After learning about gonorrhea, you may be feeling slightly overwhelmed. If you have just been diagnosed, be sure to follow the advice of your doctor and you should be back on track very soon. If you do not have gonorrhea, here are some tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for keeping it that way.
1. Abstinence from sexual contact: While this is the only way to completely protect yourself from STDs, for many adults this may not be the most practical method of prevention. Being in a long-term monogamous relationship and always using safer sex practices will help reduce your risk of infection as well.
2. Latex condoms: When used properly, condoms help reduce your chances of getting gonorrhea.
3. Get tested: It is suggested that young sexually active adults and teens be tested frequently for STDs, including gonorrhea, since this is the age group most frequently affected. Before getting involved with a new partner (or if involved with many partners), it is very important to know your STD status. Pregnant women should be tested as well since the infection can be passed on to the baby and can pose potentially life-threatening risks.
4. Notifying recent partners: If you are diagnosed with gonorrhea or any STI or STD, you should notify all recent sexual partners (within the last 60 days) so that they can also get tested.
5. Getting treated: If you have been diagnosed and are still receiving treatment, you should not engage in sexual activity with your partner until all your meds have been taken and he/she has also been tested and treated if necessary.