Why Aren’t Home Remedies for Gonorrhoea Reliable?
Researchers have tested many popular home remedies for gonorrhoea in various studies over the years. Let’s examine why these remedies fail to be effective.
Garlic
Garlic is known for its antibacterial properties, making it a popular home remedy for bacterial infections.
An older 2005 study by a trusted source examined the effects of garlic products and extracts on gonorrhoea-causing bacteria. The researchers found that 47% of the products studied showed antimicrobial activity against the bacteria.
However, this promising study was conducted in a laboratory setting, not on humans with gonorrhoea, limiting its reliability.
Apple Vinegar
Internet searches often suggest apple vinegar as a natural remedy for gonorrhoea, either taken orally or applied topically. However, no research studies support or refute these claims.
While apple vinegar may have some antibacterial properties, it is highly acidic and can irritate the sensitive tissues of your genitals.
Listerine
Researchers studied the effects of the antiseptic mouthwash Listerine on gonorrhoea bacteria in the mouths of individuals, as per a 2016 article.
The study asked men with oral gonorrhoea to use either a placebo or Listerine mouthwash for one minute daily. The results showed that 52% of men who used Listerine were culture-positive, compared to 84% of those who used a saline placebo.
The researchers concluded that while Listerine might help treat oral gonorrhoea, it is not a reliable cure.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal, also known as berberine or goldenseal L., is a plant with antimicrobial properties. In the 1800s, European settlers used goldenseal to treat gonorrhoea.
While some research supports using goldenseal for resistant staph bacteria, no significant studies prove its effectiveness in treating gonorrhoea.
What Should I Do Instead?
Antibiotics are the only proven way to treat and cure gonorrhoea reliably. With gonorrhoea-causing bacteria becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, your healthcare provider may prescribe two antibiotics simultaneously.
These antibiotics usually include:
- A single-dose injection of 250 milligrams of ceftriaxone (Rocephin)
- 1 gram of oral azithromycin
If you’re allergic to ceftriaxone, your doctor may recommend alternative medications.
Stick to your healthcare provider’s advice if symptoms persist three to five days after completing antibiotic treatment. You may require a different antibiotic or additional treatment.
To avoid spreading the infection, refrain from sexual activity until you’ve completed treatment and are symptom-free. It’s also essential for your sexual partners to get tested and treated.
Early Treatment Is Vital
While antibiotics can eliminate the infection, they cannot reverse complications caused by untreated gonorrhoea. Starting treatment early is crucial to prevent severe outcomes.
Can It Cause Any Complications?
Without treatment, gonorrhoea can lead to complications with lasting effects.
In males, complications may include epididymitis, an inflammation of the tube that carries sperm, which can cause infertility.
In females, untreated gonorrhoea can result in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), leading to:
- Infertility
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Pelvic abscesses
Pregnant women with untreated gonorrhoea can transmit the infection to their newborns, causing joint infections, blindness, or blood-related infections in the infant.
In both males and females, gonorrhoea can spread to the bloodstream, causing disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), which can be life-threatening in severe cases.
Conclusion
Left untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to serious complications. It’s vital to consult a healthcare provider immediately if you suspect an infection.
Remember, gonorrhoea is one of the more common STIs. There’s no shame in seeking treatment, but it’s essential to exercise caution with new sexual partners.
