Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Symptoms of gonorrhea may include burning during urination, discharge from the penis or vagina, and pain and swelling in the testicles or pelvic area. Untreated, gonorrhea can cause serious health complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. The recommended treatment for gonorrhea is a combination of antibiotics, usually ceftriaxone and azithromycin. Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic that works by stopping the bacteria from growing and multiplying, while azithromycin is an antibiotic that works by killing the bacteria. These antibiotics are usually taken as a single dose, or in some cases, a series of doses over a few days. Treatment is generally very effective in curing gonorrhea and preventing further complications. In some cases, a follow-up appointment may be necessary to ensure that the infection has been completely eradicated.