How is gonorrhoea treated?

A clinician usually confirms the infection with a swab or urine sample through STI Screening. The antibiotic choice depends on current clinical guidance, the site of infection and relevant medical details. Take the treatment exactly as prescribed; do not use someone else’s antibiotics or keep a partial course.

Gonorrhoea may affect the throat, rectum, genitals or eyes, and symptoms can be absent. Tell the clinician about oral or anal sex so the correct sites are tested. Recent sexual partners may need assessment and treatment, even if they feel well.

Avoid sex, including oral sex, until your clinician confirms it is safe and any partner advice has been followed. Do not assume symptoms alone show that the infection has cleared. Arrange follow-up if symptoms continue after treatment, because another infection or treatment failure may need checking.

Painful Urination, unusual discharge or Testicular Pain should be discussed with a sexual-health clinician. Pelvic pain or pain during sex can require assessment for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.

Seek urgent care for severe pelvic or abdominal pain, fever with worsening symptoms, a painful swollen testicle, eye pain or vision changes. Prompt assessment is also needed during pregnancy or when symptoms suggest a spreading infection.

Ask which sites need testing, when to avoid sex, whether partners need treatment, whether follow-up testing is needed, and what symptoms should trigger urgent review.