Gonorrhea is common and curable sexually transmitted disease (STD), but it can lead to infertility and other health problems if left untreated. Here are some tips to help you deal with gonorrhea and avoid re-infection:

1. See your doctor
   
   Many people feel embarrassed or guilty about having a sexually transmitted disease (STD) such as gonorrhea. But you should never let these feelings keep you from seeing your doctor if you suspect a problem or from following through with your treatment plan. Remember, your doctor is a medical professional who has dealt with all kinds of issues. The important thing is to avoid complications by treating gonorrhea early and properly.
   
   
2. Notify your partner(s)
   
   Telling a sexual partner that you have gonorrhea can be difficult, but it is important  because untreated infections can cause serious complications. Any sexual partners you have had within 60 days of diagnosis should be notified so they can get tested and treated.
   
   
3. Finish all your medication
   
   One of the biggest mistakes people make in dealing with bacterial diseases such as gonorrhea is not completing the drug regimen. This noncompliance may be a particular problem with gonorrhea because the disease often does not cause pain or other symptoms. Be sure to take all the medication as instructed, or your infection may not be cured. If you're having a reaction to the drug and feel like stopping it, contact your doctor first and discuss what to do.
   
   
4. Abstain from sex until treatment is complete
   
   Until the gonorrhea is cured, it is still possible to transmit the infection, even if you are taking antibiotics and symptoms have resolved. You should see your doctor after a week of treatment to rerun lab tests and confirm that the gonorrhea is cured. Talk to your doctor about when it is safe to resume sexual activity. Remember -- after gonorrhea is cured, you can get it again by having sex with an infected partner.
   
   
5. Know how to prevent future gonorrhea infections
   
   Having this disease can be a wake-up call. Gonorrhea is curable, but many other STDs are not. Behaviors that put you at risk for gonorrhea also put you at risk for other, more serious, conditions. You can reduce your risk by having an exclusive relationship with one uninfected partner or by limiting sexual partners. Also, insist on using condoms during intercourse and condoms (on the penis) or dental dams (on the vagina or anus) during oral sex.
   
   
6. Consider other STD testing
   
   People with gonorrhea often have chlamydia as well. Chlamydia, gonorrhea and other STDs often produce few symptoms. Doctors sometimes prescribe a combination of antibiotics to treat chlamydia as well as gonorrhea. Ask your doctor if your treatment covers both conditions and, if not, if you should also be treated for chlamydia. Also, talk to your doctor about your risk and testing you for other STDs.
   
   
7. Seek help when needed
   
   A gonorrhea diagnosis can be distressing. It may also cause strain in your relationship with your partner. The period after diagnosis may be an especially emotional time. Counseling may be helpful for you and/or your partner to get through the difficult issues that an STD diagnosis can raise.