Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium. This means that it is passed from one person to another through sexual contact, including oral, vaginal, or anal sex.
Gonorrhea treatments - online prescriptions available today
In order to treat your gonorrhea, consult with a board-certified primary care doctor online today to prescribe antibiotics to decrease burning symptoms, if you qualify. Get a same-day prescription to treat gonorrhea or refill an existing prescription.*
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of gonorrhea. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Learn about gonorrhea
This bacterial infection is transmitted by having oral, anal, or vaginal sex with a person who has gonorrhea. Rarely, in addition to the genitals and rectum, gonorrhea can also infect the eyes, throat, or joints. Gonorrhea is one of the most common STIs in the United States with about 1.14 million cases annually.
Gonorrhea causes
Gonorrhea symptoms
The most common symptoms of gonorrhea in men and women are:
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Discharge that may be watery, creamy, slightly green or yellow
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Burning sensation while urinating (dysuria)
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Pain during sex
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Painful, burning and swollen glands in throat
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Painful bowel movements
How to treat gonorrhea
Since gonorrhea is caused by a bacterial infection, gonorrhea treatment is a regimen of antibiotics. The most commonly used and most preferred is ceftriaxone intramuscularly (injection into muscle). This option is only available in-person in a clinic such as Planned Parenthood or local public health departments. An oral cephalosporin, cefixime (brand name Suprax) is a reasonable alternative.
Rarely, some strains of gonorrhea in the US have become antibiotic resistant, referred to as "super gonorrhea," and may need stronger, intravenous antibiotics if standard antibiotic treatments fail.
Gonorrhea medication
Antibiotics
How to prevent gonorrhea
If you are sexually active, here are some things you can do to lower your chances of being infected with gonorrhea:
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Use protection: Using condoms correctly every time you engage in sexual activity can help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
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Get tested regularly: Getting tested for STIs regularly can help you prevent spread to partners. Having a history of sexually transmitted infections increases your likelihood of contracting another. If you and your partner(s) get tested regularly, it helps limit exposure. STD testing is widely available, confidential and affordable.
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Limit your number of sexual partners: Limit your number of sex partners and have yourself and each partner get tested before having sex. This may be easier to do with fewer partners. The more partners you have at any given time increases your likelihood of getting gonorrhea or any other STI.
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Avoid intercourse if you're having symptoms: Signs or symptoms of STDs should be taken seriously, and avoiding intercourse as soon as you realize something may be wrong is important. Although many have STDs without experiencing symptoms (which is why condom use and routine STD screening is important), it's essential to avoid sex and get tested right away if you notice anything wrong.
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Avoid douching: Douching refers to washing the vagina either with a product that can include antiseptics and fragrances. Medical professionals agree that douching is not effective and can increase your risk of sexual health issues, as it upsets the natural environment of the genitals.
When to see a doctor for gonorrhea
If you suspect you may have a STI, it is very important to get tested. Even if you have no symptoms, if you are sexually active, you should get tested regularly so as to avoid unknowingly spreading STIs to others, as many people carry STDs without realizing they have them.
Gonorrhea treatment FAQs
How to test for gonorrhea?
In most cases gonorrhea is tested for using a urine sample. If you have symptoms of oral , anal gonorrhea, or gonorrhea of the eyes, swabs will be taken from the symptomatic areas.
What is the best treatment for gonorrhea?
If you suspect you may have an STI, it is very important to get tested. Even if you have no symptoms, if you are sexually active, you should get tested regularly so as to avoid unknowingly spreading STIs to others, as many people carry STDs without realizing they have them.
What is the best medication for gonorrhea?
The best medication for gonorrhea is a course of antibiotics. Ceftriaxone (a cephalosporin) injected into your muscle (intramuscular) in a single dose is the most effective, most preferred treatment. This option is only available in-person in a clinic such as Planned Parenthood or local public health departments. Another oral cephalosporin, cefixime (brand name Suprax) is a reasonable alternative. For patients with a severe allergies to cephalosporins, azithromycin (brand name Zithromax) is an alternative if combined with Gentamicin or Gemifloxacin antibiotics.
If you have gonorrhea of the throat (pharyngitis), the only effective option that is recommended is ceftriaxone. Other therapies may not fight the infection effectively enough.
Can I get gonorrhea treatment online?
An online doctor can write you a lab referral so you can receive STI testing. This order form is required by most labs before you can receive testing. During your virtual visit, our doctors will evaluate your symptoms and refer you to your closest lab. Once your results come in the doctor will get in touch with you to give you an official diagnosis and treatment plan, including any necessary prescription medications. It is possible that your doctor may prescribe treatment without lab results, called empiric treatment, but this may not always be the safest option. Your doctor will discuss the risks & benefits with you.
Can you reinfect yourself with gonorrhea during treatment?
It is possible to be reinfected with gonorrhea, during the same time that you are taking your treatment.
Why is gonorrhea called the clap?
Gonorrhea was commonly referred to as the clap, which most likely originated as early as the 1500s from the French term "es Clapiers”, referring to brothels in Paris where it likely ran rampant. Other references to the Old English word "clappan, meaning to burn or to throb, consistent with symptoms of the infection. Finally, it may have been related to a very old (and likely ineffective!) treatment treatment method where infected genitals were clapped between the palms to expel discharge. However, this term is outdated, and using the accurate medical name is recommended.
How long will I test positive for gonorrhea after treatment?
Gonococcal DNA will remain for up to 2 weeks after treatment. It is recommended that you test again 3 months following treatment.
Can gonorrhea go away without treatment?
It’s unlikely that gonorrhea will go away on its own without treatment. First, the infection may get worse and spread to other areas of your body causing worsening symptoms and lasting damage to your reproductive organs, bloodstream infections and joint infections. Second, the longer you have gonorrhea the more likely you are to spread it. Considering gonorrhea is easily treated with antibiotics, and you can get prescribed online, there really is no good reason to delay treatment. Plushcare doctors are caring, confidential, and understanding of all STDs as an unfortunate risk in life that should be treated without stigma to help patients feel happy, safe and healthy.
How long does gonorrhea last after treatment?
Gonorrhea symptoms should be resolved after treatment, but you may test positive for gonorrhea until two weeks after treatment. If your symptoms persist or recur shortly (3-5 days) after treatment, you should be re-tested for gonorrhea and other STDs, and re-treated if necessary.
What antibiotics kill gonorrhea?
Cephalosporin antibiotics like Ceftriaxone (brand name Rocephin) and Cefixime (brand name Suprax) are the best at fighting off gonorrhea. Alternative regimens are available should you have a severe allergy to cephalosporin medications.
How long does gonorrhea take to treat?
Gonorrhea can be treated in one to two weeks, although symptoms may resolve after a few days. However, it is important to take the full course of antibiotics to clear the infection.
What does gonorrhea look like?
The visible symptoms of gonorrhea include redness and swelling of the genitals, and abnormal discharge that is yellow or green in color. That said, not everyone with an infection will display these symptoms. In fact, more than 50% of women with gonorrhea show no symptoms.
Is gonorrhea curable?
Yes, a variety of antibiotics can fight off and cure a gonorrheal infection. Unfortunately, gonorrhea is developing resistance to certain types of antibiotic, and some infections may be harder to treat than others. Thankfully, this is still a relatively rare issue, and with usual antibiotic treatments the infection should clear after one to two weeks. You should never stop taking antibiotics until the recommended course is finished, even if you think the infection cleared or you are feeling better.
What does gonorrhea smell like?
Gonorrhea typically does not have an odor. Discharge will, though, look thick white, yellow or brown, just like pus.
Which is worse, chlamydia or gonorrhea?
Both of these STDs are caused by bacteria. They have many overlapping symptoms and are both treated with antibiotics. One is not worse than the other, they both have complications that can arise and should each be tested for as soon as you notice symptoms to determine the best course of treatment.
Can you die from gonorrhea?
Untreated gonorrhea can spread to the blood and joints which can be fatal. It can also lead to complications such as increased risk of HIV, which can also cause death. When treated promptly and effectively, gonorrhea is not life-threatening.
Can you get gonorrhea from kissing?
No, someone with gonorrhea cannot pass it along via kissing.
3 simple steps to request treatment for gonorrhea online
Book a gonorrhea treatment appointment.
Talk to your medical provider regarding your gonorrhea symptoms.
Take a lab order to your local lab, if provided. Pick up a prescription to treat gonorrhea, if prescribed
Related conditions to gonorrhea
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Gonorrhea treatment resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
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CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): "Gonorrhea - CDC Fact Sheet (Detailed)." CDC. Accessed on December 5, 2023, at https://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/treatment.htm.
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Mayo Clinic: "Gonorrhea - Diagnosis and Treatment." Mayo Clinic. Accessed on December 5, 2023, at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gonorrhea/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351780.
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Cleveland Clinic: "Gonorrhea." Cleveland Clinic. Accessed on December 5, 2023, at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4217-gonorrhea.
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.