Gonorrhea and Urethritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns

Q: Gonorrhea and Urethritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns

Hello： 1. I received a muscle injection of a third-generation broad-spectrum antibiotic. I would like to know how effective muscle injections are? Approximately how many days until all symptoms resolve? Generally, improvement is expected in 2-3 days. 2. Since I

Urinary tract infection, gonorrhea?

Hello, doctor.
I have a few questions.
Last week, I had unprotected sexual intercourse and engaged in kissing.
About three to four days later, I noticed redness and swelling at the urethral opening.
Therefore, on the evening of November 15, I visited a urology clinic, and the doctor diagnosed me with gonococcal urethritis.
The doctor performed a massage on the urethral opening, which resulted in a small amount of yellowish-white discharge, leading to an immediate diagnosis of gonococcal urethritis.
Here are my questions:
1.
I received a muscle injection of a third-generation strong antibiotic.
How effective is the muscle injection? Approximately how many days will it take for the symptoms to completely resolve?
2.
Since I was diagnosed with gonorrhea, I researched online and found that the throat can also be infected.
My throat symptoms appeared around the same time as the gonorrhea symptoms.
Is it possible that the gonococcal bacteria caused this? If so, will the doxycycline oral antibiotic prescribed by my doctor be effective?
3.
Since doxycycline is quite painful, can I take it together with Tylenol?
4.
It has been the second night since I received the antibiotic injection.
During this time, urination has not been painful, but I have been experiencing persistent itching at the urethral opening and an increased frequency of urination (I have been drinking a lot of fluids as per the doctor's advice, about 1800 ml in 8 hours).
Is it normal to feel the urge to urinate every 20-30 minutes? Additionally, every time I feel the urge to urinate, the urethral opening itches particularly.
I would like to know if the itching is caused by the gonococcus or by chlamydia.
5.
After receiving the antibiotic injection, the doctor instructed me to get tested for STDs.
I plan to get tested three days after the antibiotic injection.
Will chlamydia and gonorrhea be detectable at that time?
Thank you for your answers, doctor.

Mr. Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/11/17

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello:
1.
I received a muscle injection of a third-generation broad-spectrum antibiotic.
I would like to know how effective muscle injections are? Approximately how many days until all symptoms resolve? Generally, improvement is expected in 2-3 days.
2.
Since I have been diagnosed with gonorrhea, I researched that the throat can also be infected, as my throat symptoms appeared around the same time.
Is it possible that the gonorrhea bacteria caused this? If so, will the doxycycline oral antibiotic prescribed by my doctor be effective? -- Generally, it should be effective.
3.
Since it is quite painful, can I take doxycycline together with acetaminophen? Yes, it is permissible.
4.
It has been the second night since I received the antibiotic injection.
During this time, urination has not been painful, but I have a persistent itching sensation at the urethral opening and an increased frequency of urination (I have been drinking a lot of fluids as per my doctor's instructions, about 1800ml in 8 hours).
Is it normal to feel the urge to urinate every 20-30 minutes? -- This is common, and I also experience significant itching at the urethral opening each time I feel the urge to urinate.
I would like to know if the itching is caused by the gonococcus or chlamydia? -- It is not certain.
5.
After the doctor administered the antibiotic, I was advised to get tested for STDs.
I plan to get tested three days after completing the antibiotic treatment.
Will chlamydia and gonorrhea be detectable at that time? -- It is not guaranteed that they will be detectable.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/11/17

More Info

Gonorrhea and urethritis are significant health concerns, particularly when transmitted through sexual contact. Understanding the symptoms, treatment options, and potential complications is crucial for effective management and recovery.

1. Effectiveness of Intramuscular Antibiotic Injection: The third-generation cephalosporin antibiotics, often used for treating gonorrhea, are highly effective. When administered intramuscularly, these antibiotics can provide rapid relief from symptoms. Typically, patients may start to notice an improvement within 24 to 48 hours post-injection. However, complete resolution of symptoms can take several days, depending on the severity of the infection and individual response to treatment. It is essential to complete the full course of any prescribed antibiotics to ensure the infection is fully eradicated.

2. Potential Throat Infection: Gonorrhea can indeed infect the throat, leading to pharyngeal gonorrhea, which may present with symptoms similar to a sore throat. If you are experiencing throat symptoms, it is possible that you could have contracted the infection there as well. Doxycycline, which is often prescribed for chlamydia and other bacterial infections, may be effective against gonorrhea, but it is not the first-line treatment for gonorrhea itself. The recommended treatment for gonorrhea typically includes a combination of antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone and azithromycin, to cover potential co-infections like chlamydia. It is crucial to follow your physician's advice regarding the treatment plan.

3. Combining Doxycycline with Pain Relief: It is generally safe to take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) with doxycycline. However, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider before combining medications to avoid any potential interactions or side effects.

4. Post-Treatment Symptoms: Experiencing itching at the urethral opening and increased frequency of urination after antibiotic treatment can be concerning. While some irritation may persist as the body heals, it is essential to differentiate between symptoms caused by the gonorrhea infection and those resulting from other factors, such as irritation from the antibiotic or a secondary infection. The itching could be due to residual inflammation from the infection or possibly a yeast infection, which can occur after antibiotic use. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to return to your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

5. Testing for STIs: It is prudent to wait at least one week after completing antibiotic treatment before undergoing testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea and chlamydia. This timeframe allows for the antibiotics to clear from your system and for accurate test results. Testing too soon may lead to false negatives, as the infection may still be present or the antibiotics may interfere with the test results.

In summary, it is vital to adhere to your treatment plan, monitor your symptoms, and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical attention. Gonorrhea and urethritis are treatable conditions, and with appropriate care, you can achieve a full recovery. Always practice safe sex to reduce the risk of STIs in the future.

Similar Q&A

Distinguishing Between Gonorrhea and Urethritis: Symptoms and Impacts

My symptoms are as follows: 1. I experience a burning sensation in the penis while urinating. 2. There is a discharge of yellowish fluid (with a slightly green tint) from the urethral opening. I would like to know if there is a way to differentiate between gonorrhea and urethriti...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: Urethritis often presents with cloudy urine, and it rarely shows yellow-green coloration. Reporting should not affect work. For treatment medications, please refer to the following Taiwan CDC information (patient care items). Wishing you good health. https://www.cdc.gov.tw...

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: Understanding Urological Infections and Symptoms

Doctor, I have a question. At the beginning of March, I had symptoms of a Chlamydia infection (urine test and bacterial culture showed only inflammatory symptoms). The first doctor prescribed medication for me, and my symptoms improved significantly. In early April, I had protect...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: The presence of blood in urine or visible hematuria can have various causes and should not be solely attributed to a previous infection. It is advisable to consult a urologist for further evaluation. Please note the timing of the hematuria and discuss it with your physicia...

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 Urethritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

I have recently noticed obvious symptoms of urethritis, including itching during urination and the presence of white discharge from the urethral opening. I visited a pediatrician who prescribed anti-inflammatory medication without conducting any tests and administered an anti-inf...

Dr. Chen Jiansheng reply Urology
Dear Mr. Lant: It is important to prioritize your health, so please visit a major hospital for a thorough examination to receive appropriate treatment. Best regards, Dr. Chen Chien-Sheng, Urology Department, Xinying Hospital.