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Gonorrhea treatment

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Need to know more about gonorrhea? We’ve got you covered.

What is gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI, sometimes referred to as a sexually transmitted disease or STD) that affects both males and females. The bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes the infection.

It’s usually passed from 1 person to another during sexual contact and intercourse. Gonorrhea is most common in the urethra, rectum or throat. In females, the disease can also infect the cervix. You can get gonorrhea by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has gonorrhea.

What symptoms can occur with gonorrhea?

Some men may experience no symptoms or symptoms that include:

  • Penis: White, yellow or green discharge
  • Testicles: Pain or swelling
  • Urinating: Burning sensation

Most women have no symptoms and when they do, they’re frequently mild. They can be mistaken for an infection of the bladder or vagina. Even without symptoms, women with gonorrhea are at risk of developing serious complications. Symptoms for women can include:

  • Painful or burning sensation: When urinating
  • Vaginal bleeding: Between periods
  • Vaginal discharge: Increased

Both men and women may experience rectal infections that cause no symptoms or with symptoms that include:

  • Anal itching
  • Bleeding
  • Discharge
  • Painful bowel movements
  • Soreness

Getting help

MinuteClinic providers can assess symptoms, order needed labs, and create a treatment plan if you have an infection.

  1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

  2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

    If you made your appointment online:
    Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

    If you made your appointment in the clinic:
    Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

    If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
    To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.

  3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
  4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
  5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Gonorrhea causes, symptoms and treatment

With the right treatment, gonorrhea can be cured. You must take all prescribed medication. The medication can stop the infection, but will not undo any permanent damage caused by the infection.

You should wait 7 days after finishing all medications before having sex. You and your sex partner(s) should avoid having sex until you’ve each finished treatment. By doing these things, you can avoid getting infected with gonorrhea again or spreading it to your partner(s).

  • Abstain from sexual activity with partners who have herpes lesions or other active herpes symptoms. It’s also important to know that even if a sexual partner does not have symptoms, they can infect others.
  • Avoid intercourse when either partner has a recurrence of herpes symptoms.
  • Be in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who’s been tested for STDs and is known to be uninfected.
  • Correctly and consistently use latex condoms during sexual contact. Condoms can reduce, but not totally eliminate the risk of getting or transmitting genital herpes. The virus can spread in areas not covered by a condom.
  • Do not have sexual contact with a person who has symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease. This includes someone who has pain urinating or a genital rash.
  • Get regular annual screenings for STIs
  • Get yourself and your partner tested. Do this before you engage in sexual activity and share the results.
  • Limit your number of sexual partners.
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IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.

 

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