Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted disease contracted by millions every year. Commonly referred to as 'the clap', gonorrhoea can often present as symptomless, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications. With new antibiotic-resistant strains emerging, effective treatment and prevention are more important than ever. For many, the prospect of facing a positive STI diagnosis can stir feelings of anxiety, shame, or embarrassment. However, talking openly about conditions like gonorrhoea is an important step towards greater public education and reducing the stigma around sexual health issues. In this article, we'll explore the typical approach for gonorrhoea treatment currently being used by healthcare practitioners.
Treatment of Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea treatment involves the following aspects:
1. Antibiotic regimen:
- The recommended course of therapy for gonorrhoea is an intramuscular dosage of ceftriaxone.
- The antibiotic regimen is quite successful in fighting the illness.
2. Alternate Regimens:
- There are alternate regimens available in circumstances where ceftriaxone cannot be used to treat rectal or urogenital gonorrhoea.
- The prescription of these substitutes is contingent upon certain situations and the patient's health status.
3. Antimicrobial Resistance Concerns:
- Antimicrobial resistance in gonorrhoea is a developing problem.
- This resistance hampers treatment success. Healthcare professionals need to monitor closely and modify treatment plans as needed.
4. Test-of-Cure (TOC):
- After treatment, vaginal and rectal infections do not require a test-of-cure or follow-up testing.
- Nonetheless, people should see a healthcare professional again for a revaluation if their symptoms worsen after therapy.
5. TOC for Throat Infections:
- Due to the nature of throat infections, a test-of-cure (TOC) should be performed 7–14 days following therapy to confirm the infection was successfully cured.
6. Reevaluation and Retesting:
- Regardless of their belief that their partners were effectively treated, men and women treated for gonorrhoea should take part in retesting three months following the original course of therapy due to the reported incidence of reinfection.
- This phase aims to guarantee total resolution and stop additional spread.