Gonorrhoea treatment recovery in teenagers

Overview

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection spread through unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, or oral). It can be cured with antibiotics, but it is important to finish all treatment and follow your doctor's advice to fully recover and avoid passing it to others.

Gonorrhoea is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in teenagers and young adults worldwide. In the UK, rates have been rising in recent years, especially among people aged 15 to 24.

Gonorrhoea affects anyone who is sexually active, regardless of gender. Teenagers are at higher risk because they are less likely to use condoms consistently and may have multiple partners. Both males and females can get infected, but the infection can be harder to notice in females.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Thick yellow or green discharge from the penis or vagina
• Pain or burning when you pee
• Pain in the lower belly or pelvis (more common in females)
• Pain or swelling in one testicle (in males)
• Bleeding between periods or heavier periods (in females)
• Sore throat after oral sex (if throat is infected)

Symptoms in children

• Gonorrhoea in children is rare and usually results from sexual abuse. Symptoms may include vaginal discharge, pain when urinating, or redness in the genital area.

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, symptoms are similar but may be mistaken for other conditions like a urinary tract infection. Infections can be overlooked if the person is not asked about sexual activity.

Causes

Main causes

• Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has gonorrhoea
• Sharing sex toys without washing them or using new condoms

Risk factors

• Having more than one sexual partner
• Not using condoms consistently or correctly
• Having a partner who has other sexual partners
• Previous STI infection
• Being a teenager or young adult

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have symptoms like discharge, pain when peeing, or belly pain, see a doctor or visit a sexual health clinic as soon as possible.
• If you might have been exposed to gonorrhoea (for example, a partner told you they have it), get tested even if you feel fine.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you are sexually active and under 25, it is a good idea to get tested for STIs at least once a year or whenever you change partners.

Diagnosis

A doctor or nurse will ask about your symptoms and sexual activity. They will take a sample from the infected area – for example, a urine sample or a swab (a small cotton bud) from the penis, vagina, throat, or rectum. The sample is sent to a lab to check for the bacteria.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test (pee into a cup)
• Swab from the vagina, penis, throat, or rectum

What to expect at your appointment

The tests are quick and usually painless. For a vaginal swab, you might be asked to use a cotton bud yourself. The results can take a few days to a week. Your doctor will tell you what to do if the test is positive.

Treatment

Gonorrhoea is treated with antibiotics. You will be given a course of medicine, often as a single injection or a combination of pills. It is very important to take all the medicine exactly as prescribed, even if you feel better. Do not share your medicine with anyone else.

Self-care at home

• Do not have any sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) until you and your partner(s) have finished treatment and been given the all-clear by the doctor (usually 7 days after treatment).
• Tell any sexual partners from the last 3 months so they can get tested and treated too. The clinic can help you do this anonymously if you prefer.
• Drink plenty of fluids and rest if you feel tired.
• Avoid alcohol while taking antibiotics – ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Medical treatments

Treatment usually involves a single injection of an antibiotic into the buttock, or a combination of antibiotic tablets. Sometimes a second course is needed if the infection is complex. Your doctor will decide the best option based on your health and the type of infection. Do NOT take any leftover antibiotics from a previous illness.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is almost never needed for gonorrhoea. In rare cases, if an infection has caused a collection of pus (abscess) in the pelvis or testicles, a small drainage procedure might be needed. Your doctor will explain this if necessary.

Living with this condition

Once you start treatment, you should feel better within a few days. Continue your normal daily activities, but avoid sex until your doctor says you are clear. Take all your medicine on time. You may need to go back for a follow-up test after treatment to make sure the infection is gone.

Lifestyle tips

• Use condoms for all sex to protect yourself and your partners.
• Limit the number of sexual partners.
• Talk openly with partners about STI testing.
• Get tested regularly if you are sexually active.

Diet and exercise

You can eat normally and exercise as usual. If you feel unwell from the infection or the medicine, rest and drink water. A balanced diet helps your body fight off infections.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Being diagnosed with an STI can feel scary, embarrassing, or stressful. You might worry about what others think. It is normal to feel this way. Talking to a trusted adult, a school counsellor, or a confidential helpline can help. Remember, gonorrhoea is very common and completely curable. You are not alone.

Prevention

Yes. The best way to prevent gonorrhoea is to use condoms every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Condoms protect against most STIs. Getting tested regularly and talking to partners about their sexual health also reduces the risk.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for gonorrhoea yet. However, getting vaccinated for HPV (human papillomavirus) and hepatitis B is still a good idea for overall sexual health.

Screening programmes

If you are sexually active and under 25, it is recommended to have an STI screen at least once a year. You can go to a sexual health clinic or your GP. Screening is free and confidential.

Complications

If left untreated

• In females: pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – an infection of the womb, ovaries, and fallopian tubes that can cause chronic pain and infertility.
• In males: infection of the tube that carries sperm (epididymitis) – can lead to pain and possibly reduced fertility.
• Both: long-term pain in the lower belly or pelvis.
• Rare but serious: joint infection (septic arthritis), heart valve damage, or spread of infection through the blood (disseminated gonococcal infection).
• Increased risk of catching or passing on HIV.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for gonorrhoea is very good when treated early. Most people make a full recovery and have no long-term problems. Completing treatment and being careful to avoid re-infection are key. With condoms and regular testing, you can stay healthy and protect your future fertility.

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