Gonorrhea: Care Instructions

Overview

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection spread through sexual contact (sexually transmitted infection, or STI). It is found most often in the genital area but it can also infect other areas of the body, such as the rectum or throat. While some people who have gonorrhea develop symptoms within a few days after infection, some people have no symptoms. Symptoms of gonorrhea include abnormal bleeding, pain or burning during urination, or a thick discharge from the vagina or penis.

Antibiotics can cure gonorrhea. Both sex partners need to be treated to keep from passing the infection back and forth.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you prevent it?

Here are some ways to help prevent STIs.

• Limit your sex partners. Sex with one partner who has sex only with you can reduce your risk of getting an STI.

• Talk with your partner or partners about STIs before you have sex. Find out if they are at risk for an STI. Remember that it's possible to have an STI and not know it.

• Wait to have sex with new partners until you've each been tested.

• Don't have sex if you have symptoms of an infection or if you are being treated for an STI.

• Use a condom every time you have sex. Condoms are the only form of birth control that also helps prevent STIs.

• If you had sex without a condom, ask your doctor if taking a preventive medicine is recommended. It may help prevent certain STIs if it's taken within 24 to 72 hours after unprotected sex.

• Don't share sex toys. But if you do share them, use a condom and clean the sex toys between each use.

Vaccines are available for some STIs, such as HPV. Ask your doctor for more information.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

Current as of: November 27, 2023

Content Version: 14.0

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.