Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Gonorrhea (Suspected) - Testing & Treatment Pathway

Audience: adult

Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause symptoms like painful urination and unusual discharge. Many people with suspected gonorrhea can start with a telemedicine visit to discuss symptoms and risk factors. However, some signs mean you should see a healthcare provider in person quickly. These include severe pain, fever, or symptoms that worsen or do not improve. In-person visits allow for physical exams, laboratory tests, and treatments that may not be possible remotely. This guide helps you understand when telemedicine is suitable and when urgent in-person care is needed. It also outlines how to prepare for a tele-visit and what to do afterward. Remember, telemedicine advice is educational and not a substitute for direct medical care. If you have serious symptoms or concerns, seek in-person medical attention promptly.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe lower abdominal or pelvic pain requiring urgent evaluation
• High fever or chills indicating possible spread of infection
• Heavy or foul-smelling genital discharge or bleeding
• Swelling, redness, or painful lumps in genital area
• Symptoms worsening or not improving after initial treatment

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom discussion and risk assessment
• Providing education about gonorrhea and prevention
• Guiding when and where to get testing
• Prescribing treatment when appropriate and safe
• Follow-up on mild symptoms or treatment adherence

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination to assess complications
• Laboratory testing including cultures and urine tests
• Treatment of severe or complicated infections
• Management of suspected pelvic inflammatory disease or disseminated infection
• Emergency care for severe symptoms or allergic reactions

What Is Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection spread through sexual contact. It often affects the genitals, rectum, or throat. Symptoms may include burning during urination, unusual discharge, or pain. Some people have no symptoms but can still spread the infection to others.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can be a good first step if you suspect gonorrhea. A healthcare provider can ask about your symptoms, sexual history, and risks. They may advise testing and discuss prevention. Tele-visits are convenient and private, helping you start care quickly.

When to Seek In-Person Care

You should see a healthcare provider in person if you have:

In-person visits allow for physical exams, laboratory testing, and treatments that telemedicine cannot provide.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit:

After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your tele-visit:

Preventing Gonorrhea

To reduce your risk of gonorrhea:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your symptoms and when they began
• Note recent sexual activity and possible exposures
• Have your medical history and medication list ready
• Find a private, quiet space with good internet connection
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with the provider

After your tele-visit

• Follow instructions for testing and treatment carefully
• Schedule any recommended in-person visits promptly
• Avoid sexual contact until cleared by your healthcare provider
• Monitor symptoms and seek in-person care if they worsen
• Inform recent sexual partners to seek testing and treatment

FAQs

Can gonorrhea be treated through telemedicine?

Telemedicine can help start treatment for gonorrhea in many cases by prescribing appropriate antibiotics after assessing your symptoms and risks. However, some situations require in-person care for tests or more complex treatment.

How soon should I get tested if I think I have gonorrhea?

If you have symptoms or believe you were exposed, it's best to get tested as soon as possible. Your healthcare provider can guide you on where and how to get tested, sometimes arranging this during a telemedicine visit.

What happens if gonorrhea is left untreated?

Untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious health problems like pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and increased risk of HIV. It can also spread to other parts of the body causing joint or heart problems.

Can I get gonorrhea again after treatment?

Yes, having gonorrhea once does not protect you from getting it again. Using protection and regular testing can help prevent reinfection.

Is it safe to have sex during treatment?

It's important to avoid sexual contact until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment and your healthcare provider confirms the infection is cleared to prevent spreading gonorrhea.

Sources

1. Gonorrhea - MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2021 — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Gonorrhea — Mayo Clinic.
4. Gonorrhea — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience severe symptoms or have concerns, seek direct medical attention promptly.