Gonorrhea: What You Need to Know Right Now

If you’ve heard the word “gonorrhea” and felt a mix of worry and confusion, you’re not alone. It’s a common STI, but the good news is that it’s easy to treat when caught early. This page gives you straight‑forward answers on symptoms, how doctors handle it, and what you can do to stay safe.

How to Spot Gonorrhea Symptoms

Both men and women can get gonorrhea, but the signs aren’t always obvious. In men, a burning feeling when you pee and a white‑yellow discharge from the penis are classic clues. Women often notice a cloudy discharge, pelvic pain, or pain during sex, yet many don’t feel anything at all. Because the infection can hide, a routine test is the safest way to know for sure.

Besides the genitals, gonorrhea can travel to the throat or rectum if you’ve had oral or anal sex. Throat infections feel like a sore throat, while rectal infection may cause itching, discharge, or bleeding. If any of these sound familiar, get checked – the test is quick, cheap, and confidential.

Effective Treatment and Prevention Tips

The CDC recommends a single dose of intramuscular ceftriaxone plus oral azithromycin. That combo clears the infection in most people within a week. It’s crucial to finish the whole prescription, even if symptoms disappear fast, to avoid resistance.

After treatment, avoid sex for at least seven days and let your partner know so they can get tested too. Using condoms every time you have sex cuts the risk of gonorrhea by more than half. If you’re on PrEP or have multiple partners, regular STI screens every three months keep you ahead of any surprise.

Got questions about side effects or how the meds might interact with something you’re already taking? Talk to your pharmacist – they can help you sort out any concerns.

Bottom line: gonorrhea is common, treatable, and preventable. Spot the signs, get tested, follow the prescribed antibiotics, and protect yourself with condoms. Stay informed, stay healthy, and don’t let fear stop you from getting the care you deserve.