What Is Gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea
is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria
gonorrhoeae. It can affect the genitals, rectum, throat, and, less
commonly, the eyes.
Many people with gonorrhoea have no symptoms. However, if
left untreated, the infection can lead to serious
health complications (such as PID or epididymitis) while remaining
transmissible to partners.
Do I Have Gonorrhoea?
As a fully
regulated UK pharmacy, we offer treatment of gonorrhoea where appropriate following a clinical
assessment.
What are the symptoms in men?
- Burning
sensation/pain when urinating
- Inflammation
of the foreskin
- An
unusual discharge from the tip of the penis that may be green, yellow or
white.
- Tenderness
or pain in the testicles
What are the symptoms in women?
- Burning
sensation/pain when urinating
- Bleeding
between periods and/or heavier periods
- A
change in vaginal discharge which may be thick and green or yellow in
colour.
- Lower
abdominal discomfort
- Bleeding
after sex
How Do You Catch Gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea is spread through sexual contact with an infected
person, including:
- Vaginal
sex
- Anal
sex
- Oral
sex
- Sharing
sex toys without proper cleaning or protection
The infection can be transmitted even if the infected person
has no symptoms.
When Oral Treatment of Gonorrhoea Is Used Instead of Injection
One of the most important reasons for us being able to
supply the oral second line treatment instead of the first line treatment of an
antibiotic injection is if people have a fear
of needles.
Online treatment is generally intended for uncomplicated
gonorrhoea infections that have been diagnosed through appropriate testing and
assessed by a prescriber.
Patients with symptoms suggesting a more complex infection,
severe symptoms, or signs of complications may require face-to-face medical
assessment and treatment.
How to Treat Gonorrhoea
Note: Current UK sexual health guidelines generally
recommend injectable ceftriaxone
as first-line treatment for gonorrhoea, with oral cefixime-based regimens
used only in specific circumstances (second line treatment).
Gonorrhoea requires gonorrhoea medication to clear the infection and
prevent complications.
Suprax and azithromycin are supplied together as a
combination treatment pack. The two antibiotics work in different ways to help
treat the infection effectively.
Suprax (Cefixime)
Suprax contains cefixime, a
cephalosporin antibiotic that works by killing the bacteria responsible for
gonorrhoea. It is taken as a single oral dose and helps eliminate the infection
from the body.
Azithromycin
Azithromycin
may be used alongside cefixime as part of a combination treatment approach.
It works by preventing bacteria from growing and multiplying.
Why Choose Webmed?
·
Discreet packaging with no mention of
contents or origin for your privacy.
·
We are one of the only UK pharmacies to include
a free test of cure, saving you £49.
·
Test kits will be delivered by Royal Mail 24
Hour Tracked.
·
Treatments delivered next working day by DPD or at
a choice of 9,500+ Pickup Shops.
How Does Gonorrhoea Testing Work with Webmed?
If you think you may have genital, throat or rectal
gonorrhoea you can buy a test kit now online, using our
fast, discreet, confidential service, to be used in the comfort of your own
home.
You only have to provide a urine sample for men or a simple
vaginal swab for women; it’s quick, easy and effective whist avoiding any
potential embarrassment. There are also throat and rectal swabs.
The Test kits are posted in discreet plain unmarked
packaging with no indication of their contents.
How prevalent is gonorrhoea in the UK?
Gonorrhoea, caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoea is
the second most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the
UK.
There were 82,592 cases of gonorrhoea in 2022 - up 50% on
the 54,661 recorded the year before. The infection is sometimes referred to as
"The Clap".
Men and women can both be screened by using the test kits
available from us and if necessary, can be supplied treatment after completing
a short medical questionnaire. The treatment will be discreetly delivered the
next day in a very convenient 1 hour time slot.
About 50% of women and 10% of men are unaware that they’re
infected as they don’t experience any obvious symptoms, and this means that the
infection can go untreated until the disease has progressed. This can lead to
serious long term health problems and infertility.
How long do I wait before getting tested for gonorrhoea?
Genital gonorrhoea can be contracted by having unprotected
sex with an infected person. If you are concerned that you have put yourself at
risk, then you should wait 14 days before taking a test as it may take this
amount of time before the infection can be detected.
Full testing
procedure
1. If you order an STI kit from
us at WebMed Pharmacy by 3pm Monday to Friday, you will receive it the next
working day delivered by DPD*, for all mainland UK except the Scottish
Highlands. There is no additional cost for postage unless you wish it to be
delivered on a Saturday or Sunday.
2.
The kits are posted in discreet plain unmarked
packaging with no indication of their contents.
3.
You will then send your sample, in the pre-paid
envelope; to The Doctors Laboratory (TDL)
in London. They are the largest independent providers of clinical
laboratory diagnostic services in the UK.
4.
Once the lab has received your sample, your
results will be available 2-3 days later. We will contact you by your chosen
method, email or SMS to let you know that there is a message in your “inbox”
via your secure login at WebMed Pharmacy to get the results.
5.
If your test is positive for gonorrhoea, we will
ask that you complete a simple medical questionnaire that our doctor can assess
for your suitability and, if approved, be prescribed the oral antibiotics to
treat the infection.
6.
If you or your partner have already tested
positive for a STI by using a home test kit from another site or from visiting
a sexual health clinic then you may still complete our simple medical
questionnaire that our Doctor can assess for your suitability and, if approved,
you can be prescribed oral antibiotics to treat the infection.
For the Scottish Highlands, we use Royal Mail Special
Delivery guaranteed by 1pm next day for most post codes. Full postal details
are available if you go to the “Delivery” tab.
How to Discreetly Order Gonorrhoea Treatment Online
1. Select your treatment
Patients begin by choosing the treatment they need from the
available options. We are a regulated
UK pharmacy, offering second line gonorrhoea medication.
2. Complete an online consultation
Our online consultation collects important medical
information, including symptoms, medical history, and current medications. This
allows one of our
clinicians to assess whether treatment is appropriate and safe to
prescribe.
3. Clinical review and approval
All consultations are reviewed by a qualified prescriber
before any medication is supplied in line with UK clinical standards and
guidance.
4. Discreet delivery to your door
Once approved, treatment is dispensed and delivered directly
to your address. Packaging is designed to be discreet to protect patient
privacy throughout the delivery process.
How Antibiotic Treatment Works
Antibiotic
treatment of gonorrhoea works by targeting and eliminating the bacteria
responsible for the infection.
Once bacterial growth has been stopped, the body's immune
system can clear any remaining infection and inflammation.
Most people begin to notice an improvement in symptoms
within a few days, although complete resolution may take longer.
Combination gonorrhoea pills may be used because gonorrhoea has developed
resistance to several antibiotics over time.
Using medicines that work in different ways can improve
treatment effectiveness and help reduce the likelihood of resistant bacteria
surviving treatment.
About Gonorrhoea Treatment
Can Gonorrhoea Be Treated Effectively?
Yes, gonorrhoea can usually be treated successfully when the
correct antibiotics are prescribed and taken as directed. Most uncomplicated
infections respond well to treatment, particularly when diagnosed and treated
promptly.
Delaying treatment can increase the risk of complications
and ongoing transmission to sexual partners.
Successful treatment also depends on ensuring that recent
sexual partners are informed, tested, and treated where necessary. Without
partner treatment, reinfection can occur even after the original infection has
been cleared.
How Long Treatment Takes to Work
Many people notice that symptoms such as discharge or
discomfort begin to improve within a few days of starting treatment. However,
the infection itself may take up to a week or longer to clear completely, and
the exact timeframe varies between individuals.
It is important to complete the prescribed treatment exactly
as directed, even if symptoms improve quickly.
Some irritation or mild symptoms may persist briefly after
treatment without necessarily indicating treatment failure.
What Happens If You Are Not Diagnosed Before Treatment
Taking gonorrhoea
pills without a confirmed diagnosis can result in inappropriate
treatment and may delay identification of the real cause of symptoms.
Gonorrhoea shares symptoms with several other sexually
transmitted infections, including chlamydia and non-specific urethritis, which
may require different management.
A proper medical assessment helps ensure that the correct
treatment is prescribed and reduces unnecessary antibiotic use. This is
particularly important given increasing concerns about antibiotic resistance.
Taking Gonorrhoea Treatment
How to Take Gonorrhoea Tablets
Gonorrhoea tablets should always be taken exactly as
prescribed by your healthcare professional. The dosing schedule may vary
depending on the antibiotics provided, so it is important to read the
instructions carefully before starting treatment.
Completing the full course is essential, even if symptoms
improve quickly. Stopping treatment early may increase the risk of the
infection not being fully eradicated.
Dosage and Administration Guidance
The dosage prescribed is based on current clinical guidance
and the specific treatment regimen selected for you. Altering the dose, missing
doses, or changing the timing of treatment may reduce its effectiveness and
increase the risk of treatment failure.
If you are unsure how to take your gonorrhoea medication or miss a dose, seek
advice from your healthcare provider rather than making changes yourself.
Taking Medication with Food and Water
Most antibiotics used to treat gonorrhoea should be taken
with a full glass of water. Some medicines may be better tolerated when taken
with food, which can help reduce nausea, stomach discomfort, or indigestion.
Patients should always follow the instructions supplied with
their prescription because requirements may differ depending on the antibiotics
prescribed.
What to Avoid During Treatment
Suprax and Azithromycin
are known to interact with some other drugs. Antacids, indigestion remedies,
and some mineral supplements may need to be avoided for a period before and
after taking treatment.
Although alcohol does not always directly interact with
gonorrhoea antibiotics, it may worsen side effects such as nausea, dizziness,
or stomach upset. Limiting alcohol intake during treatment is generally
advisable.
After Treatment and Recovery
When You Can Have Sex After Treatment
Sex
should be avoided until at least seven days after treatment and until any
current sexual partners have also completed treatment where appropriate. Having
sex too soon can increase the risk of passing the infection on or becoming
reinfected.
Even if symptoms have disappeared, the infection may not
have fully cleared immediately after treatment. Following the recommended
waiting period helps reduce transmission and supports successful recovery.
How Long Symptoms May Persist After Treatment
Symptoms often begin to improve within a few days, but
complete resolution can take longer. Some people continue to experience mild
irritation, discomfort, or discharge for a short period after treatment has
finished.
If symptoms remain unchanged, worsen, or continue beyond a
couple of weeks, further assessment may be needed to confirm that treatment has
been successful and that no other infection is present.
Avoiding Reinfection After Treatment
Reinfection is one of the most common reasons for repeat
gonorrhoea infections. Even when treatment has been successful, exposure to an
untreated partner can result in the infection returning.
Using condoms consistently, avoiding sexual contact until
treatment is complete, and ensuring that partners receive testing and treatment
can significantly reduce the risk of reinfection.
Why Both Partners Need Treatment
Treating only one partner can allow gonorrhoea to continue
circulating within a sexual relationship. This can lead to repeated infections,
ongoing symptoms, and an increased risk of complications over time.
Partner notification and treatment are important parts of
effective gonorrhoea management. Treating everyone at risk helps prevent
further transmission and improves long-term treatment outcomes.
When to Seek Retesting (Test of Cure)
A follow-up test may be recommended after treatment to
confirm that the infection has cleared successfully. This is often referred to
as a test of cure and is particularly important where there is concern about
antibiotic resistance or ongoing symptoms.
Retesting may also be advised if there has been a risk of
reinfection since treatment. Following testing recommendations helps ensure
that treatment has been fully successful.