Gonorrhea

Diagnosis

Gonorrhea can sometimes be initially detected with at-home tests, but a confirmed diagnosis requires evaluation by a healthcare professional. Diagnosis typically involves analyzing samples from affected areas:

• Urine test: Detects bacteria in the urethra

• Swab test: A swab of the throat, urethra, vagina, or rectum can collect bacteria for laboratory analysis

Healthcare professionals may also recommend testing for other sexually transmitted infections, including:

• Chlamydia: Often occurs alongside gonorrhea

• HIV: Recommended for anyone diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection

• Additional STI tests depending on individual risk factors

Treatment

Treatment for adults

• Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics. The CDC recommends ceftriaxone, given as an injection, due to rising antibiotic resistance

• Avoid sexual activity for at least seven days after treatment to prevent spreading the infection

• Retesting is recommended three months after treatment to ensure reinfection has not occurred

Treatment for sexual partners

• Sexual partners from the last 60 days should be screened and treated, even if asymptomatic

• Wait at least seven days after your partner is treated before resuming sexual activity

Treatment for newborns

• Babies born to someone with gonorrhea who develop the infection can be treated with antibiotics

Effective treatment and partner management are essential to prevent reinfection and further spread of gonorrhea.