Gonorrhea treatment

Gonorrhea is a treatable sexually transmitted infection (STI) that’s caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. An infected person passes the bacteria to another person during anal, oral or vaginal sex. Gonorrhea is most common in the cervix, rectum, throat and urethra. Like any bacterial infection, a person can get gonorrhea multiple times.

A person with gonorrhea may not show any symptoms. Others may experience any of the following symptoms:*

• Burning sensation when urinating
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Discharge from the penis
• A rectal infection that can include itching, bleeding, discharge or soreness

People assigned male at birth (AMAB) may experience symptoms that include the following:

• Green, yellow or white discharge from the penis
• Pain or swelling in the testicles

For those assigned female at birth (AFAB), symptoms can be mistaken for a urinary or vaginal infection:

• Bleeding between periods
• Increased vaginal discharge

Even without symptoms, people with gonorrhea are at risk of developing serious complications.

A MinuteClinic provider can assess a person’s symptoms and order laboratory tests if needed. They will develop a treatment plan and prescribe antibiotics. They can also discuss healthy sex practices to help prevent future infections.

1. You may have to answer a few questions to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

   If you made your appointment online:
   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic:
   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth, email address and phone number to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, a receipt and educational material. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics,* and it’s important to abstain from sex during treatment. Sexual partners should also be evaluated and treated. If treated early, complications may be avoided.

Untreated gonorrhea may lead to long-term complications,* including epididymitis, infertility, joint pain, pelvic inflammatory disorder and an increased risk for other STIs like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). If gonorrhea is treated early, several complications can be avoided.

The only way to fully prevent infection is to avoid sexual activity.* However, there are steps people can take to help prevent infection:*

• Use a barrier prevention method like condoms during anal, oral or vaginal sex
• Get annual screenings for STIs
• Have a partner tested before any sexual activity
• Be in a mutually monogamous relationship where both partners have been tested
• Avoid sex with people who show symptoms of gonorrhea

A MinuteClinic provider can assess a person’s symptoms and order laboratory tests if needed. They will develop a treatment plan and prescribe antibiotics, if necessary. They can also discuss safe sex practices to help prevent future infections.