Can Gonorrhoea go away on its own?

Summary:

• Gonorrhoea doesn’t usually go away on its own, even if symptoms seem to improve
• The infection can be treated and cured with medication
• Gonorrhoea doesn’t always produce symptoms; you can have it and not know it

If you’re wondering whether Gonorrhoea will just clear up on its own, the short answer is no.

Sometimes symptoms are minimal, and sometimes they’re severe. They might be easy to miss, or all too apparent. They may remain consistent, or come and go. But none of these things means you don’t have an infection, or that you shouldn’t get treated.

Keep reading to find out more.

Some STIs can’t be treated, but Gonorrhoea can.

What is Gonorrhoea?

Most people get Gonorrhoea from sex – and not just sexual intercourse, but during anal sex and oral sex, too. It’s a bacterial infection that tends to affect the genitals but can also infect the rectum and throat.

The symptoms you get from Gonorrhoea will vary. Not everyone gets symptoms, and many people who do get symptoms may dismiss them as minor irritants. But when they do appear, they can include:

• Unusual discharge from the vagina and penis, often whiteish, greenish, or yellow in colour
• Testicular pain in men
• Bleeding between periods in women
• Pelvic pain in women
• Irritation and itching at the site of infection
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Watery bowel movements (anal infection)
• Occasionally, sore throat (oral infection)

Can Gonorrhoea go away on its own?

Gonorrhoea doesn’t go away on its own. The infection needs to be cleared using antibiotics.

Even if symptoms fade, the bacteria might still be there, and you could still pass it on. Many people already understand this. At Better2Know, over half of young adults under 30 who got tested for Gonorrhoea chose to seek medical help right away.

Why symptoms can be misleading

Gonorrhoea can be easy to miss. Some people notice burning when they pee, unusual discharge, pelvic pain, bleeding between periods, testicular pain, rectal discomfort, or a sore throat. Others have no symptoms at all. The only way to know for sure whether you have Gonorrhoea is to get tested.

What happens if Gonorrhoea is left untreated?

Leaving Gonorrhoea untreated can lead to serious complications. It can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, fertility problems, ongoing 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 pass on or acquire other infections, including HIV.

 Better2Know testing patterns also show this is not only a concern for younger people. The oldest patient taking a specific Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea test was 67 – a useful reminder that these infections can affect sexually active people of all ages.

How do you treat Gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea can be effectively treated with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional. The specific treatment you receive might depend on your symptoms, where the infection is located, and the latest treatment guidelines.

It’s really important not to guess, self-treat, or wait and see what happens. Also, avoid sexual activity until your healthcare provider says it’s safe to do so.

At Better2Know, we support this approach: nearly 60% of tests are comprehensive panels, showing that many people are willing to invest in more thorough testing because they understand that bacterial STIs need a proper diagnosis and treatment from a medical professional, not just waiting it out.

FAQs

Can Gonorrhoea clear up without treatment?

No. Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection that usually requires antibiotics to clear. Even if symptoms seem to improve, the infection will still be there.

Can you have Gonorrhoea without symptoms?

Yes. Many people do not notice any symptoms, especially early on. That is why testing is so important if you think you may have been exposed.

What happens if Gonorrhoea is left untreated?

Untreated Gonorrhoea 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 Gonorrhoea?

The only way to know for sure is to get tested. A Gonorrhoea test may involve a urine sample, a swab, or both, depending on the type of sex you have had.

How soon should you get tested for Gonorrhoea?

If you have symptoms, get tested as soon as possible. If you don’t have symptoms but think you may have been exposed, one of our Sexual Health Advisors can guide you on the best time to test for an accurate result.

Is Gonorrhoea curable?

Yes. Gonorrhoea is curable with the right antibiotics. It’s important to get professional advice, follow treatment instructions carefully, and avoid sex until you are told it is safe.

However, because of the overuse or ineffective use of antibiotics, many strains of Gonorrhoea have become resistant to antibiotics. If you do get prescribed antibiotics for a Gonorrhoea infection, you should follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter.

Final thoughts

If you think you may have been exposed to Gonorrhoea, or if something just doesn’t feel right, getting tested is the best next step.

Gonorrhoea is common and treatable, and the earlier you deal with it, the easier it is to protect your health and avoid passing it on. The important thing is not to wait for symptoms to disappear and assume the problem has solved itself.

Don’t leave your sexual health to chance.

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