Male Gonorrhea: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Guide

When dealing with Male Gonorrhea, a bacterial STD caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the gram‑negative diplococcus that infects the male urinary tract, it’s essential to understand the disease’s dynamics. Also known as the clap, it spreads through unprotected sexual contact and can target the urethra, epididymis, and prostate. The culprit, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, has developed mechanisms to evade some antibiotics, making treatment decisions more complex. Growing antibiotic resistance, the ability of bacteria to survive drug exposure influences which medicines are recommended and underscores the need for updated guidelines. Routine STD screening, laboratory testing for sexually transmitted infections enables early detection, reducing the risk of complications and limiting spread. Together, these factors shape how clinicians approach prevention, testing, and therapy, ensuring patients receive care that matches the current resistance landscape.

Typical signs in men include a burning sensation during urination, a white‑yellow discharge from the penis, and sometimes swelling or pain in the testicles. However, many infections remain asymptomatic, which is why male gonorrhea can go unnoticed for weeks. When symptoms do appear, they often mimic a simple urinary tract infection, leading to delayed diagnosis. The infection can progress to epididymitis, prostatitis, or even infertility if untreated. Accurate diagnosis relies on nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), which detect bacterial DNA in urine or urethral swabs with high sensitivity. In settings where NAATs aren't available, culture methods still provide valuable information, especially for tracking resistance patterns. Early detection through proper testing not only speeds up recovery but also prevents transmission to sexual partners – a clear example of how STD screening supports timely intervention and community health.

Treatment guidelines now recommend a single intramuscular dose of ceftriaxone combined with an oral azithromycin boost, a regimen designed to overcome emerging resistance. Some regions are shifting toward higher ceftriaxone doses or newer agents as resistance to azithromycin climbs. Patients must complete the full course and avoid sexual activity for at least seven days, while partners receive simultaneous therapy to break the infection chain. Counsel on consistent condom use, limiting the number of concurrent partners, and regular testing form the backbone of prevention – a cornerstone of sexual health, the broader context of safe sexual practices. Follow‑up testing three weeks after treatment confirms eradication and helps monitor resistance trends. Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that dive deeper into each of these areas, giving you practical tips, detailed medication reviews, and the latest research to stay ahead of this common but evolving STD.