Recommendations of Newman et al for Followup of a Patient Treated for Uncomplicated Gonorrhea

 

In general a patient treated for gonorrhea does not need followup testing for cure if:

(1) the gonorrhea is uncomplicated

(2) the patient was prescribed a recommended or acceptable alternative antibiotic regimen

(3) the patient is asymptomatic

 

Reasons why a person may "fail" antibiotic therapy:

(1) antibiotic resistance

(2) noncompliance by the patient

(3) coinfection with Chlamydia trachomatis or other sexually-transmitted disease (STD)

(4) reinfection

 

Retesting can be done:

(1) if the patient has persistent symptoms

(2) if the patient has a new, high risk exposure

(3) during a return visit 3 to 12 months later to detect re-exposure