Symptoms During Gonorrhea Treatment: What to Expect

Q: Symptoms During Gonorrhea Treatment: What to Expect

Hello： Before the onset of symptoms, there should have been unsafe sexual behavior. <br>In such cases, medication is usually required for two weeks. <br>It is important to stay hydrated, avoid sexual intercourse, and refrain from spicy or irritating foods and beverages. <br>After

Symptoms during the treatment period?

Hello doctor, I previously experienced symptoms of frequent urination, painful urination, discharge of pus, and fever.
After evaluation, I was diagnosed with gonorrhea.
That same day, I received an injection and took 4 tablets of Zithromax.
Following that, I was prescribed Doxycap for two weeks.
A few days after starting the medication, my frequent urination improved, but I still have painful urination, and I have started to notice blood in my urine.
The discharge seems to have improved but has now turned into crusting in the morning.
I am still taking Doxycap as prescribed.
I would like to know if my condition is improving.
Is it normal to experience these symptoms during gonorrhea treatment, or could there be other complications that have not been addressed? Should I return for further evaluation? Thank you.

JT, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/21

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: Before the onset of symptoms, there should have been unsafe sexual behavior.
In such cases, medication is usually required for two weeks.
It is important to stay hydrated, avoid sexual intercourse, and refrain from spicy or irritating foods and beverages.
After completing the medication, a urine test should be conducted to confirm that there are no issues.
During the treatment, symptoms may gradually diminish, but it is crucial not to underestimate this phase to prevent a relapse before complete recovery.
Further treatment may be necessary.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/08/21

More Info

When undergoing treatment for gonorrhea, it is essential to understand the symptoms you may experience and what they indicate about your recovery process. Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and it can lead to various symptoms, including painful urination, increased urinary frequency, discharge from the genital area, and in some cases, fever.
In your situation, it appears that you have received appropriate treatment, which typically includes an injection of a long-acting antibiotic (often ceftriaxone) and an oral antibiotic such as azithromycin (Zithromax). The combination of these medications is effective in treating gonorrhea and helps to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.

You mentioned that after starting treatment, your urinary frequency improved, which is a positive sign. However, the persistence of urinary pain and the emergence of blood in your urine (hematuria) are concerning symptoms that warrant further attention. Blood in the urine can indicate irritation or inflammation in the urinary tract, which may occur due to the infection itself or as a side effect of the treatment.
The presence of crusting in the morning could be related to the discharge associated with gonorrhea, which may still be resolving. It is not uncommon for symptoms to fluctuate during treatment, as the body responds to the antibiotics. However, if you are experiencing significant pain, blood in your urine, or any worsening of symptoms, it is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider.
In terms of what to expect during gonorrhea treatment, it is normal for some symptoms to persist for a short time after starting antibiotics. However, if symptoms do not improve or if new symptoms arise, such as fever, severe pain, or increased discharge, this could indicate a potential complication, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or a treatment failure.
It is also important to consider that while antibiotics are effective against the gonorrhea infection, they do not address any potential co-infections, such as chlamydia, which is often tested for and treated simultaneously.
In summary, while some symptoms may improve during treatment, the presence of ongoing urinary pain and blood in your urine should not be ignored. It is advisable to return to your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may perform additional tests, such as a urinalysis or urine culture, to determine the cause of your symptoms and ensure that the infection is fully resolved.
In conclusion, while it is common to experience some discomfort during gonorrhea treatment, persistent or worsening symptoms should prompt a follow-up visit to ensure that you receive the appropriate care and to rule out any complications. Your health and well-being are paramount, and timely medical advice is crucial in managing your recovery effectively.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Gonorrhea Treatment and Post-Treatment Symptoms

Hello, doctor. I received treatment for gonorrhea at the hospital in January of last year. The physician administered an injection and prescribed a week of doxycycline and a week of cinolone oral medications. About three weeks later, I went to another hospital for PCR testing for...

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology
It has been a year since the initial treatment for gonorrhea, which should have been effective. However, if there have been any risky sexual behaviors since then, there is a possibility of new sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is important to visit a hospital for testing...

Understanding Gonorrhea: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Confusion

Hello, I was previously diagnosed with oral gonorrhea but had no symptoms. You suggested I go back to the hospital for further examination, but the doctor did not recheck for gonorrhea (infectious disease specialist) and instead administered treatment (Rocephin and Ceftriaxone), ...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: Most patients will exhibit symptoms, but many diseases can present without symptoms. In such cases, a doctor's diagnosis is essential. If you have undergone treatment, theoretically, the anal area should also show improvement. Please make sure to avoid unsafe sexual p...

Understanding Gonorrhea: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Tips

Hello Doctor, I started experiencing symptoms on March 20, including intense itching in the genital area, sharp pain in the glans, and the discharge of white fluid, sometimes with a bit of blood when squeezed. Later, the foreskin became swollen. On March 23, I went for a consulta...

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology
It is uncertain whether it is truly gonorrhea. However, gonorrhea requires an injection for treatment. It is recommended to see a urologist for examination and follow-up.

Understanding Gonorrhea Treatment: What to Expect After Diagnosis

Hello, doctor. I have been diagnosed with gonorrhea after experiencing symptoms following unprotected sexual intercourse. I sought medical attention within two days, and the doctor mentioned that I came in early, as my symptoms were not yet pronounced. I received an injection and...

Dr. Sun Hongshun reply Urology
Hello: It is recommended that you continue to follow up with your original outpatient physician and adhere to their medical advice. It is advisable to wait until a follow-up examination confirms that there is no infection before feeling more at ease. In the meantime, it is still ...