There are two aspects of treating a sexually transmitted disease, especially one as easily spread as gonorrhea. The first aspect is to cure the infected person. The second is to locate, test and treat all sexual contacts of the infected person to prevent further spread of the disease. Mandatory reporting has been instituted and has, until recently, has held the number of cases of gonorrhea at a low level. However, the incidence of gonorrhea is once again rising.

Beginning about the time of the Vietnam war, the United States saw the appearance of strains of gonorrhea that are resistant to penicillin and tetracycline. These resistant strains have been increasing over the last few years. Because of this, a new standardized treatment regimen has now been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Instead of the standard penicillin treatment, gonorrhea is now treated by a large number of new and very potent antibiotics. Consult your health care provider to ascertain the best and most up-to-date treatment.

A follow-up visit 7 days after treatment is important to recheck cultures and confirm the cure of infection.

Symptoms usually improve within 24 to 48 hours after initiation of treatment. Complete recovery is anticipated with treatment.

Untreated, there may be:

• Persistent discomfort in the affected joints
• Infertility
• Other complications of gonorrhea, such as disseminated gonorrhea (spread throughout the body)

Call your health care provider if you experience symptoms suggestive of gonococcal arthritis.