Treatment for Gonorrhea: Effective Antibiotics, Side Effects, and What Works Today

When it comes to treatment for gonorrhea, a bacterial sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Also known as the clap, it’s one of the most common STIs worldwide—and it’s getting harder to treat because of rising antibiotic resistance. Left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious problems like pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and even increased risk of HIV. That’s why getting the right treatment fast matters.

The ceftriaxone, a powerful injectable antibiotic in the cephalosporin class is now the only recommended first-line shot for gonorrhea in most countries. It’s given as a single intramuscular injection and works fast. But doctors don’t give it alone anymore. You’ll also get azithromycin, an oral antibiotic from the macrolide family—usually a single 1-gram pill. This combo isn’t just tradition; it’s science. Using both drugs together reduces the chance that resistant strains survive and spread. It’s like using two locks on a door instead of one.

Why not just take an old pill like doxycycline or ciprofloxacin? Because those don’t work reliably anymore. Studies from the CDC and WHO show that over 90% of gonorrhea strains in many regions are now resistant to older antibiotics. Even azithromycin, which used to be a standalone cure, is losing effectiveness in some areas. That’s why guidelines changed in 2015—and haven’t changed back. If your doctor prescribes something else, ask why. There are rare cases where alternative treatments are used, like if you’re allergic to ceftriaxone, but those are exceptions.

You might wonder about side effects. Ceftriaxone can cause pain at the injection site, nausea, or diarrhea. Azithromycin might give you an upset stomach or dizziness. These are usually mild and short-lived. But if you feel a rash, trouble breathing, or swelling after taking either, get help right away. Also, don’t drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after the shot—it can make side effects worse.

After treatment, you need to wait at least seven days before having sex again. And your partners must get tested and treated too—even if they feel fine. Gonorrhea often has no symptoms, especially in women. That’s how it spreads silently. If you’re treated but your partner isn’t, you’ll get it again. It’s not about blame—it’s about stopping the cycle.

What about testing after treatment? Most people don’t need a follow-up test unless symptoms come back. But if you’re pregnant, live in an area with high resistance rates, or had unprotected sex before the seven-day wait, your doctor might check again. Some clinics offer a test of cure two weeks later just to be sure.

There’s no vaccine for gonorrhea. Prevention means using condoms consistently, getting tested regularly if you’re sexually active, and talking openly with partners. The good news? When treated correctly, gonorrhea clears up in days. The bad news? It’s coming back stronger if we don’t stay smart about how we use antibiotics.

Below, you’ll find real guides from people who’ve dealt with gonorrhea treatment—what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they’d known before their first doctor visit. These aren’t theoretical. They’re lived experiences with real drugs, real side effects, and real results.