Gonorrhea
What is gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a STD that infects both men and women. Gonorrheal infection affects the genitals, rectum, and even throat. It is very common especially among young people within the age of 15-24 years.
How is gonorrhea spread?
Gonorrhea is contracted by having oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse with someone who has the disease. A pregnant woman infected with gonorrhea can also pass the infection to the baby during childbirth.
How can I reduce my risk of getting gonorrhea?
Abstain from vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
A monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative
Using latex condoms correctly every time you have sex, also reduces the chance of transmission.
Symptoms
*Gonorrhea may present with no symptoms at all.
Men
Men who have symptoms present with:
- Burning sensation when urinating
- white, yellow, or green discharge
- Painful and/or swollen testicles
Women
Symptoms in women are usually mild and may be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection.
Women who have symptoms present with:
- Painful or burning sensation while urinating
- Increased vaginal discharge that may have foul odor
- Bleeding between periods.
Rectal infections in both men and women may include:
- Anal itching
- Soreness
- Bleeding
- Painful bowel movements
Treatment of Uncomplicated Gonococcal Infections of the Cervix, Urethra, and Rectum:
CDC recommends dual therapy, or using two drugs, to treat gonorrhea
A single dose of 250mg of intramuscular ceftriaxone AND 1g of oral azithromycin.
Alternative Regimens (If ceftriaxone is not available)
Cefixime 400 mg orally in a single dose
PLUS
Azithromycin 1 g orally in a single dose or Doxycycline 100 mg by mouth twice a daily for 7 days
A 400-mg oral dose of cefixime should only be considered as an alternative cephalosporin regimen because it does not provide as high, nor as sustained, bactericidal blood levels as a 250-mg dose of ceftriaxone; further, it demonstrates limited efficacy for treatment of pharyngeal gonorrhea.
Following the completion of your consultation, please be advised that your prescription will be available at the pharmacy in approximately 20 minutes.