Can I get gonorrhea from oral or anal sex?

Yes. Gonorrhea can infect the throat and rectum through oral or anal sex with an infected person.

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3.5 Minute

18-07-2024 Team Medicover infectious-diseases

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Mayur Dalvi, Urologist

Medications to Treat Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a common STI caused by bacteria that can infect the genitals, rectum, or throat in both men and women. It's usually curable with antibiotics if treated early, but some strains are becoming resistant.

This guide explains the best treatments, how they work, possible side effects, and tips for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have medication allergies.

Symptoms of gonorrhea:

In Men:

Pain or burning while urinating
White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis
Swollen or painful testicles
Sore throat (if infected through oral sex)

In Women:

Increased vaginal discharge
Pain or burning during urination
Vaginal bleeding between periods
Pain during sex
Abdominal or pelvic pain
Sore throat (if infected through oral sex)

Rectal Gonorrhea (Both Men and Women):

Discharge from the rectum
Itching or soreness around the anus
Pain during bowel movements
Bleeding

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Gonorrhea Medications

The guidelines promoted a two-drug therapy for uncomplicated gonorrhea, using two different types of antibiotics recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Ceftriaxone:

Injections of ceftriaxone, a cephalosporin antibiotic that is one of the most effective single-dose agents for treatment of gonorrhea. It is administered as a one-off intramuscular injection.

Most effective treatment (one-time shot).
Often used with another antibiotic.
Side effects: Injection pain, rash, stomach upset.

Azithromycin:

Azithromycin is an oral antibiotic that may be used in combination with ceftriaxone to cover a broad range of causative agents while minimizing the risk for emergence of resistance.

Used with ceftriaxone to prevent resistance.
Side effects: Nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps.

Alternatively, in some cases it may be necessary to use other antimicrobials due to allergies or when SSTIs present issues with infection control such as antibiotic resistance.

Doxycycline:

Doxycycline is an alternative antibiotic for dual therapy with ceftriaxone to treat gonorrhea.

Alternative to azithromycin (used with ceftriaxone).
Side effects: Sun sensitivity, stomach upset.

Cefixime:

Another composition that can take the place of ceftriaxone is oral cephalosporin antibiotic - Cefixime; it consists of an orally usable alternative, particularly because in some sites injectable drugs are not even considered.

Backup if injection isn't possible.
Side effects: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.

Gentamicin plus Azithromycin:

Option if allergic to ceftriaxone.
Less effective than first-line treatments.
Side effects: Kidney/ear damage (with long use).

Testing and Diagnosis

Gonorrhea is diagnosed through simple tests. Doctors usually collect a sample of urine or take a swab from the affected area—such as the cervix, urethra, throat, or rectum. These samples are tested in a lab to detect the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. Results are often available within a few days. Early testing is important, especially if you have symptoms or had unprotected sex, to avoid complications and prevent spreading the infection.

Treatment and Recovery

Antibiotic treatment usually includes a single injection like ceftriaxone, often combined with an oral pill if needed.
Take all medicine as your doctor tells you — don't stop early.
Don't self-treat — always see a doctor.
You'll feel better in a few days.
Pain and discharge usually go away quickly.
Early treatment helps avoid serious problems like infertility.

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Conclusion

Gonorrhea is curable with the right treatment. Prompt diagnosis and following your doctor's advice ensures a full recovery. Whether you're looking for the best medication to treat gonorrhea, or wondering what medication is used to treat gonorrhea, options like ceftriaxone and azithromycin are most common. These are also effective gonorrhea medications for men. Don't delay treatment, and always make sure your partner is treated too. Safe sex and regular testing remain your best protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can get re-infected if you're exposed again. It's important that your sexual partners are also treated and you avoid sex until treatment is complete.

Untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious health issues like infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and infections in the blood or joints.

If you suspect you have gonorrhea, see a healthcare provider immediately for testing and treatment.

The same gonorrhea medication for men is also used for women, though symptoms may vary slightly by gender.

If you're sexually active with new or multiple partners, consider getting tested every 3 to 6 months. Always test if you notice symptoms or had unprotected sex.