Gonorrhoea treatment recovery in pregnancy

Overview

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. It can affect the genitals, rectum, and throat. In pregnancy, it is important to treat it to protect both you and your baby.

Gonorrhoea is a common STI, especially in young adults. Rates have been increasing in recent years, including among pregnant women.

It affects anyone who is sexually active and can be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby during childbirth.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• No symptoms at all (many people do not notice anything)
• Unusual discharge from the vagina or penis (yellow, green, or white)
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Bleeding between periods or after sex
• Pain in the lower tummy (pelvic area)

Symptoms in children

• Newborn babies can get an eye infection (conjunctivitis) if the bacteria are passed during birth.

Causes

Main causes

• Infection with the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
• Spread through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person.

Risk factors

• Having multiple sexual partners
• Not using condoms consistently
• Having a partner who has other sexual partners
• Previous history of other STIs
• Being under 25 years old

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have symptoms like discharge, pain when peeing, or pelvic pain during pregnancy
• If you know you were exposed to gonorrhoea
• If your partner has been diagnosed with an STI

Book a routine appointment if:

• During your first prenatal appointment (many clinics offer STI screening)
• If you are sexually active and under 25, you may be offered a test as part of routine care

Diagnosis

Your doctor or midwife will ask about your symptoms and sexual history. They will take a sample to test for the bacteria.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test (most common in pregnancy)
• Swab from the vagina, cervix, or rectum (a painless cotton bud sample)
• Sometimes a swab from the throat if needed

What to expect at your appointment

The test is quick and does not hurt. You might have to wait a few days for results. If it is positive, you will be given antibiotics that are safe in pregnancy.

Treatment

Gonorrhoea is treated with antibiotics. During pregnancy, some antibiotics are safe and effective. You can be treated at any stage of pregnancy. Your partner should also be treated to avoid reinfection. Avoid sex until both you and your partner have finished treatment and been cleared.

Self-care at home

• Take all prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed, even if you feel better.
• Do not have sex until you and your partner have completed treatment and tested negative (or waited at least 7 days after finishing treatment).
• Drink plenty of water and rest to help your body recover.
• Tell recent sexual partners so they can get tested and treated.

Medical treatments

A short course of antibiotics, usually given as a single injection or oral tablets. The medicine is chosen to be safe during pregnancy. Your doctor will confirm the best option for you. After treatment, you may need a follow-up test to make sure the infection is gone.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not needed for gonorrhoea treatment.

Living with this condition

Once you start treatment, the infection usually clears within a week. You can go about your daily activities, but avoid sex until your doctor says it is safe. Continue with your regular prenatal checkups.

Lifestyle tips

• Use condoms every time you have sex to prevent future infections or reinfection.
• Get tested for other STIs since they often occur together.
• Encourage your partner to get tested and treated to break the cycle.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet and staying hydrated will support your immune system. Gentle exercise, like walking, is fine during recovery if you feel well.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

An STI diagnosis can feel stressful or embarrassing, especially during pregnancy. It is important to remember that gonorrhoea is very common and treatable. You did nothing wrong. Talk to your healthcare provider or a counsellor if you feel anxious or upset.

Prevention

Yes, gonorrhoea can be prevented. The best way is to use condoms correctly every time you have sex. Having fewer sexual partners and talking openly with your partner about STIs also helps.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for gonorrhoea.

Screening programmes

Regular STI screening is recommended for sexually active pregnant women, especially if under 25 or with new or multiple partners. Many clinics offer this as part of routine prenatal care.

Complications

If left untreated

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (infection of the womb, tubes, or ovaries) – can cause chronic pain and affect future fertility.
• Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb) – a life-threatening emergency.
• Preterm labour and low birth weight.
• Passing the infection to the baby during birth, causing eye infections or, rarely, blindness.

Long-term outlook

With prompt antibiotic treatment, gonorrhoea is completely curable. Your baby can be protected from complications. The outlook for both you and your baby is excellent if you complete treatment and follow your doctor's advice.

Find support

Local organisations

• NHS Sexual Health Clinic · United Kingdom

Helplines

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