Gonorrhea is a highly contagious bacterial infection that poses a significant health risk. Irys Medical Center offers same-day Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT) and mandatory dual antibiotic treatment to prevent severe long-term complications like pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains.
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It primarily infects the mucous membranes of the urethra, cervix, rectum, throat, and eyes. Historically nicknamed "the clap" or "the drip," it remains one of the most frequently reported bacterial infections globally, requiring immediate attention.
It is a Gram-negative diplococcus bacterium. It is extremely contagious—transmission is possible with a single sexual encounter. It can infect multiple anatomical sites simultaneously, and there is increasing global concern about antibiotic resistance.
Symptoms typically appear 2 to 7 days after exposure, though a significant number of infections, particularly in women, remain completely asymptomatic.
Crucial Fact: Up to 50 percent of women and 10 percent of men show no symptoms but are fully capable of transmitting the infection and suffering complications.
The bacterium cannot survive long outside the body, requiring direct contact with infected mucous membranes or bodily fluids for transmission.
World Health Organization reports increasing treatment failures in East Africa due to drug resistance. Urban centers and coastal regions often show higher prevalence rates among youth. Regular screening is vital to monitor local antibiotic effectiveness.
We utilize Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT), which detects the bacteria's genetic material, making it the most sensitive and specific diagnostic method available.
Requires first-catch urine (first 20 to 30 ml of the stream).
It is a non-invasive and highly accurate test.
Results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours.
Used for cervical, rectal, or throat samples.
Can be performed by the clinician or self-collected.
Same-day results are often possible for urgent public health cases.
Annual screening is strongly recommended for all sexually active individuals under 25, and older individuals with defined risk factors (e.g., new or multiple partners).
Due to the widespread emergence of drug resistance, the WHO and CDC mandate that dual therapy is mandatory for initial treatment. The cure rate exceeds 95 percent when administered correctly and completely.
500 mg intramuscular injection — given as a crucial single dose.
Administered directly in the clinic to ensure compliance.
Highly effective against most current resistant strains.
1 gram oral dose — given as a single pill.
Taken with or without food immediately.
Crucial for preventing co-infection with chlamydia, which is often present.
Follow-Up Essential: Retesting 3 months post-treatment is vital to confirm cure and detect early reinfection. Patients must avoid all sexual activity for 7 full days after both partners complete treatment.
Gonorrhea has developed resistance to nearly all previous first-line antibiotics, including penicillin, tetracycline, fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin), and older cephalosporins.
Irys Medical Center strictly follows the latest guidelines, utilizing the ceftriaxone + azithromycin dual therapy as the only currently reliable regimen. We offer culture and sensitivity testing for complex cases or suspected treatment failures.
Without prompt and complete treatment, gonorrhea can lead to severe, permanent, and potentially life-threatening health damage.
Routine screening for gonorrhea (and Chlamydia) occurs at the first prenatal visit. Untreated gonorrhea significantly increases the risk of:
Newborns may develop ophthalmia neonatorum (severe eye infection) leading to blindness if the mother is not treated. Safe and effective antibiotics are available during pregnancy.
All sexual partners from the past 60 days must be notified, tested, and treated simultaneously to prevent immediate reinfection (the "ping-pong" effect).
Irys Medical Center offers resources to facilitate this critical step:
Complete sexual abstinence for 7 full days after both you and your partner(s) begin treatment.
Visit Irys Medical Center immediately if you notice any of the following:
Remember: Early treatment prevents complications and protects future fertility. We offer same-day testing and treatment in a discreet, non-judgmental environment.