Can gonorrhoea be self-cured?

No, gonorrhoea requires antibiotic treatment. This usually involves an antibiotic injection in the buttocks or thigh and one antibiotic tablet. Symptoms of gonorrhoea should improve within a few days of having the antibiotics. However pelvic or testicular pain can take up to two weeks to resolve. If your symptoms persist, you should see your doctor.

Untreated gonorrhoea can have serious and permanent health problems in both men and women. It is important that you complete your course of antibiotics.

You should avoid having sex until you have been treated for gonorrhoea and have been re-tested to check that you are clear of infection. If you have sex during treatment, you may pass the infection on to someone else or you could become reinfected again with gonorrhoea.