What happens after a telemedicine visit for Gonorrhea (Suspected) - Testing & Treatment Pathway

Audience: adult

If you have a telemedicine visit because you suspect you might have gonorrhea, the healthcare provider will guide you through the next steps for testing and treatment. Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection that can often be treated effectively with antibiotics. After your tele-visit, you may be advised to get laboratory tests to confirm the infection. These tests often require samples from urine, throat, rectum, or genital areas. Treatment usually involves prescribed antibiotics, which you may receive by prescription or local pharmacy pick-up. It’s important to follow the treatment plan fully and avoid sexual contact until your provider says it is safe. You may also be advised to notify recent sexual partners so they can get tested and treated if needed. Follow-up testing may be recommended to ensure the infection has cleared. If you experience worsening symptoms or signs of complications, seek in-person care promptly. This guide helps you understand what to expect after a telemedicine visit for suspected gonorrhea and how to take care of your health safely.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) or chills — seek urgent medical care.
• Severe pelvic or abdominal pain — get immediate in-person evaluation.
• Heavy bleeding, severe swelling, or intense pain in genital or rectal areas — seek emergency care.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of symptoms and risk factors for suspected gonorrhea.
• Providing education about testing and treatment options.
• Prescribing antibiotics when appropriate based on guidelines and test results.
• Guidance on notifying partners and prevention strategies.
• Follow-up consultations for symptom monitoring and treatment adherence.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations that require hands-on assessment.
• Collecting laboratory samples; patients usually need to visit a lab or clinic for testing.
• Managing severe complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease or abscesses.
• Emergency care for severe symptoms or systemic infection signs.
• Administering injectable medications on-site.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine appointment, your healthcare provider may recommend specific tests to confirm if you have gonorrhea. These tests usually involve providing urine samples or swabs from affected areas such as the throat, rectum, or genitals. You might need to visit a lab or clinic for sample collection. Your provider will explain where and how to get tested.

Treatment Options

If your test results confirm gonorrhea, treatment typically involves antibiotics prescribed by your healthcare provider. It's important to take the full course of medication as directed, even if symptoms improve quickly. Avoid sexual activity until your provider confirms the infection has cleared to prevent spreading it to others.

Partner Notification and Prevention

You may be advised to inform recent sexual partners so they can get tested and treated if necessary. Using condoms consistently and correctly can reduce the risk of reinfection and protect against other sexually transmitted infections. Discuss prevention strategies with your healthcare provider.

Follow-Up Care

Your provider might recommend follow-up testing to ensure the infection is fully treated, especially if symptoms persist or recur. Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments and report any new or worsening symptoms promptly.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If you experience severe pain, fever, unusual discharge, swelling, or other worsening symptoms, seek immediate in-person medical care. Gonorrhea can lead to serious complications if untreated, so timely evaluation is important.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your symptoms and their duration ready.
• Know your recent sexual history and any partners to inform.
• Prepare a private, quiet space for your telemedicine visit.
• Have your identification and any previous medical records accessible.
• Make a list of any medications or allergies you have.
• Be ready to discuss your concerns openly with your healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Complete all prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed.
• Avoid sexual activity until your provider confirms it is safe.
• Notify recent sexual partners so they can get tested and treated if needed.
• Attend any recommended follow-up testing or appointments.
• Monitor your symptoms and report any worsening or new signs promptly.
• Practice safer sex methods to reduce the risk of reinfection.

FAQs

How soon will I know if I have gonorrhea after testing?

Test results typically take a few days to be processed. Your healthcare provider or the testing site will inform you how and when you will receive your results.

Can gonorrhea be cured with antibiotics?

Yes, gonorrhea is usually curable with the right antibiotics. It is important to complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve early.

What if my sexual partner refuses to get tested or treated?

Informing partners is important to prevent reinfection. If a partner refuses testing or treatment, avoid sexual contact with them until they have been treated. Discuss additional prevention methods with your healthcare provider.

Can I get tested for gonorrhea at home?

Some areas offer home testing kits, but samples usually need to be sent to a lab for analysis. Check with your healthcare provider or local health services about available options.

What should I do if symptoms continue after treatment?

Contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation. Persistent symptoms may require additional testing or treatment.

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.
3. Gonorrhea — Mayo Clinic.
4. Gonorrhea: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

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