Gonorrhea, commonly known as “the clap,” is a common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be effectively treated. Prompt diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare provider are important.
Understanding Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which thrives in warm, moist areas of the body. This infection is primarily transmitted through sexual fluids during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be passed from a pregnant individual to their baby during childbirth.
Symptoms vary by individual and infection site. In men, they include a burning sensation during urination, along with a white, yellow, or green penile discharge. Men may also experience painful or swollen testicles.
For women, symptoms are often mild or absent, leading to delayed diagnosis. When present, symptoms may include painful urination, increased vaginal discharge, bleeding between periods, or lower abdominal pain.
Throat or rectal infections can also occur, sometimes causing a sore throat, anal itching, or discharge. Many individuals, especially women, may carry the infection without any noticeable symptoms, making unknowing transmission possible.
Treatment Approaches
Gonorrhea is primarily cured with antibiotic therapy. Standard treatment for uncomplicated infections affecting the genitals, rectum, or throat is typically a single intramuscular injection of ceftriaxone, 500 milligrams. For individuals weighing 150 kilograms (300 pounds) or more, a higher dose of 1 gram of ceftriaxone is administered.
Historically, treatment often included an additional oral antibiotic like azithromycin or doxycycline, especially if chlamydia co-infection was suspected. While current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines emphasize ceftriaxone monotherapy, some providers may still prescribe doxycycline for seven days if chlamydia is suspected or confirmed. Complete the entire course of prescribed medication, even if symptoms improve, to fully eradicate the infection.
A major concern in gonorrhea treatment is growing antibiotic resistance. Neisseria gonorrhoeae has developed resistance to many antibiotics, including penicillin and ciprofloxacin. Ceftriaxone is currently the primary recommended antibiotic. Ongoing surveillance for resistant strains and careful adherence to treatment guidelines are important to maintain its effectiveness.
The Importance of Prompt Treatment
Delaying or forgoing gonorrhea treatment can lead to serious health complications. In women, untreated gonorrhea can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can scar the fallopian tubes, increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the womb) and potentially leading to infertility.
For men, untreated gonorrhea can cause inflammation of the epididymis, the coiled tube behind the testicles that stores and carries sperm. This condition, epididymitis, can cause pain, swelling, and sometimes infertility. The infection can also cause scarring within the urethra.
In both men and women, untreated gonorrhea can spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, causing disseminated gonococcal infection. It can cause joint pain and swelling (septic arthritis), skin lesions, and fever. Untreated gonorrhea also increases susceptibility to HIV and can facilitate its transmission. If a pregnant individual has untreated gonorrhea, the infection can be passed to the baby during childbirth, potentially causing severe eye infections or blindness in the newborn.
Preventing Future Infections
Preventing future gonorrhea infections involves adopting consistent safer sex practices. Using condoms correctly and consistently during vaginal, anal, and oral sex reduces transmission risk. Condoms create a physical barrier, preventing the exchange of bacteria-carrying sexual fluids.
Open and honest communication with sexual partners about sexual health and STI status is important. Limiting the number of sexual partners reduces exposure risk. Regular STI testing, especially for sexually active individuals, those with new partners, or multiple partners, aids early detection and prevents spread.
When diagnosed with gonorrhea, inform recent sexual partners so they can get tested and treated. This process, partner notification, prevents reinfection and further transmission. In some situations, healthcare providers may offer expedited partner therapy (EPT), where medication or a prescription is given to the infected individual to deliver to their partner without a prior clinical examination.
Finding Care and Support
If you suspect you have gonorrhea or have been exposed, seek prompt medical care. Healthcare services are available at private doctor’s offices, local health clinics, and specialized sexual health centers. These facilities offer confidential testing and treatment options.
Testing for gonorrhea involves a urine sample or a swab from the infected area (genitals, rectum, or throat). Samples are analyzed to detect bacteria. After treatment, abstain from sexual activity for at least seven days and until all partners are tested and treated. Follow-up testing may be recommended to confirm the infection has cleared, especially if symptoms persist or antibiotic resistance is a concern.