Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat. Many people wonder if gonorrhea can resolve on its own without treatment. The short answer is no—gonorrhea will not go away without the appropriate treatment. Left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious health complications.
Symptoms
Gonorrhea symptoms often appear 1-14 days after infection, but it is possible to have a gonorrhea infection without any symptoms. Common symptoms in men include:
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Increased urinary frequency or urgency
- White, yellow, or green penile discharge
- Pain or swelling in the testicles
Common symptoms in women include:
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Rectal pain, discharge, itching, or bleeding
But again, some people with gonorrhea infection do not experience any symptoms at all. The only way to know for sure is to get tested.
Complications
Left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to severe complications:
- In women: Pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes that can lead to pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.
- In men: Epididymitis, an infection of the coiled tube (epididymis) at the back of the testicle.
- In both: Increased risk of HIV transmission.
- In both: Disseminated gonococcal infection, which can spread the infection to joints, skin, heart, and other parts of the body.
Rarely, untreated gonorrhea can also spread to the blood or joints. This condition can be life-threatening.
Transmission
Gonorrhea is transmitted through unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex with an infected partner. The bacteria can infect the:
- Penis
- Vagina
- Cervix
- Anus
- Throat
An infected mother can also pass gonorrhea on to her baby during childbirth.
Using condoms correctly and consistently during sex can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of gonorrhea transmission. The bacteria can also live in areas not covered by a condom.
Does Gonorrhea Go Away Without Treatment?
The short answer is no. Gonorrhea will not resolve on its own without proper antibiotic treatment prescribed by a doctor. The infection may seem to go away temporarily, but the bacteria will still be present in the body. Over time, it can lead to severe complications if left untreated.
Here’s why gonorrhea does not go away on its own:
- Gonorrhea is caused by bacteria. Antibiotics are needed to eliminate bacteria and cure the infection. Without antibiotics, the bacteria remain and continue multiplying.
- The immune system cannot clear the gonorrhea infection on its own. While your immune system helps fight the infection, it cannot cure gonorrhea without antibiotics.
- Any symptoms that seem to go away are temporary. This does not mean you are cured. Gonorrhea symptoms often come and go, but the infection remains.
- You remain contagious even if symptoms seem to disappear. Without treatment, you can continue to transmit gonorrhea to partners.
So while symptoms may wax and wane over time, it is imperative to get treated. Delaying treatment allows the infection to spread and increases the risk of complications.
Diagnosis
Gonorrhea can be definitively diagnosed through laboratory testing:
- Gram stain: A swab sample is taken from the infected site to look for gonorrhea bacteria under a microscope.
- Culture: A swab sample is cultured in a petri dish to see if gonorrhea bacteria grow.
- Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT): A swab sample undergoes molecular testing to detect gonorrhea bacteria genetic material.
- Urine test: A urine sample is taken, especially if urethral gonorrhea is suspected.
It is possible to have gonorrhea in the throat or rectum, so swabs from those sites may be taken if infection is suspected.
A pelvic exam may be performed on women to check for signs of infection.
Treatment
Gonorrhea is treated and cured with antibiotics. Typically:
- Ceftriaxone by injection along with azithromycin or doxycycline by mouth is recommended as a first-line treatment.
- Alternate antibiotic regimens may also be prescribed.
- It is critical to take all antibiotics according to directions to fully eliminate infection. Otherwise, resistance can develop.
- Sexual partners within the past 2 months should also be notified, tested, and treated.
- Avoid sexual contact until treatment is complete and tests confirm cure.
- Re-testing 3 months after treatment is advised to confirm the infection is cured.
With prompt antibiotic treatment, the prognosis for gonorrhea is excellent. Any complications that have already occurred, however, may become chronic issues.
Prevention
The only 100% effective way to prevent gonorrhea infection is to abstain from all sexual contact. Barring abstinence, important preventive measures include:
- Correct and consistent use of latex condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
- Limiting sexual partners and avoiding those with unknown STI status.
- Regular STI testing if sexually active, especially with new partners.
Pregnant women should be screened for gonorrhea at the first prenatal visit to prevent transmission to the baby during childbirth. With early detection and treatment, complications can be avoided.
Conclusion
Gonorrhea is a common bacterial STI that can have serious health consequences if untreated. It does not resolve on its own without appropriate antibiotic treatment. While symptoms may come and go, the infection persists. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential, along with notification of sexual partners. With the right treatment, gonorrhea can usually be cured. But prevention is key by practicing safe sex and routine screening.