Gonorrhea, also known as “the clap,” is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Knowing whether gonorrhea is going away or not is important for determining if treatment has been successful.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of gonorrhea differ between men and women:
Men
- White, yellow, or green urethral discharge
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- Swollen or painful testicles
Women
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
However, many infected individuals do not develop any signs or symptoms of gonorrhea. When symptoms do occur, they usually appear within 1 to 14 days after exposure.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have gonorrhea, it is important to get tested. Your doctor can use one of several tests to diagnose gonorrhea:
- Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) – This is the most commonly used gonorrhea test. It detects the genetic material of the bacteria in urine, blood, or swab samples from the penis, vagina, or anus. NAAT tests are very accurate and can provide results within 1-2 days.
- Gram stain – A swab sample is taken from the infected site and viewed under a microscope to look for gonorrhea bacteria.
- Culture – A swab sample is cultured in a special medium to allow any gonorrhea bacteria present to multiply. The culture is then examined under a microscope to confirm infection.
It is possible to have a gonorrhea infection in more than one location, so your doctor may take samples from your throat, anus, and genitals for testing.
Treatment
Gonorrhea can be treated and cured with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. Some of the commonly used antibiotics include:
| Antibiotic | Adult Dosage |
|---|---|
| Ceftriaxone | 250 mg intramuscularly in a single dose |
| Cefixime | 400 mg orally in a single dose |
| Azithromycin | 1 g orally in a single dose |
| Gentamicin | 240 mg intramuscularly in a single dose |
It is important to take all of the prescribed antibiotics according to your doctor’s instructions, even if your symptoms go away quickly. Stopping treatment early can lead to antibiotic resistance or a recurrence of the infection.
All sexual partners from the last 60 days should also be notified, tested, and treated to prevent reinfection and further spread.
Signs the Infection is Going Away
You should notice improvement in symptoms within 2-3 days after starting antibiotics. Here are some signs that the gonorrhea infection is going away:
- Decreased discharge from the penis or vagina
- Resolution of burning/pain when urinating
- Reduced pelvic pain or abdominal cramping in women
- Decreased swelling or pain in the testicles in men
However, the only way to confirm if gonorrhea is fully cured is to get retested after completing treatment. The CDC recommends a test-of-cure between 3-14 days after finishing antibiotics. Your doctor can perform a NAAT or culture test to verify that the infection has cleared.
Complications
Without treatment, gonorrhea can lead to serious reproductive health complications:
In Women
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Infertility
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Chronic pelvic pain
In Men
- Epididymitis
- Infertility
- Prostate infection
In rare cases, the infection may spread through the bloodstream and cause skin lesions, joint pain, or fever.
Gonorrhea can also increase the risk of contracting or transmitting HIV.
Prevention
You can take steps to lower your chances of getting gonorrhea:
- Use condoms correctly every time you have sex
- Limit your number of sexual partners
- Get tested regularly if sexually active, especially if you have new partners
- Ask partners to get tested before having sex
- Avoid sexual contact if you or your partner have symptoms
Prompt diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhea reduces the risk of serious complications. If you think you may be infected, see your doctor right away for testing and appropriate antibiotics. With proper care, gonorrhea can be cured and your symptoms should improve quickly.
Conclusion
Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted bacterial infection that affects both men and women. The signs that gonorrhea is going away include decreased discharge, less pain and burning during urination, and resolution of swelling and testicular pain. However, a test-of-cure is necessary after treatment to confirm the infection has been fully cured. Without treatment, gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, chronic pain, and increased HIV risk. But the infection is very treatable with the correct antibiotics. Taking preventive measures like condom use, routine testing, and prompt treatment can help control the spread of gonorrhea.