Gonorrhoea Treatment

The usual recommended treatment for gonorrhea is an antibiotic injection combined with tablets. We no longer offer treatment for gonorrhoea through Superdrug Online Doctor. This is because it is usually necessary to have further tests after you have been found to have gonorrhoea, to make sure that you are given the right antibiotics. There are high levels of resistance to antibiotics, which means that not all antibiotics will work for everyone.

Treatment for gonorrhoea is available through your GP or through your local Sexual Health Clinic. They will arrange these further tests, and also make sure you get the best treatment.

Treating Gonorrhoea

About Ceftriaxone

Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic that can be used to treat many infections, including gonorrhea. It can only be given by injection.

There is some evidence which suggest that gonorrhea bacteria are getting resistant to Cefixime tablets and it is now recommended to treat gonorrhea with an injection of Ceftriaxone instead.

Why Two Medications (Ceftriaxone and Azithromycin)

Due to high levels of resistance, a combination of antibiotics is needed to make sure that the infection is cleared. Many people who are infected with gonorrhoea also are infected with chlamydia, the combination of treatment will treat both infections.

About the Gonorrhoea Injection

The recommended first-line treatment for gonorrhea is a combination of an injection and tablets. The injection contains the antibiotic Ceftriaxone and is given in combination with azithromycin tablets.

The injection is also suitable for treating anal and oral (throat) gonorrhea infections.

What is Gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection, which is transmitted during sex. It is also known as “the clap” and it can cause infections of the penis, vagina, throat or anus. Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics, which should given as a combination of an injection with tablets.

We recommend you take a test 4 weeks after your treatment to ensure that it has worked. You should test any area where you might have gonorrhea (e.g. genitals, throat or anus).

If the infection is not treated, it can cause inflammation and potentially damage the reproductive organs.

Can you Get Gonorrhoea Treatment Over the Counter?

You can’t buy gonorrhea treatment over the counter as it is prescription medication. In order to get the injection, you need to visit a clinic.

Is Gonorrhea Curable?

Gonorrhea is a treatable and curable infection, which goes away after you have received a gonorrhea injection.

Symptoms of Gonorrhoea - Men

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection. It is generally located in the genitals, the rectum and the eyes. It is more common in people who are aged between 15 and 30, who are sexually active and have more than one sexual partner per year. It can be avoided by using condoms.

For men, Gonorrhea can lead to infected testicles, urethra or prostate (this can affect male infertility long term). About 90% of men who have contracted Gonorrhea have symptoms (a much higher proportion than for women). These symptoms include:

  • Burning sensation or pain during urination and/or needing to urinate more often;
  • A white/cloudy discharge from the penis, irritation inside the penis; or
  • Pain in the testicles or anus is less common, but another symptom.

It is also possible, though unlikely, that you will experience joint pain, a skin rash or flu like symptoms.

Symptoms of Gonorrhoea - Women

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection, it can also be transmitted to newborns when the mother is giving birth. It is generally located in the genitals, the rectum and the eyes. It is more common in people who are aged between 15 and 30, who are sexually active and have more than one sexual partner per year. It can be avoided by using condoms.

It is difficult to spot when women have gonorrhea because only 30-50% of women display any symptoms. Among these women, one in two of them will have abnormal (watery or creamy looking, blood like or even slightly green) vaginal discharge and a quarter of them will experience lower abdominal pain. It is also possible (though less common) to experience pain during urination, heavier periods or spotting.

If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. It can cause serious damage to the reproductive system and can lead to infertility, miscarriages, increased risk of ectopic pregnancies and stillbirths.

It is also possible, though unlikely, that you will experience joint pain, a skin rash or flu like symptoms.

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