...less medical jargon in a 'Quick Glance' format!
Gonococcal Arthritis Treatment:
The gonorrhea infection must be treated.
There are two aspects of treating a sexually transmitted disease, especially one as easily spread as gonorrhea. The first 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, held the number of cases of gonorrhea at a low level. However, the number of gonorrhea cases 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. Your health care provider will determine the best and most up-to-date treatment.
A new standardized treatment routine is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Your health care provider will determine the best and most up-to-date treatment. A follow-up visit 7 days after treatment is important to recheck blood tests and confirm the cure of infection.
. . . Outlook
Symptoms usually improve within 1 to 2 days of starting treatment. Full recovery can be expected.
. . . Possible Complications
Untreated, this condition may lead to persistent joint pain.
. . . When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of gonococcal arthritis.
. . . Prevention
Not having sexual intercourse (abstinence) is the only absolute method of preventing gonorrhea. A monogamous sexual relationship with an individual known to be free of any sexually transmitted disease (STD) can reduce risk. Monogamous means you and your partner do not have sex with any other persons.
You can greatly lower your risk of catching an STD by using a condom every time you have sex. Condoms are available for both men and women, but are most commonly worn by the man. A condom must be used properly every time.
