What is Super Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection.  It can be contracted by people of any gender and is typically spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex.  According to the CDC, cases of Gonorrhea have increased by 92% in the last ten years.  It is estimated that gonorrhea affects over 700,000 Americans each year.  While gonorrhea is normally treated and cured with antibiotics, new strains of gonorrhea have developed that are resistant to most common medications.  This new strain is commonly referred to as Antibiotic-Resistant Gonorrhea (ARG) or "Super Gonorrhea."  Previously, most cases of super gonorrhea were seen in Asia and the United Kingdom.  The first cases of ARG to be detected in the United States began to appear in early 2023.  The difficulty in treating ARG has placed an even greater emphasis on testing to identify infections and prevent their spread.  Left untreated, ARG can be easily spread to other sexual partners.  Long-term complications including infertility, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and pelvic inflammatory disease become more likely the longer gonorrhea remains in the body.

How do I know if I have Super Gonorrhea?

Resistant gonorrhea, like regular gonorrhea, often displays no obvious physical symptoms.  When symptoms do appear they are usually the classic ones associated with gonorrhea infections.  Men typically experience pain during urination, swelling or discomfort in the testicles, or unusual discharge from the penis.  Common signs for women include unusual vaginal discharge, stinging or pain during urination, abdominal pain, and bleeding between periods.  It is important to note that these symptoms are similar to other bacterial infections such as chlamydia and trichomonas.  If you experience any of the mentioned symptoms it is essential to get tested.  You should also alert your current or previous partners that they should be tested as well.  While these conversations may be awkward, it is important to protect both your own health and that of your partner.  Precautionary testing can also help to prevent the spread of additional infections.

Is Super Gonorrhea Treatable?

While the standard treatments are ineffective against ARG, the medical community is working hard to develop new treatment methods.  Presently, the most effective course of treatment for super gonorrhea has been the administration of intravenous antibiotics.  In some cases, multiple rounds of treatment have been necessary.  As the search for new treatments is underway, doctors continue to emphasize the importance of precautionary measures.  The surest way to avoid contracting gonorrhea or other STIs is through the use of condoms and avoiding high-risk behaviors such as sex with multiple partners.  When entering into a new relationship it is advisable for both partners to get tested for common STIs.  Anyone who is sexually active should test themselves at least once a year for the safety of themselves and their potential partners.

How do I test for Super Gonorrhea?

The most common method of testing for regular gonorrhea or ARG is a urine test.  These tests can be performed at most laboratories and typically take just a few days to see results.  While test results cannot distinguish between different types of Gonorrhea, follow-up with a doctor or clinic can help to determine the best course of action.  Subsequent testing after a course of treatment is necessary to make sure that the infection has been resolved.  If you continue to test positive even after taking medication, it's possible that a more serious infection may be present.  Request A Test provides affordable lab testing that anyone can order, even if you don't have a doctor or insurance.  Through our national direct-to-consumer testing service, you can order testing for gonorrhea as well as a variety of other STIs.  You can order a test and go to a lab in your area on the same day.  Your test results are provided through your private password-protected account to protect your personal information.  Our team is available 6 days a week to help you select the test that will best meet your needs.  We can also help you read through and understand your test results.  Whether you are having symptoms or just need a routine check, Request A Test is here to help.  Visit us online at www.requestatest.com or call our team at 888-732-2348 to get started.  

DISCLAIMER: The medical information in this post is for informative purposes only.

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