Gonorrhea treatment

Gonorrhea is a treatable sexually transmitted infection (STI) that’s caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. An infected person passes the bacteria to another person during anal, oral or vaginal sex. Gonorrhea is most common in the cervix, rectum, throat and urethra. Like any bacterial infection, a person can get gonorrhea multiple times.

A person with gonorrhea may not show any symptoms. Others may experience any of the following symptoms:*

• Burning sensation when urinating
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Discharge from the penis
• A rectal infection that can include itching, bleeding, discharge or soreness

People assigned male at birth (AMAB) may experience symptoms that include the following:

• Green, yellow or white discharge from the penis
• Pain or swelling in the testicles

For those assigned female at birth (AFAB), symptoms can be mistaken for a urinary or vaginal infection:

• Bleeding between periods
• Increased vaginal discharge

Even without symptoms, people with gonorrhea are at risk of developing serious complications.

A MinuteClinic provider can assess a person's symptoms and order laboratory tests if needed. They will develop a treatment plan and prescribe antibiotics. They can also discuss healthy sex practices to help prevent future infections.

1. Es posible que tenga que responder algunas preguntas para ayudarnos a prepararnos para su consulta antes de programar su cita.

2. La manera de registrarse varía según cómo programó su cita:

   Si hizo su cita en línea:
   Regístrese con el correo electrónico o mensaje de texto que le enviamos para confirmar su cita. Si prefiere registrarse en el quiosco electrónico, asegúrese de tener su código de confirmación.

   Si hizo su cita en la clínica:
   Inicie sesión en el quiosco electrónico.

   Si programó una cita de Atención Médica Virtual con MinuteClinic®:
   Para unirse a su consulta virtual, use el enlace del correo electrónico o mensaje de texto que le enviamos para confirmar su cita. Únase 15 minutos antes de la hora programada para su consulta. You will need your date of birth, email address and phone number to join the visit.

3. Cuando sea momento de su cita, un proveedor lo llamará por su nombre.
4. Su proveedor hará un examen exhaustivo basado en el motivo de su consulta, los síntomas que tenga y sus antecedentes de salud. Los cargos dependerán del examen y los servicios prestados durante la visita.
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, a receipt and educational material. Si usted lo solicita, podemos enviarle información sobre su consulta a su profesional de la salud de cabecera.

Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics,* and it's important to abstain from sex during treatment. Sexual partners should also be evaluated and treated. If treated early, complications may be avoided.

Untreated gonorrhea may lead to long-term complications,* including epididymitis, infertility, joint pain, pelvic inflammatory disorder and an increased risk for other STIs like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). If gonorrhea is treated early, several complications can be avoided.

The only way to fully prevent infection is to avoid sexual activity.* However, there are steps people can take to help prevent infection:*

• Use a barrier prevention method like condoms during anal, oral or vaginal sex
• Get annual screenings for STIs
• Have a partner tested before any sexual activity
• Be in a mutually monogamous relationship where both partners have been tested
• Avoid sex with people who show symptoms of gonorrhea

A MinuteClinic provider can assess a person's symptoms and order laboratory tests if needed. They will develop a treatment plan and prescribe antibiotics, if necessary. They can also discuss safe sex practices to help prevent future infections.