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

Audience: pediatric

If a telemedicine provider suspects gonorrhea in a child or adolescent, they will guide you on the next steps for testing and treatment. Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection that can affect young people. After your tele-visit, you may be advised to get laboratory tests to confirm the infection. These tests often involve urine samples or swabs from affected areas. Treatment usually includes antibiotics prescribed by the provider, which must be taken exactly as directed. It is important to follow up with a healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve or worsen. Also, partners may need testing and treatment to prevent reinfection. Telemedicine can help start the care process quickly, but some steps require in-person visits for testing or urgent care. Always watch for serious symptoms and seek immediate help if they occur.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• High fever over 38°C (100.4°F) or worsening fever after starting treatment — seek urgent medical care.
• Severe pain or swelling in the genital, rectal, or throat areas — get immediate evaluation.
• Signs of allergic reaction to antibiotics such as rash, itching, swelling of face or throat, or difficulty breathing — call emergency services immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation and symptom discussion for suspected gonorrhea.
• Providing education about testing and treatment.
• Prescribing antibiotics when appropriate after assessment.
• Guidance on prevention and follow-up care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations or collecting test samples.
• Administering injectable treatments that require in-person care.
• Managing severe complications or emergencies.
• Providing care for allergic reactions requiring immediate intervention.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, the provider may recommend specific tests to confirm if gonorrhea is present. These tests often require a visit to a clinic or laboratory to provide urine or swab samples. The provider will explain how and where to get tested. If the test confirms gonorrhea, you will receive a prescription for antibiotics to treat the infection. It is important to complete the full course of medication, even if symptoms improve quickly.

Testing Procedures for Gonorrhea

Testing typically involves collecting urine samples or swabs from the throat, rectum, or genital area, depending on symptoms and exposure. These samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. Testing helps confirm the diagnosis and guides appropriate treatment. Testing may also be recommended for sexual partners to prevent spreading the infection.

Treatment and Medication

Gonorrhea is usually treated with antibiotics. Your telemedicine provider will prescribe the correct medication and dosage. It is important to take all the medicine as directed and not to skip doses. Avoid sexual contact until your treatment is complete and your healthcare provider confirms the infection is cleared. If symptoms persist after treatment, follow up with a healthcare professional.

When to Seek Immediate Care

If you or your child experience severe pain, fever, swelling, or discharge that worsens, seek urgent medical care. These could be signs of complications requiring in-person evaluation. Also, if you notice allergic reactions to medication such as rash or difficulty breathing, get emergency help immediately.

Preventing Reinfection and Protecting Others

Inform sexual partners about the infection so they can get tested and treated if needed. Use condoms consistently to reduce the risk of future infections. Regular testing is important for sexually active youth to maintain sexual health. Discuss prevention strategies with your healthcare provider.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a private and quiet space for your telemedicine visit.
• Prepare a list of symptoms, including when they started and how they have changed.
• Know your medical history and any medications you are currently taking.
• Have questions ready about testing, treatment, and prevention.
• Ensure you have access to a device with a camera and microphone for the visit.
• Be ready to provide information about recent sexual activity and partners, as this helps guide care.

After your tele-visit

• Complete any laboratory testing as directed by your provider.
• Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as instructed without skipping doses.
• Avoid sexual contact until treatment is complete and cleared by a healthcare provider.
• Inform sexual partners so they can get tested and treated if necessary.
• Monitor symptoms and seek care if they worsen or new symptoms develop.
• Schedule follow-up care if recommended by your provider.

FAQs

How soon after a telemedicine visit will I get tested for gonorrhea?

Testing usually needs to be done as soon as possible after your telemedicine visit. Your provider will give instructions on where and how to get tested, often at a local clinic or laboratory.

Can gonorrhea be cured with antibiotics?

Yes, gonorrhea is typically cured with the right antibiotics. It is very important to take all the medication as prescribed to fully clear the infection.

What should I do if my symptoms don’t improve after treatment?

If symptoms persist or worsen after finishing treatment, contact a healthcare provider promptly. You may need further evaluation or different treatment.

Is it safe to have sex during treatment?

No. Avoid sexual contact until you have completed treatment and your healthcare provider confirms the infection is cleared to prevent spreading gonorrhea to others.

Can my sexual partners get treated through telemedicine too?

Partners often need testing and treatment as well. They can seek care through telemedicine or in-person visits depending on local resources and provider recommendations.

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 — Mayo Clinic.
4. Gonorrhea - Merck Manuals Consumer Version — Merck & Co., Inc..

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.