Gonorrhoea treatment recovery patient overview

Overview

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

Gonorrhoea is one of the most common STIs worldwide, especially among young people aged 15–24. In the UK, cases have been increasing in recent years.

Anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhoea. It is most common in young adults and people with multiple sexual partners. Men who have sex with men (MSM) and people living with HIV are also at higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Thick, yellow or green discharge from the penis or vagina
• Pain or burning sensation when urinating
• Bleeding between periods or after sex (in women)
• Pain or swelling in one testicle (in men)
• Anal pain, discharge, or bleeding
• Sore throat (if infection is in the throat)

Symptoms in children

• Gonorrhoea in children is rare and may be a sign of sexual abuse. Symptoms are similar to adults but can include discharge, pain, and redness in the genital area.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have no symptoms, or they may experience discharge, pain during urination, or pelvic pain. Any unusual symptoms after sexual activity should be checked.

Causes

Main causes

• Infection with the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
• Sharing sex toys without washing them or using a new condom.
• From a pregnant person to their baby during childbirth.

Risk factors

• Having multiple sexual partners
• Not using condoms consistently
• Previous or current STI diagnosis
• Having a partner with gonorrhoea
• Being under 25 and sexually active
• Men who have sex with men (MSM)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have severe pelvic or testicular pain
• If you have a high fever with any other symptom
• If you are pregnant and have any symptoms

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you notice any discharge, pain when urinating, or other common symptoms
• If a partner tells you they have gonorrhoea
• If you have recently had unprotected sex with a new or casual partner
• As part of a regular STI screening if you are at higher risk

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and sexual history. They may take a sample of discharge from the urethra, cervix, throat, or rectum. Urine tests can also detect the bacteria. Results usually take a few days.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test (for men and women)
• Swab test (of the urethra, cervix, throat, or rectum)
• Sometimes, a blood test to check for other STIs like HIV or syphilis

What to expect at your appointment

The test is quick and may cause mild discomfort. You might be asked to wait for results in a private room. If positive, the doctor will discuss treatment and partner notification. You may also be offered an HIV test.

Treatment

Gonorrhoea is treated with a course of antibiotics. Because of antibiotic resistance, you may be given a combination of two antibiotics (usually an injection and a tablet) as a single dose. Complete the full course, even if symptoms go away. Do not have sex during treatment and for 7 days after finishing antibiotics to avoid spreading the infection.

Self-care at home

• Take all antibiotics exactly as prescribed, even if you feel better.
• Avoid sexual contact (vaginal, anal, oral) until you and your partner(s) have finished treatment.
• Do not share towels or underwear until treatment is complete.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• If you have pain or fever, rest and take paracetamol or ibuprofen (ask a pharmacist).

Medical treatments

Treatment involves antibiotics given as a single injection into the buttock and/or a single oral dose. Some clinics may offer a different antibiotic if you have an allergy. Retesting after 3 months is recommended to ensure the infection is gone and to check for re-infection.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not needed for gonorrhoea itself. However, if complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) cause an abscess or scarring, a surgical procedure may sometimes be required.

Living with this condition

While recovering, avoid sex and follow your treatment plan. Tell recent sexual partners (from the past 2 months) so they can also get tested and treated. Most people feel better within a few days, but fatigue may linger. Rest as needed.

Lifestyle tips

• Use condoms consistently after recovery to prevent re-infection.
• Limit the number of sexual partners to reduce risk.
• Get tested for other STIs regularly if you are at higher risk.
• Communicate openly with partners about STI status.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and water supports your immune system. Gentle exercise like walking can help recovery, but avoid vigorous activity if you feel unwell. There is no special diet required.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Being diagnosed with an STI can cause feelings of shame, anxiety, or stress. It is very common and treatable. Remember that gonorrhoea is curable, and seeking help is a responsible step. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a healthcare professional or a counsellor.

Prevention

Yes. Consistent and correct use of condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sex greatly reduces the risk. Limiting the number of sexual partners and having regular STI check-ups also helps. If you have gonorrhoea, completing treatment and notifying partners prevents further spread.

Vaccines

There is currently no vaccine for gonorrhoea, but research is ongoing. Vaccines for other STIs like HPV and hepatitis B are recommended.

Screening programmes

Regular screening for STIs is recommended if you are sexually active and at higher risk, especially if you are under 25, have multiple partners, or are a man who has sex with men. Many clinics offer self-sampling kits for home testing.

Complications

If left untreated

• In women: pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.
• In men: epididymitis (inflammation of the tube at the back of the testicle), which can lead to infertility.
• In both: disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), a rare but serious condition causing joint pain, skin sores, and fever.
• Increased risk of getting or transmitting HIV.
• In babies born to infected mothers: eye infections that can lead to blindness.

Long-term outlook

With prompt antibiotic treatment, gonorrhoea is completely curable and most people recover without long-term problems. The key is to get tested and treated early, complete your antibiotics, and avoid sexual contact during recovery. Retesting after a few months ensures the infection is gone and that you haven't been re-infected. If you have any lingering symptoms or concerns, follow up with your healthcare provider.

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