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Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide, including in Malaysia. But many men still don’t know the signs or how to treat it. If left unchecked, it can lead to serious complications, including infertility. This guide breaks down everything you need to know – from early symptoms to available treatments and prevention.
Gonorrhea is caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which infects the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract. It spreads through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. However, many people still ask: can you get gonorrhea without being sexually active?
While rare, transmission without intercourse (e.g. via contaminated objects or during childbirth) is possible but unlikely. In most cases, gonorrhea is sexually transmitted and is preventable through safe sex practices.
Symptoms in men usually appear within 2–7 days of exposure, but some men may not notice anything for weeks – or ever. Key symptoms include:
In women, gonorrhea can be harder to detect. Many show no symptoms until complications arise. Watch out for:
Untreated gonorrhea in women can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), increasing the risk of infertility.
Gonorrhea might start with mild or even no symptoms, but if left untreated, the consequences can become serious – both for your health and for your partner’s. Many people wrongly assume the infection will go away on its own. It won’t. In fact, untreated gonorrhea can lead to severe complications over time, especially in men.
One of the most serious long-term consequences of untreated gonorrhea is infertility. The bacteria can spread into the male reproductive tract, damaging key structures like the vas deferens and epididymis, which are responsible for sperm transport. As inflammation and scarring increase, it becomes harder for sperm to pass through – reducing fertility or even leading to complete infertility in severe cases.
Epididymitis is a painful condition where the coiled tube behind the testicles (epididymis) becomes inflamed, often due to infection spreading from the urethra. Symptoms include swelling, tenderness, and sharp pain in one or both testicles. If not treated promptly, it can cause permanent testicular damage, chronic pain, and fertility issues.
In rare but dangerous cases, gonorrhea can spread through the bloodstream and infect other parts of the body – especially the joints. This condition is known as disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI). It causes symptoms like fever, joint pain, swelling, and skin rashes. Without prompt antibiotic treatment, DGI can cause lasting joint damage and severe systemic illness.
Having an untreated sexually transmitted infection like gonorrhea doubles your risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV. That’s because the inflammation caused by gonorrhea creates tiny breaks in mucous membranes, making it easier for HIV to enter the bloodstream during sexual contact. This makes early detection and treatment even more important – not just for your own health, but for public health overall.
Preventing gonorrhea starts with awareness and responsible choices. Since the infection spreads through sexual contact, the most effective strategies focus on reducing exposure and protecting both partners’ health.
Condoms, when used correctly, are highly effective at preventing gonorrhea transmission. This applies to vaginal, anal, and even oral sex.
Frequent testing is especially important if you’re sexually active with multiple partners or in a new relationship. At He Medical Clinic, we offer confidential testing tailored to men’s health needs.
Staying in a mutually monogamous relationship where both partners have tested negative for STDs significantly reduces your risk.
While rare, bacteria can linger on sex toys or personal hygiene items. Make sure to clean or use protection with any shared devices.
Open, honest conversations about sexual health may feel awkward - but they protect both of you. Encourage your partner to get tested, especially before starting a new sexual relationship.
Wondering how to treat gonorrhea? The answer is simple: antibiotics.
The standard treatment is a single intramuscular injection of ceftriaxone, sometimes combined with oral azithromycin. Most people begin to feel better within days, but completing the full treatment course and follow-up testing is crucial.
Yes. Drug resistant gonorrhea is becoming a global concern, making proper diagnosis and medical guidance more important than ever. He Medical Clinic adheres to global guidelines and offers alternative treatments for resistant strains.
Both are bacterial STIs with similar symptoms, but they’re caused by different bacteria. It’s common to be infected with both simultaneously. This is why we recommend full-panel STD testing.
When diagnosed early, gonorrhea is highly treatable with antibiotics. However, due to rising cases of drug-resistant gonorrhea globally, treatment protocols now require specific, targeted medication under medical supervision.
Ceftriaxone is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic and is currently the recommended primary treatment for gonorrhea. It’s usually administered as a single intramuscular injection, typically in the buttocks or upper thigh.
Ceftriaxone is effective against Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria that cause gonorrhea, especially in cases affecting the genitals, rectum, and throat. It’s potent, fast-acting, and generally well-tolerated.
In some cases, Azithromycin, an oral antibiotic, is prescribed alongside Ceftriaxone. This is particularly common when a patient may have co-infection with chlamydia, which often occurs together with gonorrhea.
Azithromycin is typically given as a single large dose (1 gram), taken orally. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria and enhancing the efficacy of the injection-based treatment.
However, rising antibiotic resistance has led to changes in guidelines. Some global health bodies now recommend Ceftriaxone monotherapy as the standard, unless there is confirmed or suspected co-infection.
Many men delay or avoid treatment due to embarrassment or false hope that symptoms will disappear. Others may try to self-treat with leftover or unprescribed antibiotics. This approach is not only ineffective – it’s dangerous.
Improper antibiotic use can lead to drug-resistant gonorrhea, a growing concern in Malaysia and worldwide. When the bacteria become resistant, even strong antibiotics like Ceftriaxone may fail, making future infections harder and more expensive to treat.
That’s why seeing a doctor is essential. At He Medical Clinic, we’ll confirm your diagnosis through lab tests and prescribe the exact treatment based on your health profile and any co-existing conditions.
He Medical Clinic provides private, non-judgmental, and reliable HIV testing services in Malaysia. Our clinic ensures:
If you’re looking for an HIV test in Malaysia, visit He Medical Clinic for professional and discreet screening.
Yes. It’s one of the top-reported STIs, particularly among men aged 20–40.
Symptoms usually appear 2 to 7 days after exposure, but some men remain asymptomatic.
No. Without antibiotics, gonorrhea persists and worsens.
With treatment, symptoms improve within days. Untreated cases may persist or worsen.
Not exactly. If left untreated, gonorrhea causes complications rather than delayed symptoms.
At He Medical Clinic, we provide:
Early detection is key to effective HIV management. Don’t wait—get tested today for peace of mind and better health.
Protect your health and well-being. Visit He Medical Clinic for a confidential HIV test in Malaysia today.
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