Gonorrhea: Treatment, Recovery, and Transmission Risks

Questions about gonorrhea?

Hello, Doctor.
I would like to ask you the following questions:
1.
I was diagnosed with gonorrhea last Tuesday and started treatment immediately.
I had a blood test last Tuesday, and the results confirmed gonorrhea.
I began changing medications and received an injection.
How long will it take for me to recover?
2.
After receiving the injection, is it safe to masturbate two days later if there is no pain?
3.
If I perform oral sex on a healthy woman one day after masturbating, will she contract gonorrhea? She has no oral lesions, swallowed semen, rinsed her mouth before oral sex, drank a cold beverage afterward, and brushed her teeth and rinsed her mouth about 20 minutes later without any bleeding from her gums.
What is the likelihood of her contracting the disease?
4.
Additionally, I would like to ask if having sexual intercourse while on medication could lead to a recurrence of the infection.
If I use condoms for intercourse but have unprotected oral sex, and the female partner is healthy, will my recovery be delayed?
Thank you, Doctor, for your assistance in answering these questions.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/01/08

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology

When contracting gonorrhea, it is possible to be infected with more than one pathogen, meaning the likelihood of simultaneously acquiring other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, is higher.
This is often due to the more pronounced symptoms of gonorrhea leading to its detection.
Diagnosis and treatment do not guarantee the absence of other STIs, as some infections have subtle symptoms and are difficult to diagnose, thus may go unnoticed.
The typical window period for HIV is considered to be three months, so it is advisable to engage in safe sexual practices during this time.
It is important to remember that sexual activity is a lifelong aspect of life.
In outpatient clinics, a small number of patients are in their seventies or eighties, yet they remain sexually active, indicating that it is still a significant part of their lives.
Engaging in risky sexual behavior can lead to serious STIs, which can subsequently affect one's life, family, and loved ones.
Excessive focus on sexual activity may indicate a loss of balance in life.
Overall, it is essential to simplify matters and avoid complicating them unnecessarily.

Reply Date: 2017/01/08

More Info

Gonorrhea, caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can affect both men and women. Understanding its treatment, recovery, and transmission risks is crucial for effective management and prevention.
1. Treatment and Recovery: The standard treatment for gonorrhea typically involves antibiotics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a dual therapy approach, which often includes an injection of ceftriaxone and oral azithromycin. If you began treatment shortly after diagnosis, you can expect to see improvement in symptoms within a few days. However, it is essential to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms resolve quickly. Full recovery can vary, but many individuals start feeling better within a week. Follow-up testing is often recommended to ensure that the infection has been fully cleared, usually about a week after completing treatment.

2. Masturbation After Treatment: After receiving treatment, if you are feeling well and have no pain or discomfort, masturbation is generally considered safe. However, it's essential to listen to your body. If you experience any unusual symptoms or discomfort, it would be wise to consult your healthcare provider.

3. Risk of Transmission During Oral Sex: Engaging in oral sex after treatment poses some risk, even if the partner is healthy. Gonorrhea can be transmitted through oral sex, particularly if there are any cuts or abrasions in the mouth, though the risk is lower compared to vaginal or anal intercourse. Since the woman you mentioned had no visible sores and practiced good oral hygiene, the risk of transmission remains relatively low, but it is not zero. The presence of gonorrhea in the throat can occur, and while you mentioned that she rinsed her mouth and had no bleeding gums, it is still advisable to avoid sexual contact until you have confirmed that the infection has been fully treated.

4. Sexual Activity During Treatment: Engaging in sexual activity while undergoing treatment for gonorrhea can increase the risk of reinfection or transmission to partners. If you have unprotected sex, there is a possibility of passing the infection to your partner or contracting it again if they are infected. Using condoms can significantly reduce the risk of transmission. It is generally recommended to abstain from sexual activity until you have completed your treatment and have been cleared by a healthcare provider to ensure that you do not risk spreading the infection or experiencing complications.

In summary, while recovery from gonorrhea can occur relatively quickly with appropriate antibiotic treatment, it is crucial to follow medical advice, complete the treatment course, and practice safe sex to prevent reinfection and protect partners. If you have any further questions or concerns, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.

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