Gonorrhea: Common Concerns and Symptoms Explained

Q: Gonorrhea: Common Concerns and Symptoms Explained

Hello： <br>1. <br>Is it possible that I have a gonorrhea infection? → Your description does not indicate any unsafe sexual behavior.<br>2. <br>If I have gonorrhea, will a routine urine test show abnormalities? I went to a place where I had to wait for the machine to run for 20 mi

Questions about Gonorrhea

Hello, doctor.
Eighteen years ago, I bought a masturbation sleeve from an adult store.
Before using it, I washed it with water.
Afterward, I was worried about my family finding it, so I hid it in a shared basement storage area.
The next day, I used it again after only washing it with water (I’m not sure if anyone else had used it, but that area was filled with old garbage and furniture, and the residents seemed simple; I didn’t think anyone would pick it up to use and then put it back).
The following day, I experienced urethral pain and noticed pus on the inner side of the foreskin.
When I went to see a doctor, I didn’t mention this part, and the doctor diagnosed me with urethritis.
However, I went to a general surgeon who only tested my urine with a dipstick and prescribed cephalexin.
Later, the pus symptoms disappeared within a day, but every time I returned for follow-up, the urine tests showed abnormal results.
I took cephalexin for at least two weeks, but I don’t remember how it ended.
A few years later, I went to a urologist for check-ups because I complained about glans pain, which was also caused by the masturbation sleeve, but there was no pus, and I had hidden it away.
The doctor used a machine for routine urine tests and conducted visual examinations three times, all of which were deemed normal.
Later, during military service checks, I tested negative for HIV and also tested for syphilis during heart examinations, which was also negative.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1.
Is it possible that I contracted gonorrhea? 2.
If I had gonorrhea, would routine urine tests show abnormalities? I went to a place where the machine takes 20 minutes to run (8 years ago).
3.
In the meantime, I had surgery for a sebaceous cyst and took almost a full course of amoxicillin.
Is this medication effective against gonorrhea? 4.
I am concerned about this issue because if I don’t ejaculate daily, the urine color tends to be yellowish, but if I masturbate every day, it doesn’t.
Is this normal?

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/03/23

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello:
1.
Is it possible that I have a gonorrhea infection? → Your description does not indicate any unsafe sexual behavior.
2.
If I have gonorrhea, will a routine urine test show abnormalities? I went to a place where I had to wait for the machine to run for 20 minutes (8 years ago) → There would be abnormalities.
3.
I had a sebaceous cyst surgery and took almost a full course of amoxicillin.
Is this medication effective against gonorrhea? → Antibiotics are effective, but they are not the first choice.
4.
I am concerned about this issue because if I do not ejaculate daily, the color tends to be yellow, but if I masturbate daily, it is not.
Is this normal? → This is normal.

Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/03/23

More Info

Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is a common concern for many individuals, especially those who may have engaged in activities that could expose them to the infection. Your situation raises several important questions regarding the potential for infection, testing, and treatment.

1. Could you have contracted gonorrhea?
Given your history of using a shared or potentially contaminated masturbation sleeve, there is a possibility of exposure to gonorrhea, especially if the item had been used by someone infected. Gonorrhea is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, but it can also be transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids. If you experienced symptoms such as urethral pain and discharge, these could indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI) or possibly a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like gonorrhea. However, since you mentioned that your symptoms resolved after taking cephalexin, it is likely that you had a bacterial infection that responded to that antibiotic.

2. Would routine urine tests show abnormalities if you had gonorrhea?
Standard urine tests for gonorrhea typically involve a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), which is more sensitive and specific than traditional urine dipstick tests. If you had gonorrhea, a NAAT would likely detect the infection, leading to a positive result. However, if you were only subjected to a basic urine dipstick test, it might not specifically indicate gonorrhea. It is important to note that even if you had a UTI or another type of infection, the results could show abnormalities, such as the presence of white blood cells or bacteria.

3. Is amoxicillin effective against gonorrhea?
Amoxicillin is not the first-line treatment for gonorrhea. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends dual therapy with ceftriaxone and azithromycin for treating gonorrhea due to increasing antibiotic resistance. While amoxicillin may have some effect on certain strains of bacteria, it is not considered effective against gonorrhea, especially given the rising resistance patterns.

4. Is it normal for urine color to change based on ejaculation frequency?
Yes, it is normal for urine color to vary based on hydration levels, diet, and frequency of ejaculation. If you are well-hydrated, your urine is likely to be lighter in color. Conversely, if you have not ejaculated for a while, the urine may appear darker or more concentrated. This is typically not a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, burning, or unusual discharge.

In summary, while your past experiences and symptoms could suggest a potential for gonorrhea or another infection, the resolution of your symptoms after antibiotic treatment and negative STI tests are reassuring. However, if you continue to have concerns or experience new symptoms, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation, including specific tests for STIs. Regular screenings and open communication with healthcare professionals are essential for maintaining sexual health and addressing any concerns promptly.

Similar Q&A

Understanding the Symptoms of Gonorrhea: A Urology Perspective

What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
KK: Hello, the symptoms of gonorrhea include painful urination, frequent urination, urgency to urinate, difficulty urinating, and yellowish, thick discharge from the urethra. If a bacterial culture of the discharge is performed, it will show an infection with Neisseria gonorrhoea...

Understanding Gonorrhea: Symptoms, Misdiagnosis, and Treatment

If a person had sexual intercourse in 2022 and was infected with gonorrhea but did not notice or treat the infection, it is possible that they could experience recurring or persistent symptoms now. Gonorrhea can sometimes lead to chronic symptoms or complications if left untreate...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, it is recommended to visit a gynecologist to check for any infections. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Gonorrhea: Concerns and Questions for Patients

Subject: Inquiry Regarding Gonorrhea Concerns Dear Dr. Du, I recently came across a newspaper article about gonorrhea, which has caused me to feel anxious. Eighteen years ago, I had a single instance of hand-to-genital contact with a sex worker, during which I ejaculated, but t...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: The physician does not encourage this type of sexual relationship, but also does not want to instill fear. Given the circumstances at that time, there should be no issues; it is more important to avoid this behavior. 1. No, 2. No, thank you for your inquiry.

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.