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. An immediate preliminary diagnosis of gonorrhea can be made at the time of examination. A cervical smear 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 gonorrhea organisms may grow in any tissue of the body. They can be easily cultured from most areas using standard culture techniques. Laboratories can give a preliminary diagnosis often within 24 hours and a confirmed diagnosis within 72 hours. There are two aspects of treating a sexually-transmitted disease, especially one as easily spread as gonorrhea. The first aspect is to cure the affected person.