Gonorrhea: Treatment, Recurrence, and Transmission Risks

Q: Gonorrhea: Treatment, Recurrence, and Transmission Risks

Hello： Please refer to http：//staffair.fgu.edu.tw/files/archive/757_fe6a3cb3.pdf 1) There will be no recurrence unless you engage in sexual activity that leads to transmission; if there are no symptoms, further testing is not necessary. <br>2) If safe sex practices are followed,

Gonorrhea Medical Inquiry

1.
Excuse me, I would like to ask, after having sexual intercourse with a woman, I experienced a burning sensation during urination and noticed yellowish-white discharge with an odor.
I visited a urologist who diagnosed me with gonorrhea and I received an injection and medication.
If I recover, is there a chance of recurrence? Should I have a blood test afterward?
2.
If a man has recovered but the woman has untreated gonorrhea, and they kiss, engage in deep kissing, oral sex, and have sexual intercourse with a condom throughout, is there still a risk of contracting gonorrhea? If there are sores in the mouth, could the exchange of bodily fluids lead to gonorrhea transmission? If left untreated for an extended period, can gonorrhea become untreatable? Thank you.

Xiansheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/01/05

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: Please refer to http://staffair.fgu.edu.tw/files/archive/757_fe6a3cb3.pdf 1) There will be no recurrence unless you engage in sexual activity that leads to transmission; if there are no symptoms, further testing is not necessary.
2) If safe sex practices are followed, sexually transmitted infections can be avoided.
Kissing, deep kissing, and oral sex with the use of condoms throughout sexual intercourse can reduce the risk of gonorrhea.
However, if there is contact with female genital fluids, there is still a possibility of transmission.
Regarding whether oral sex can transmit gonorrhea if there are sores in the mouth—yes, it is possible.
If gonorrhea is not treated in a timely manner, can it become untreatable? (No, as long as it is treated properly; additionally, practicing safe sex is important.) Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2018/01/05

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, recurrence, and transmission risks is crucial for effective management and prevention.

1. Treatment and Recurrence: Gonorrhea is typically treated with antibiotics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends dual therapy, which usually includes an injection of ceftriaxone and oral azithromycin. If you have received appropriate treatment and your symptoms have resolved, it is likely that you are no longer infected. However, reinfection is possible if you are exposed to the bacteria again, either from an untreated partner or through new sexual encounters.
After treatment, it is advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider to ensure that the infection has been fully cleared. This may involve a follow-up test, especially if symptoms persist or if you have concerns about potential reinfection. Regular STI screenings are recommended for sexually active individuals, particularly those with multiple partners or those who engage in unprotected sex.

2. Transmission Risks: If you have been treated for gonorrhea and your partner has not, there is a risk of reinfection. Engaging in sexual activities, including kissing, oral sex, and penetrative sex, can transmit the infection if the untreated partner is infected. While using condoms significantly reduces the risk of transmission, it does not eliminate it entirely, especially if there are areas of contact not covered by the condom.

Regarding oral sex, gonorrhea can infect the throat (pharyngeal gonorrhea), and if your partner has an untreated throat infection, there is a risk of transmission through oral contact. If you have cuts or sores in your mouth, the risk of transmission may increase due to the potential for direct contact with infected bodily fluids.

If gonorrhea is left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can cause chronic pain and infertility. In men, untreated gonorrhea can lead to epididymitis, which is inflammation of the tube that carries sperm.
3. Long-term Considerations: If gonorrhea is not treated, the infection can persist and lead to more severe health issues. It is essential to ensure that both partners are treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection. If you suspect that your partner may have gonorrhea or any other STI, it is crucial to encourage them to seek medical evaluation and treatment.

In summary, while effective treatment can cure gonorrhea, the risk of reinfection remains if exposed to untreated partners. Regular screenings, open communication with sexual partners, and practicing safe sex are vital components of preventing gonorrhea and other STIs. If you have further questions or concerns about your health, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice and support.

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