Gonorrhea Treatment: What You Need to Know Right Now

If you think you might have gonorrhea, the first thing to do is get tested. A simple urine test or swab can confirm it in minutes, and catching it early stops complications and spreads.

Once you have a positive result, doctors usually prescribe a single dose of an injectable called ceftriaxone. It’s given as an intramuscular shot and works fast against the bacteria. In the past they added azithromycin to cover possible co‑infections, but recent guidelines often recommend just ceftriaxone because resistance to azithromycin is rising.

How to Take Your Medication Correctly

Don’t skip the shot – it’s a one‑time dose that clears most infections. If you get an oral antibiotic instead, follow the full course even if symptoms disappear. Stopping early can let resistant germs survive and cause a repeat infection.

Side effects are usually mild: a sore arm from the injection or a brief stomach upset with pills. If you notice severe rash, fever, or joint pain, call your doctor right away – those could be signs of an allergic reaction or a more serious issue.

Partner Treatment and Follow‑Up

Your sexual partners need treatment too, even if they feel fine. Giving them the same prescription prevents re‑infection loops. Most clinics offer “expedited partner therapy,” where you can take extra pills home for your partner without a separate doctor's visit.

After treatment, come back for a test‑of‑cure about one week later. This confirms the infection is gone and helps catch any resistant strain early. If symptoms linger after two weeks, seek another evaluation – sometimes a second dose or a different antibiotic is needed.

Prevention matters as much as cure. Using condoms every time you have sex cuts the risk of gonorrhea by over 70%. Regular STI screening, especially if you have new or multiple partners, keeps you ahead of any surprise infections.

Bottom line: Get tested fast, take the full prescribed dose, make sure your partner gets treated, and follow up with a repeat test. Simple steps, but they protect your health and stop gonorrhea from spreading further.