How effective is antibiotic treatment for pelvic infection for gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea can affect the reproductive organs and may cause pelvic inflammatory disease. Treatment aims to clear the bacteria, limit inflammation and reduce the chance of lasting problems. Symptoms may not disappear immediately, and improvement does not prove that the infection has cleared. Other infections can occur at the same time, so a clinician may recommend tests and additional medicines.

Avoid sexual contact until your clinician says it is safe, and make sure recent partners are assessed and treated when advised. This helps prevent passing the infection back and forth.

Take every dose exactly as prescribed, even if pelvic pain, discharge or bleeding improves. Do not share antibiotics or use leftover tablets. Arrange the recommended follow-up, and ask whether repeat testing is needed. Seek advice about testing for other sexually transmitted infections and about contraception if pregnancy is possible.

Get urgent medical help for severe or worsening lower abdominal pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, repeated vomiting, high fever, or feeling very unwell. Prompt assessment is also needed during pregnancy, or when symptoms continue after treatment, because a complication or another cause may need attention.

Ask which bacteria the treatment covers, when symptoms should begin to improve, whether partners need treatment, when sexual contact can resume, and whether you need a review or repeat test.