be tested for?
- Should partners arrange testing as well?
- When is it safe to have sex again?
- How can infections be prevented, including the use of latex condoms?
- What warning signs of complications should be watched for?
- Will future appointments be necessary?
Writing down these questions helps you remember important topics. You may also want to ask about behavioral counseling.
What Healthcare Providers May Ask
Healthcare professionals may ask questions to better understand your situation. Examples include:
| Example Question | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Are the symptoms present all the time or come and go? | Track symptom pattern |
| How strong are the symptoms? | Assess severity |
| Have there been any exposures to STIs? | Determine potential risks |
Giving honest answers helps your provider offer the best care.
Next Steps While Waiting
Avoid sexual activity until a healthcare provider gives you guidance.
Tell your recent or current sexual partners about the possible infection. This helps them get tested and reduces the risk of spreading it.
Use condoms to help prevent further exposure. Wait for your test results before resuming sexual activity.
