Gonorrhea Anxiety: Key Questions and Expert Answers - Urology

Panic about Gonorrhea (3)

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## Inquirer: Anxious Individual / Male / 51, 2017/02/11
Dear Dr.
Du,
A few days ago, I read a newspaper report about gonorrhea, and it triggered my anxiety again.
Eighteen years ago, I had a hand job with a sex worker (the only instance of unprotected behavior).
I did ejaculate, but there was no direct contact with the genitalia.
As far as I remember, during the more than ten years since that experience, including the three weeks following it (the incubation period?), I have not exhibited any symptoms of gonorrhea (such as urethral discharge, swelling, pain, or burning during urination).
However, over these years, I have experienced a few instances of mild discomfort in my lower abdomen and urethra, with increased frequency of urination but low volume, and no significant discharge (at the time, I did not consider the possibility of gonorrhea).
I took anti-inflammatory medication from the pharmacy and drank plenty of water, and the symptoms resolved the next day.
I would like to ask you:
1.
What is the likelihood of contracting gonorrhea from a hand job with ejaculation, without direct genital contact?
2.
If I were to have symptoms of infection, would the discharge and burning sensations be obvious? I am worried that I might have overlooked something.
3.
Should I tell myself not to dwell on this, or should I pursue further testing? (It has already been eighteen years.)
4.
I currently have no symptoms related to gonorrhea as mentioned in the Q&A history.
Do I need to undergo a urine test? Can bacteria still be cultured from urine in the absence of symptoms?
Please take the time to respond.
Thank you.
## Respondent: Miaoli Hospital / Urology / Dr.
Du, 2017/02/11
Hello,
To confirm a gonorrhea diagnosis, a sufficient quantity of Neisseria gonorrhoeae is required, so there is no need to worry excessively.
However, since you are 50 years old and have entered the age for prostate check-ups, please ask your doctor to include a urine test at that time.
1.
The likelihood is almost negligible.
2.
Symptoms are usually quite pronounced.
3.
There is no need to make a special trip for testing.
4.
If there is a possibility, just let your doctor know, and try to relax.
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Thank you very much, Dr.
Du, for your prompt response! Additionally, could you please help me with a couple more questions?
1.
Regarding the previously mentioned hand job, I forgot to mention that I also touched the sex worker's genital area, but I don’t recall if I accidentally touched my own penis afterward.
If I did, would that be considered serious? Does this clarification affect your original answer?
2.
Given my level of contact and the absence of symptoms, based on your clinical experience, do you believe I have not been infected?
Thank you again!
## Respondent: Miaoli Hospital / Urology / Dr.
Du, 2017/02/12
Hello,
The physician does not encourage this type of sexual activity, but I also do not want to instill fear.
Based on the circumstances at that time, there should be no issues; it is more important to avoid such behavior in the future.
1.
No, you are not at risk.
2.
No, there are no symptoms.
Thank you for your inquiry.
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Dr.
Du, thank you once again for your quick and warm response.
I appreciate your reminder; it was quite alarming, and I have not had any extramarital relations since.
I apologize for bothering you again.

Regarding your response to my second question, when you said "2.
No," does that mean A) based on clinical experience, you believe I have not been infected, or B) you do not think I am uninfected? I apologize for asking multiple times; my anxiety has made me seek reassurance from your kind replies!

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Konglinzhe, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/02/12