Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is most common in young adults. The bacteria that cause gonorrhea can infect the genital tract, mouth, or anus. You can get gonorrhea during vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected partner. A pregnant woman can pass it to her baby during childbirth.
Gonorrhea does not always cause symptoms. In men, gonorrhea can cause pain when urinating and discharge from the penis. If untreated, it can cause problems with the prostate and testicles.
In women, the early symptoms of gonorrhea often are mild. Later, it can cause bleeding between periods, pain when urinating, and increased discharge from the vagina. If untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which causes problems with pregnancy and infertility.
Your health care provider will diagnose gonorrhea with lab tests. Treatment is with antibiotics. Treating gonorrhea is becoming more difficult because drug-resistant strains are increasing. Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading gonorrhea. If your or your partner is allergic to latex, you can use polyurethane condoms. The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have anal, vaginal, or oral sex.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Felter's Materia Medica on Gonorrhea
ALTHÆA OFFICINALIS
The decorticated dried root of Althaea officinalis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Malvaceae), a plant of salt marshes, river banks, and moist, sandy soils.... / ...ed surfaces; and may be used as an injection for dysentery, acute vaginitis, and the acute stage of gonorrhea. A favorite gargle for irritated throat. Applied upon a compress, it is reputed to be comf... / ...if starch, with some mucilage is needed, a decoction. It may be given freely. A syrup of marshmallow is a good vehicle for pectoral medication. 1
The decorticated dried root of Althaea officinalis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Malvaceae), a plant of salt marshes, river banks, and moist, sandy soils.... / ...ed surfaces; and may be used as an injection for dysentery, acute vaginitis, and the acute stage of gonorrhea. A favorite gargle for irritated throat. Applied upon a compress, it is reputed to be comf... / ...if starch, with some mucilage is needed, a decoction. It may be given freely. A syrup of marshmallow is a good vehicle for pectoral medication. 1
ANEMOPSIS CALIFORNICA
The root of Anemopsis californica, Hooker (Nat. Ord. Saururaceae). A native perennial of wet places in Southern California and Northern Mexico. Dose, 1 to 60 grains. Common... / ... slightly glycerinated water. It has a reputation for relieving the excessive discharges of chronic gonorrhea, acting somewhat like cubeb. 1
The root of Anemopsis californica, Hooker (Nat. Ord. Saururaceae). A native perennial of wet places in Southern California and Northern Mexico. Dose, 1 to 60 grains. Common... / ... slightly glycerinated water. It has a reputation for relieving the excessive discharges of chronic gonorrhea, acting somewhat like cubeb. 1
CALAMUSACCA4
The rhizome of Acorus Calamus, Linné (Nat. Ord. Acoraceae). Common in wet and muddy grounds everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. Dose, 5 to 40... / ...tis, cervicitis, endometritis, vaginal abrasions, erosion of the os uteri, non-specific urethritis, gonorrhea, leucorrhoea, lacerated perineum, and uterine subinvolution. As a rule, in most of these d... / ...value in all of the local conditions named it has been much overrated, and its real medicinal worth obscured by extravagant praise.1
The rhizome of Acorus Calamus, Linné (Nat. Ord. Acoraceae). Common in wet and muddy grounds everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. Dose, 5 to 40... / ...tis, cervicitis, endometritis, vaginal abrasions, erosion of the os uteri, non-specific urethritis, gonorrhea, leucorrhoea, lacerated perineum, and uterine subinvolution. As a rule, in most of these d... / ...value in all of the local conditions named it has been much overrated, and its real medicinal worth obscured by extravagant praise.1
CALENDULA
The florets of Calendula officinalis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). Southern Europe and the Orient; largely cultivated as a garden flower. Dose,... / ...tis, cervicitis, endometritis, vaginal abrasions, erosion of the os uteri, non-specific urethritis, gonorrhea, leucorrhoea, lacerated perineum, and uterine subinvolution. As a rule, in most of these d... / ...value in all of the local conditions named it has been much overrated, and its real medicinal worth obscured by extravagant praise.1
The florets of Calendula officinalis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). Southern Europe and the Orient; largely cultivated as a garden flower. Dose,... / ...tis, cervicitis, endometritis, vaginal abrasions, erosion of the os uteri, non-specific urethritis, gonorrhea, leucorrhoea, lacerated perineum, and uterine subinvolution. As a rule, in most of these d... / ...value in all of the local conditions named it has been much overrated, and its real medicinal worth obscured by extravagant praise.1
CHIMAPHILA
The leaves or whole plant of Chimaphila umbellata (Linné, Nuttall. (Nat. Ord. Ericaceae.) North temperate region of the Northern Hemispheres, and... / ...ust" is an especial indication for it. Sometimes it is of value for the urinary disorders following gonorrhea. Purulent discharges from a pyelitis, or due to calculous irritation, also guide to the se... / ...the disappearance of sugar in glycosuria. Chimaphila is a neglected remedy that may well take the place of other agents of questionable safety.1
The leaves or whole plant of Chimaphila umbellata (Linné, Nuttall. (Nat. Ord. Ericaceae.) North temperate region of the Northern Hemispheres, and... / ...ust" is an especial indication for it. Sometimes it is of value for the urinary disorders following gonorrhea. Purulent discharges from a pyelitis, or due to calculous irritation, also guide to the se... / ...the disappearance of sugar in glycosuria. Chimaphila is a neglected remedy that may well take the place of other agents of questionable safety.1
COLCHICUMCOLCH
The dried (I) root and (II) seed of Colchicum autumnale, Linné (Nat. Ord. Liliaceae.) England and other parts of Europe. Dose, Corm, 1 to 5... / ...nger periods than usual, in acute articular rheumatism with but little fever. These cases resembled gonorrheal arthritis and were accompanied by a leucorrheal discharge, but were not gonococcic. In mo...1
The dried (I) root and (II) seed of Colchicum autumnale, Linné (Nat. Ord. Liliaceae.) England and other parts of Europe. Dose, Corm, 1 to 5... / ...nger periods than usual, in acute articular rheumatism with but little fever. These cases resembled gonorrheal arthritis and were accompanied by a leucorrheal discharge, but were not gonococcic. In mo...1
COPAIBACOOF2
...ially when coincident with a catarrhal condition of the bladder. It is of much value in intractable gonorrhea in the male to reawaken a dormant infection and recreate the active symptoms, after which ......scharge and antisepticize the membranes. It should never be used in the acute inflammatory stage of gonorrhea, with pronounced urethral irritation and profuse secretion. This stage should be treated w......and Simple Syrup, 1 fluidounce each. Mix. Sig.: One teaspoonful after each meal. Copaiba only helps gonorrhea when brought in direct contact with the parts affected, as it does when passed in the urin...1
...ially when coincident with a catarrhal condition of the bladder. It is of much value in intractable gonorrhea in the male to reawaken a dormant infection and recreate the active symptoms, after which ......scharge and antisepticize the membranes. It should never be used in the acute inflammatory stage of gonorrhea, with pronounced urethral irritation and profuse secretion. This stage should be treated w......and Simple Syrup, 1 fluidounce each. Mix. Sig.: One teaspoonful after each meal. Copaiba only helps gonorrhea when brought in direct contact with the parts affected, as it does when passed in the urin...1
CUBEBA
... Dose, I to 15 grains. 3. Oleum Cubebae, Oil of Cubeb. Dose, 1 to 15 minims. Specific Indications.Gonorrhea after discharges have almost ceased; enfeebled conditions of the large intestine and rectu......e inflammation, and usually after active discharge has nearly ceased. In late stages of intractable gonorrhea in which there persists a small amount of flow, and in gleet, 30 grains of the powdered be...1
... Dose, I to 15 grains. 3. Oleum Cubebae, Oil of Cubeb. Dose, 1 to 15 minims. Specific Indications.Gonorrhea after discharges have almost ceased; enfeebled conditions of the large intestine and rectu......e inflammation, and usually after active discharge has nearly ceased. In late stages of intractable gonorrhea in which there persists a small amount of flow, and in gleet, 30 grains of the powdered be...1
ERYNGIUM
...rning and itching throughout the vesical, prostatic, and urethral tracts, especially when following gonorrhea or gleet. It is not contraindicated by inflammation and is of great value in acute cystiti......ially when there is a hyperaemic state of the bladder. It relieves the burning pain of urination in gonorrhea. It is indicated to relieve the difficulties of voiding urine from the presence of gravel...1
...rning and itching throughout the vesical, prostatic, and urethral tracts, especially when following gonorrhea or gleet. It is not contraindicated by inflammation and is of great value in acute cystiti......ially when there is a hyperaemic state of the bladder. It relieves the burning pain of urination in gonorrhea. It is indicated to relieve the difficulties of voiding urine from the presence of gravel...1
FRANKENIA
The plant Frankenia salina, Chamisso and Schlectendal (Nat. Ord. Frankeniaceae) Native of California and sandy soils of adjacent Pacific Coast. Common Name:... / ...or catarrhal diseases and other discharges from the mucous membranes, diarrhea, vaginal leucorrhea, gonorrhea, and gleet, and the different types of catarrh. It is little used.1
The plant Frankenia salina, Chamisso and Schlectendal (Nat. Ord. Frankeniaceae) Native of California and sandy soils of adjacent Pacific Coast. Common Name:... / ...or catarrhal diseases and other discharges from the mucous membranes, diarrhea, vaginal leucorrhea, gonorrhea, and gleet, and the different types of catarrh. It is little used.1
GAULTHERIA
...oil, it provides a good painrelieving application for acute articular and chronic rheumatism and in gonorrheal arthritis. If used very strong the skin may subsequently exfoliate. Applied to denuded su......salicylates are effective. Those most benefited are the acute inflammatory rheumatism and so-called gonorrheal rheumatism, a specific gonorrheal arthritic infection. Small doses have relieved facial n......ial neuralgia and tic douloureux; and sometimes it exerts a soothing and antiseptic effect in acute gonorrhea. The oil may be administered in olive oil or in the form of the spirit (essence) mixed wit...1
...oil, it provides a good painrelieving application for acute articular and chronic rheumatism and in gonorrheal arthritis. If used very strong the skin may subsequently exfoliate. Applied to denuded su......salicylates are effective. Those most benefited are the acute inflammatory rheumatism and so-called gonorrheal rheumatism, a specific gonorrheal arthritic infection. Small doses have relieved facial n......ial neuralgia and tic douloureux; and sometimes it exerts a soothing and antiseptic effect in acute gonorrhea. The oil may be administered in olive oil or in the form of the spirit (essence) mixed wit...1
HAMAMELIS
The leaves, bark and twigs of Hamamelis virginiana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Hamamelidaceae), collected in the autumn. Common in the United States.... / ...effective in vernal conjunctivitis. The same combinations are exceedingly useful as an injection in gonorrhea, after the acute symptoms have subsided and a catarrhal state has supervened. Internal. Ha...1
The leaves, bark and twigs of Hamamelis virginiana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Hamamelidaceae), collected in the autumn. Common in the United States.... / ...effective in vernal conjunctivitis. The same combinations are exceedingly useful as an injection in gonorrhea, after the acute symptoms have subsided and a catarrhal state has supervened. Internal. Ha...1
HYDRASTISHYDRA2
The dried rhizome and roots of Hydrastis canadensis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae) United States and Canada in rich, shady woods. (Chiefly... / ... oftener than it succeeds. Hydrastis is universally admitted to be a most valuable topical agent in gonorrhea. It is best adapted after the first and acute stage has passed, though it is not contraind...1
The dried rhizome and roots of Hydrastis canadensis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae) United States and Canada in rich, shady woods. (Chiefly... / ... oftener than it succeeds. Hydrastis is universally admitted to be a most valuable topical agent in gonorrhea. It is best adapted after the first and acute stage has passed, though it is not contraind...1
KINO
The self-dried juice of Pterocarpus Marsupium, Roxburgh (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae). A tree of the mountains of the Malabar coast of Hindustan. Dose,... / ...wash in soreness and relaxation of the uvula and the pharynx, and as an injection in leucorrhea and gonorrhea also as a stimulating application to indolent ulcers. Internal. A good astringent for pyro...1
The self-dried juice of Pterocarpus Marsupium, Roxburgh (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae). A tree of the mountains of the Malabar coast of Hindustan. Dose,... / ...wash in soreness and relaxation of the uvula and the pharynx, and as an injection in leucorrhea and gonorrhea also as a stimulating application to indolent ulcers. Internal. A good astringent for pyro...1
MENTHOL
Menthol. A secondary alcohol obtained from the oil of Mentha piperita, Linné, or from other oils of mints. It should be kept in well-stoppered... / ...s of sciatica. The pain of local and superficial neuralgias and of arthritis, simple, rheumatic, or gonorrheal, may be relieved by painting upon the affected surface a combination of hydrated chloral,... / ...is sometimes of value in hiccough. It should not be used in large doses internally because of the profound nervous disturbances it may occasion.1
Menthol. A secondary alcohol obtained from the oil of Mentha piperita, Linné, or from other oils of mints. It should be kept in well-stoppered... / ...s of sciatica. The pain of local and superficial neuralgias and of arthritis, simple, rheumatic, or gonorrheal, may be relieved by painting upon the affected surface a combination of hydrated chloral,... / ...is sometimes of value in hiccough. It should not be used in large doses internally because of the profound nervous disturbances it may occasion.1
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Materia Medica on Gonorrhea
ACID BENZOIC
Antiseptic; a stimulant expectorant; renders the urine acid, hence useful in chronic cystitis; said to be as efficient in rheumatism as Salicylic Acid. Used internally in chronic bronchitis and in later stages of gonorrhea. A constituent of Paregoric, q. v. Dose, as an expectorant 0.015 to 0.030 Grm. (% to % gr.), as an antilithic, 0.6 to 1.3 Grm. (10 to 20 grs.). Sodium or Lithium Benzoates are commonly used in urinary af fections in preference to the free acid. Sodium Benzoate is a solvent for2
Antiseptic; a stimulant expectorant; renders the urine acid, hence useful in chronic cystitis; said to be as efficient in rheumatism as Salicylic Acid. Used internally in chronic bronchitis and in later stages of gonorrhea. A constituent of Paregoric, q. v. Dose, as an expectorant 0.015 to 0.030 Grm. (% to % gr.), as an antilithic, 0.6 to 1.3 Grm. (10 to 20 grs.). Sodium or Lithium Benzoates are commonly used in urinary af fections in preference to the free acid. Sodium Benzoate is a solvent for2
ACID BORIC (Boracic Acid)
Antiseptic, yet non-irritant and not poisonous. Used largely in powder or glycerite as antiseptic dressing for wounds and ulcers; solutions are employed as collyria and for local use in nasal catarrh, ozena, cystitis, gonorrhea and various cutaneous diseases. Internal ly it is prescribed to render the urine acid in cystitis and as a remedy in fermentative dyspepsia. Dose, 0.3 to 1.0 Grm. (5 to 15 grs.).2
Antiseptic, yet non-irritant and not poisonous. Used largely in powder or glycerite as antiseptic dressing for wounds and ulcers; solutions are employed as collyria and for local use in nasal catarrh, ozena, cystitis, gonorrhea and various cutaneous diseases. Internal ly it is prescribed to render the urine acid in cystitis and as a remedy in fermentative dyspepsia. Dose, 0.3 to 1.0 Grm. (5 to 15 grs.).2
BUTTON SNAKE-ROOT
The rhizome of LIATRIs SPICATA, W illd. Stimulant tonic, diure tic, antispasmodic, emmcnagogue. Employed in gonorrhea, gleet and nephritic diseases, as well as in colic and in dysmenorrhea.2
The rhizome of LIATRIs SPICATA, W illd. Stimulant tonic, diure tic, antispasmodic, emmcnagogue. Employed in gonorrhea, gleet and nephritic diseases, as well as in colic and in dysmenorrhea.2
CASSIA (Chinese Cinnamon)CASSI
The bark of CINNAMOMUM CASSIA, Blume, and of other species of Cinnamomum. The properties and uses are the same as those of Cinnamon Saigon, q. v. Active constituent the oflicial volatile oil which is one of the most eflicient germicides. Dose of the oil. 0.06 to 0.13 c. c. (1 to 2 M); used in gonorrhea in dilute solution.2
The bark of CINNAMOMUM CASSIA, Blume, and of other species of Cinnamomum. The properties and uses are the same as those of Cinnamon Saigon, q. v. Active constituent the oflicial volatile oil which is one of the most eflicient germicides. Dose of the oil. 0.06 to 0.13 c. c. (1 to 2 M); used in gonorrhea in dilute solution.2
COPAIBA COOF2
An oleoresin obtained from COPAIBA LANGSDORFFII (Desf.) O.Kze., and kindred species. Alterative to mucous membranes, es pecially of genito-urinary system and air passages; diuretic. Pre scribed in gonorrhea, sub-acute and chronic cystitis, leucorrhea, bronchial catarrh and in chronic skin diseases. Dose, 0.6 to 4.0 c. c. (10 to 60 M).2
An oleoresin obtained from COPAIBA LANGSDORFFII (Desf.) O.Kze., and kindred species. Alterative to mucous membranes, es pecially of genito-urinary system and air passages; diuretic. Pre scribed in gonorrhea, sub-acute and chronic cystitis, leucorrhea, bronchial catarrh and in chronic skin diseases. Dose, 0.6 to 4.0 c. c. (10 to 60 M).2
CORN SILK
The styles and stigmas of ZEA MAYs, Lin. A lenitive diuretic. A valuable remedy in all sub-acute or chronic inflammations of the urinary tract, in gonorrhea, cystitis and wherever a non-irritant diuretic is indicated.2
The styles and stigmas of ZEA MAYs, Lin. A lenitive diuretic. A valuable remedy in all sub-acute or chronic inflammations of the urinary tract, in gonorrhea, cystitis and wherever a non-irritant diuretic is indicated.2
GOLDEN SEAL
The rhizome of HYDRASTIS CANADENSIS; Lin. Tonic, alterative to mucous membranes, uterine hemostatic. hepatic stimulant and aperient. Used much in dyspeptic troubles, in mt-norrhagia and dysmenorrhea, and for its local effect in canker of the mouth, ulcerat ed sore throat, fissures of the nipple, hemorrhoids as well as in con junctivitis. leucorrhea and especially in gonorrhea. The yellow alka loid Berberim, q. v. is simply tonic and perhaps antiperiodic. The white alkaloid flydrastine, q. v. is 2
The rhizome of HYDRASTIS CANADENSIS; Lin. Tonic, alterative to mucous membranes, uterine hemostatic. hepatic stimulant and aperient. Used much in dyspeptic troubles, in mt-norrhagia and dysmenorrhea, and for its local effect in canker of the mouth, ulcerat ed sore throat, fissures of the nipple, hemorrhoids as well as in con junctivitis. leucorrhea and especially in gonorrhea. The yellow alka loid Berberim, q. v. is simply tonic and perhaps antiperiodic. The white alkaloid flydrastine, q. v. is 2
JERSEY TEACEHE
The root of CEANOTHUS AMERICANUS, Lin. Astringent, alterative, antispasmodic. Used in dysentery, in gonorrhea, in syphilitic affections and in chronic bronchitis.2
The root of CEANOTHUS AMERICANUS, Lin. Astringent, alterative, antispasmodic. Used in dysentery, in gonorrhea, in syphilitic affections and in chronic bronchitis.2
KAVA KAVA
The rhizome and roots of PIPER METHYSTICUM, Forster. Local anesthetic, intoxicant; exerts a specific influence over the mucous membrane of the respiratory and urinary tracts. Especially useful in gonorrhea and in spasmodic cystitis. 2
The rhizome and roots of PIPER METHYSTICUM, Forster. Local anesthetic, intoxicant; exerts a specific influence over the mucous membrane of the respiratory and urinary tracts. Especially useful in gonorrhea and in spasmodic cystitis. 2
METHYLENE BLUE
Chemical name Tetramethylthionine Hydrochloride. Antiseptic, antiperiodic; useful in the treatment of gonorrhea and chronic affec tions of the genito-urinary tract, and in rheumatism.2
Chemical name Tetramethylthionine Hydrochloride. Antiseptic, antiperiodic; useful in the treatment of gonorrhea and chronic affec tions of the genito-urinary tract, and in rheumatism.2
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Therapeutics Memoranda on Gonorrhea
GONORRHEA
Free irrigation twice a day with a hot solution of potassium per manganate (1 grain increased gradually to 3 grs. to the pint); Iodosyl Pencils, with internal use of Ze-an; injections of silver nitrate or protargol, zinc acetate, mercuric chloride. Internally copaiba, oil sandalwood, cubeb. Treatment for acute gonorrhea should be con tinued until gonococci have completely disappeared.2
Free irrigation twice a day with a hot solution of potassium per manganate (1 grain increased gradually to 3 grs. to the pint); Iodosyl Pencils, with internal use of Ze-an; injections of silver nitrate or protargol, zinc acetate, mercuric chloride. Internally copaiba, oil sandalwood, cubeb. Treatment for acute gonorrhea should be con tinued until gonococci have completely disappeared.2
References
1) Felter, Harvey Wickes, 1922, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, Ohio.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.