Summary:
- Gonorrhea usually does not go away on its own, even if the symptoms seem to be getting better
- The infection can be treated and cured with medication
- Gonorrhea does not always cause symptoms. you can have it and not know it
If you are wondering if gonorrhea will go away on its own, the short answer is no.
Sometimes the symptoms are minimal and sometimes they are severe. They can be easy to miss or very obvious. They may remain consistent or come and go. But none of these things mean you don’t have an infection or that you shouldn’t get treatment.
Continue reading to learn more.
Some STDs cannot be treated, but gonorrhea can.
What is gonorrhea?
Most people get gonorrhea from sex – and not just from intercourse, but also during anal and oral sex. It is a bacterial infection that tends to affect the genitals, but can also infect the rectum and throat.
The symptoms you get from gonorrhea vary. Not everyone experiences symptoms, and many people who experience symptoms may dismiss them as minor irritants. But when they do appear, they can include:
- Unusual discharge from the vagina and penis, often white, greenish or yellow in color
- Pain in the testicles in men
- Bleeding between periods in women
- Pelvic pain in women
- Irritation and itching at the site of infection
- Pain during intercourse
- Watery bowel movements (anal infection)
- Occasionally, sore throat (mouth infection)
Can gonorrhea go away on its own?
Gonorrhea does not go away on its own. The infection should be eliminated with the use of antibiotics.
Even if the symptoms subside, the bacteria may still be there and you can spread it. Many already understand this. At Better2Know, more than half of young adults under 30 who were tested for gonorrhea chose to seek medical help right away.
Because symptoms can be deceiving
Gonorrhea can be easy to miss. Some people notice burning when they urinate, unusual discharge, pelvic pain, bleeding between periods, pain in the testicles, rectal discomfort or sore throat. Others have no symptoms at all. The only way to know for sure if you have gonorrhea is to get tested.
What happens if gonorrhea is left untreated?
Leaving gonorrhea untreated can lead to serious complications. It can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, fertility problems, constant pain and inflammation in the reproductive tract. In some cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. It can also make it easier to transmit or acquire other infections, including HIV.
Better2Know test patterns also show that this is not just a concern for younger people. Oldest patient to have specific test for chlamydia and gonorrhea was 67 – a helpful reminder that these infections can affect sexually active people of all ages.
How do you treat gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea can be effectively treated with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional. The specific treatment you receive may depend on your symptoms, the location of the infection, and the latest treatment guidelines.
It’s really important not to guess, self-medicate, or wait and see what happens. Also, avoid sexual activity until your health care provider says it’s safe to do so.
At Better2Know, we support this approach: almost 60% of tests are complete panelsshowing that many people are willing to invest in more thorough testing because they understand that bacterial STDs need proper diagnosis and treatment by a medical professional, not just waiting to get over it.
Frequently asked questions
Can gonorrhea go away without treatment?
No. Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that usually requires antibiotics to clear up. Even if the symptoms seem to improve, the infection will still be there.
Can you have gonorrhea without symptoms?
Yes. Many people don’t notice any symptoms, especially early on. That’s why testing is so important if you think you may have been exposed.
What happens if gonorrhea is left untreated?
Untreated gonorrhea can lead to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, testicular pain, fertility problems and a higher risk of passing the infection on to others.
How do you know if you have gonorrhea?
The only way to know for sure is to take a test. A gonorrhea test may involve a urine sample, a swab, or both, depending on the type of sex you had.
How soon should you get tested for gonorrhea?
If you have symptoms, get tested as soon as possible. If you have no symptoms but think you may have been exposed, one of our Sexual Health Consultants can guide you on the best time to test for the exact result.
Is gonorrhea curable?
Yes. Gonorrhea is treated with the right antibiotics. It is important to get professional advice, follow treatment instructions carefully and avoid sex until you are told it is safe.
However, due to excessive or ineffective use of antibiotics, many strains of gonorrhea have become resistant to antibiotics. If you are taking prescription antibiotics for a gonorrhea infection, you should follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter.
Final thoughts
If you think you may have been exposed to gonorrhea or if something doesn’t feel right, getting tested is the best next step.
Gonorrhea is common and treatable, and the earlier you treat it, the easier it is to protect your health and prevent its transmission. The important thing is not to wait for the symptoms to disappear and assume that the problem has solved itself.
Don’t leave your sexual health to chance.
