Persistent Discomfort After Gonorrhea Treatment: What to Know

Q: Persistent Discomfort After Gonorrhea Treatment: What to Know

Hello： You may not be fully recovered yet, so please pay attention to your lifestyle. <br>Stay hydrated, rest, maintain a light diet, take your medications on time, and prioritize safe sexual practices. <br>Wishing you good health.

Diagnosed with gonorrhea, but still feeling unwell after treatment?

Hello, doctor.
Last Sunday, I noticed a sharp pain while urinating, and there was white discharge from the urethral opening.
So, I went to see a doctor on Monday morning and was diagnosed with gonorrhea.
That day, the doctor only gave me an injection and did not prescribe any medication, instructing me to return for a follow-up next Monday.
Actually, after the injection, my urination improved significantly that same day.
Today is the third day, and I no longer feel significant discomfort while urinating.
However, the stream of urine still splits at the beginning, and there is still a slight sharp pain at the urethral opening.
Could this mean that the bacteria have not been completely cleared? Additionally, I have some pain near the left testicle.
I am unsure if this is related to the gonorrhea or if it is due to my existing varicocele.
Thank you.

A, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/09/16

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: You may not be fully recovered yet, so please pay attention to your lifestyle.
Stay hydrated, rest, maintain a light diet, take your medications on time, and prioritize safe sexual practices.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/09/16

More Info

It's great that you've reached out for information regarding your symptoms after being treated for gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and while treatment is typically effective, some individuals may experience lingering symptoms or complications.

From your description, it seems that you received a single dose of an injectable antibiotic, which is a common treatment for gonorrhea. The fact that you noticed improvement in your symptoms shortly after the injection is a positive sign, as it indicates that the antibiotic is likely working to clear the infection. However, the persistence of some discomfort, such as the slight pain during urination and the splitting of the urine stream, can be concerning.

Here are a few points to consider regarding your situation:
1. Residual Symptoms: It's not uncommon for some individuals to experience residual symptoms after treatment. This can include mild discomfort or changes in urination. However, if these symptoms persist or worsen, it may indicate that the infection has not been fully cleared or that there are other underlying issues.

2. Follow-Up Care: Since you have a follow-up appointment scheduled, it's essential to discuss all your symptoms with your healthcare provider. They may want to perform additional tests to ensure that the gonorrhea has been completely treated and to rule out any other infections or complications.

3. Potential Complications: Gonorrhea can lead to complications if not adequately treated. In men, it can cause epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis) or prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), which could explain the pain near your left testicle. If you have a history of varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum), it's also possible that this could be contributing to your discomfort.

4. Self-Care and Monitoring: In the meantime, monitor your symptoms closely. If you notice any worsening of pain, fever, swelling, or if you develop new symptoms such as discharge or fever, seek medical attention promptly. Staying hydrated and avoiding irritants (like caffeine or alcohol) may help alleviate some urinary discomfort.

5. Testing for Other STIs: Gonorrhea often coexists with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia. If you haven't been tested for other STIs, it might be a good idea to discuss this with your doctor during your follow-up visit.

6. Anxiety and Concerns: It's natural to feel anxious about your health, especially after a diagnosis of an STI. Remember that many people successfully recover from gonorrhea with appropriate treatment. Open communication with your healthcare provider can help alleviate some of your concerns.

In summary, while some residual symptoms after gonorrhea treatment can occur, it's crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider to ensure that the infection has been fully resolved and to rule out any complications. Your health and well-being are paramount, so don't hesitate to seek further evaluation if your symptoms persist or worsen.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Persistent Urethral Pain After Gonorrhea Treatment

Doctor's response: I still have questions. I was diagnosed with gonorrhea and urethritis at the end of February and have been undergoing treatment for two months. I have taken a lot of medication. After stopping the medication for a week, I still experience occasional sharp ...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
1. Why does the urethra still experience occasional sharp pain and discomfort? Sometimes, after treating urethritis, due to the strong destructive capability of bacteria, such as in gonococcal urethritis, there can be a phenomenon of chronic urethritis. This occurs when the bacte...

Understanding Symptoms During Gonorrhea Treatment: What to Expect

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 Doxyca...

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 ...

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 Treatment: Duration, Symptoms, and Concerns

Hello, About three days ago, I suspected that I might have gonorrhea. My symptoms include pain at the urethral opening during urination, along with a continuous discharge (white with a slight yellow tint). I went to the hospital for treatment, and the doctor only informed me th...

Dr. Sun Hongshun reply Urology
Hello: The disease you mentioned must be confirmed with experimental data and bacterial cultures; only with an accurate diagnosis can proper treatment be administered. Since the symptoms persist, I still recommend that you consult with a urologist at a teaching hospital for furth...