Condoms are inexpensive considering the consequences of contracting a sexually-transmitted disease. Treatment of all sexual partners is essential to prevent reinfection, and is a primary reason that the government has implemented mandatory reporting. Gonorrhea is still relatively easily cured and total eradication of the disease is, in theory, at least possible as the gonorrhea organism appears to exist only on the mucous membranes of humans. A smear of the urethral discharge is taken, stained, and examined under the microscope. The appearance of these Gram negative diplococci is sufficient for a presumptive diagnosis of gonorrhea.
Cultures provide absolute proof of infection.
Neisseria gonorrheae organisms may grow on any of the mucus membranes. Culture sites are determined depending the person's gender, sexual preference, and sexual practices. Generally, cultures are obtain from the urethra, anus, or throat. Laboratories can give a preliminary diagnosis often within 24 hours and a confirmed diagnosis within 72 hours. All Rights Reserved.