What are the treatment options for gonorrhoea?

A clinician selects the antibiotic and route of treatment after considering your symptoms, test results, allergies and local treatment guidance. Do not use leftover antibiotics or share medicine. Some infections occur at the throat, rectum, cervix, vagina, penis or other sites, so tell the clinician about every type of sexual contact; the treatment plan may need to account for more than one body site.

Take the prescribed treatment exactly as directed and avoid sexual contact until your clinician says it is appropriate to resume. Recent partners may need assessment and treatment even if they feel well. STI screening can check for gonorrhoea at relevant sites and for other infections. Arrange follow-up if symptoms continue, return, or if you were told to have a repeat test.

Seek prompt medical care for severe pelvic or testicular pain, fever, a painful swollen joint, a widespread rash, eye pain or vision changes. These can signal infection that needs urgent assessment. Emergency help is appropriate for severe illness, fainting, confusion or trouble breathing.

Ask which antibiotic is prescribed, when you can safely have sex again, whether partners need notification, whether testing is needed at the throat or rectum, and when follow-up should happen.