Gonorrhoea treatment recovery in adults

Overview

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. It can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat. With proper treatment, it is curable.

Yes, gonorrhoea is a common STI worldwide. Cases have been increasing in recent years, especially among young adults.

Anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhoea. It is most common in people aged 15–24, but it affects all age groups.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain or burning when urinating
• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
• Pain or swelling in the testicles (in men)
• Bleeding between periods (in women)
• Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding (if infected in the rectum)
• Sore throat (if infected in the throat)

Symptoms in children

• Gonorrhoea in children is rare and usually a sign of sexual abuse. If a child shows symptoms like genital discharge or pain, seek medical help immediately.

Symptoms in older adults

• Symptoms in older adults are similar to younger adults. However, older adults may be less likely to notice symptoms or may mistake them for other conditions.

Causes

Main causes

• Gonorrhoea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It spreads through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. It can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby during childbirth.

Risk factors

• Having multiple sexual partners
• Not using condoms consistently
• Having a partner who has other sexual partners
• Previous STI infection
• Being under 25 years old and sexually active

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
• Fever with pelvic pain
• Pain or swelling in the testicles that comes on suddenly

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have any symptoms like discharge or pain when urinating
• If you think you may have been exposed to gonorrhoea
• Routine STI screening if you are sexually active with new or multiple partners

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and sexual history. They will take a sample from the infected area (urine, swab from urethra, cervix, rectum, or throat) and send it to a lab to test for the bacteria.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test
• Swab from urethra (men) or cervix (women)
• Swab from rectum or throat if needed

What to expect at your appointment

The test is quick and usually painless. Results may take a few days. Your doctor will discuss treatment options if the test is positive.

Treatment

Gonorrhoea is treated with antibiotics. It is important to take the full course as prescribed, even if symptoms go away. Your doctor will also recommend that your sexual partners get tested and treated to prevent reinfection.

Self-care at home

• Avoid any sexual activity until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment and symptoms are gone (usually 7 days after treatment)
• Tell your recent sexual partners so they can get tested and treated
• Take all medications exactly as prescribed
• Follow up with your doctor if symptoms do not improve

Medical treatments

Treatment is with a single injection of an antibiotic, sometimes followed by a course of oral antibiotics. The exact type depends on the strain of bacteria and your health history. Your doctor will choose the best option. Do not share antibiotics or use leftover medication.

Living with this condition

After treatment, most people feel better quickly. You should avoid sex for at least 7 days after finishing treatment. It is common to feel anxious or worried, but remember that gonorrhoea is curable. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

Lifestyle tips

• Use condoms consistently to prevent future STIs
• Limit number of sexual partners
• Get tested regularly if you are sexually active with new partners

Diet and exercise

No special diet or exercise is needed. A healthy lifestyle supports your immune system, but it does not treat or prevent gonorrhoea directly.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A diagnosis of an STI can be stressful. You may feel embarrassed, anxious, or worried about telling partners. These feelings are normal. Talking to a trusted friend, partner, or counselor can help. Remember that gonorrhoea is common and treatable.

Prevention

Yes. You can reduce your risk by using condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Limiting your number of sexual partners and being in a mutually monogamous relationship also helps. Regular STI testing is important, especially if you have new or multiple partners.

Complications

If left untreated

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can cause chronic pelvic pain and infertility
• Epididymitis in men (swelling of the tube at the back of the testicles) which can lead to infertility
• Infection spreading to the blood and joints
• Increased risk of getting or spreading HIV

Long-term outlook

With prompt treatment, the outlook is excellent. Most people recover fully without lasting problems. The key is to get tested and treated early, and to follow your doctor's advice. After treatment, you can have a normal, healthy sex life as long as you take steps to prevent reinfection.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.