Gonorrhea Treatment and Persistent Urinary Symptoms

Q: Gonorrhea Treatment and Persistent Urinary Symptoms

ABC： Hello, I am pleased to assist you with sexually transmitted infections. <br>In fact, they are quite easy to treat. <br>Gonorrhea typically manifests within one week and presents with noticeable symptoms of urethritis, usually characterized by yellowish discharge from the ure

Gonorrhea Treatment

In August 2009, I had a sexual encounter at a hotel, during which a condom was used throughout.
However, the next day, I immediately experienced clinical symptoms of gonorrhea, including frequent urination and a "stringy" appearance in the first morning urine.
After two weeks, I sought medical attention, and both blood and urine tests came back normal.
I informed the physician of my symptoms, and I received a intravenous injection of Rocephin.
Despite this, I have continued to experience frequent urination over the past year (which I had previously but has worsened).
During this time, I consulted with a doctor who indicated that my bladder was too tense and prescribed medication, but after three days of taking it with no improvement, I discontinued it.
At the end of 2009, I underwent related tests, all of which were normal.
In late June, due to the frequent urination issue, I requested an ultrasound, which revealed a one-centimeter cyst on each kidney, but it was deemed not concerning and only required regular follow-up.
This morning, after urinating, I forced out residual urine and noticed the yellow "stringy" appearance again (the night before, I had forced ejaculation, and my morning urine was yellow and foamy; for the past few weeks, my morning urine has consistently been colored and foamy).
Shortly after sitting down, I experienced a burning sensation in the urethra.
Additionally, over the past few months, I have noticed that after using the restroom, some residual urine leaks out when I sit down.
The hospital conducted tests and stated that there was no residual urine issue with my bladder, indicating that it was empty, but there is still residual urine in the urethra that leaks out when I sit (when I asked the doctor, they suggested just squeezing it out after urination).
If I wear light-colored underwear, there are yellow stains, which makes me wonder if my lower fluid intake during the summer is a factor; unless I drink a lot of water, my urine is always yellow.
My main concern remains whether the gonorrhea has been fully treated, as I had a urine test at the hospital in early September last year, and after waiting thirty minutes, the report showed no abnormalities.
Although I received the Rocephin injection, I am now experiencing these symptoms again a year later.
Is it possible that the infection has not been eradicated? Additionally, have my kidneys, bladder, and urethra been affected? After all, I always have residual urine.
Could my underwear be causing a reinfection? (I always dry my clothes thoroughly before wearing them again.) Thank you.

ABC, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/07/07

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

ABC: Hello, I am pleased to assist you with sexually transmitted infections.
In fact, they are quite easy to treat.
Gonorrhea typically manifests within one week and presents with noticeable symptoms of urethritis, usually characterized by yellowish discharge from the urethral opening.
If you have concerns, you can perform a bacterial culture of the urethral discharge, which can be done at general laboratories or hospitals.
A sample of the discharge from the urethra is taken for bacterial culture, and the results will provide the necessary information.
This is a message from the Department of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Director Hsu Wei-Kai.
If you have any doubts regarding this response, feel free to continue the discussion.

Reply Date: 2010/07/07

More Info

Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, can lead to a variety of urinary symptoms, including frequent urination, burning sensations, and unusual discharge. Your experience of persistent urinary symptoms following a potential exposure, despite the use of condoms, raises several important considerations regarding diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.

Firstly, it is crucial to understand that while condoms significantly reduce the risk of transmitting gonorrhea, they are not 100% effective. If you experienced symptoms shortly after the encounter, it is possible that you contracted the infection. The fact that you received treatment with Rocephin (ceftriaxone), a common antibiotic for gonorrhea, is a positive step. However, the persistence of symptoms raises concerns about whether the infection was fully eradicated or if there are other underlying issues.

The symptoms you describe, such as frequent urination, "stringy" discharge, and a burning sensation, could be indicative of several conditions beyond gonorrhea. Chronic prostatitis, bladder irritation, or even interstitial cystitis could contribute to these symptoms. The fact that you have undergone multiple tests, including blood and urine tests, which returned normal results, suggests that the initial gonorrhea infection may have been treated, but other factors may be at play.

The presence of "stringy" discharge and changes in urine color could also indicate other infections or irritations. It is important to consider that residual effects from a previous infection or a new infection could be responsible for your ongoing symptoms. Additionally, the sensation of incomplete bladder emptying and the need to "squeeze out" residual urine may suggest bladder dysfunction or pelvic floor issues, which can occur independently of a sexually transmitted infection.

Regarding your concerns about kidney and bladder health, the ultrasound findings of small cysts on your kidneys are generally benign and do not typically cause symptoms. However, if you are experiencing persistent urinary issues, it is essential to follow up with a urologist or a specialist in pelvic health. They can perform more targeted evaluations, such as urodynamic studies, to assess bladder function and determine if there are any underlying issues contributing to your symptoms.

As for the potential for reinfection, it is unlikely that wearing clean underwear would lead to recurrent gonorrhea, especially if you are practicing good hygiene. However, if you have sexual partners, it is important to ensure they are also tested and treated if necessary to prevent reinfection.

In summary, while your initial treatment for gonorrhea may have been effective, the persistence of urinary symptoms suggests that further evaluation is warranted. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider who can conduct a thorough assessment of your urinary tract and reproductive health. They may recommend additional testing or refer you to a specialist to explore other potential causes of your symptoms. Maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider and following their recommendations will be key to addressing your ongoing concerns.

Similar Q&A

Persistent Urination After Gonorrhea Treatment: What You Need to Know

Hello doctor, I was diagnosed with gonorrhea in early June and immediately received treatment at a major hospital. I received an injection and took antibiotics for two weeks. During my follow-up appointment, the doctor said the bacterial load had decreased, and advised me to drin...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: If you drink more water (over 2500cc per day, avoiding beverages and alcohol) and still notice that your lifestyle remains the same, it is possible that there may be a recurrence. You should return for a follow-up examination. Wishing you good health.

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 Aftermath: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery

I would like to ask about the symptoms of gonorrhea that appeared in mid-January last year, but I didn't complete treatment until around mid-May. Could there be serious long-term effects from this? Currently, I seem to be experiencing some aftereffects, such as persistent re...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: The tests have returned normal, but symptoms persist. It's important to pay attention to your lifestyle, as prolonged treatment may lead to some chronic effects. It is advisable to consistently visit a urology department at a hospital for treatment of urinary symptoms...

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...