Gonorrhea Gangnam Seoul

Gonorrhea is a common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be easily diagnosed and effectively treated in South Korea. The country's healthcare system offers modern diagnostic tools and treatment protocols for STIs, with many clinics and hospitals catering to international patients.



Understanding Gonorrhea

  • Cause: Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
  • Transmission: It spreads through unprotected sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sex) with an infected person. A pregnant woman can also pass the infection to her baby during childbirth.
  • Symptoms: Many people with gonorrhea, especially women, experience no symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they can include:
  • In men: Painful urination, white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis, painful or swollen testicles (less common).
  • In women: Increased vaginal discharge, painful urination, vaginal bleeding between periods, lower abdominal pain.
  • In both men and women (if infected rectally/orally): Rectal discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding, painful bowel movements, or sore throat.
  • Complications: If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious health problems, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women (which can cause infertility or ectopic pregnancy), epididymitis in men (can lead to infertility), and potentially spread to the blood or joints (disseminated gonococcal infection), which can be life-threatening.


Diagnosis of Gonorrhea in Korea

Diagnosis is typically quick and involves:

  • Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) / PCR Tests: These are highly accurate tests that detect the genetic material of the bacteria.
  • Urine sample: The most common method, often the first test for both men and women.
  • Swab samples: If there's a possibility of infection in other sites (e.g., throat, rectum, cervix, urethra), swabs from those areas may be taken.
  • Gram Stain (less common for routine diagnosis, but may be used in some cases): Microscopic examination of a sample from discharge.
  • Culture: A sample is grown in a lab to identify the bacteria, particularly useful if antibiotic resistance is suspected.


Treatment of Gonorrhea in Korea

Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics. Due to rising antibiotic resistance globally, the recommended treatment often involves a combination:

  • Standard Treatment:
  • A single dose of Ceftriaxone (an antibiotic injection, typically into the muscle).
  • Often, an oral antibiotic like Azithromycin or Doxycycline is also given, especially to cover potential co-infection with Chlamydia (which frequently occurs with gonorrhea) and to address antibiotic resistance concerns.
  • Important Notes:
  • It's crucial to complete the entire course of medication, even if symptoms improve quickly.
  • Sexual activity should be avoided for at least 7 days after you and your partner(s) have completed treatment and symptoms have resolved.
  • All recent sexual partners should be notified, tested, and treated to prevent reinfection and further spread.
  • Follow-up testing after treatment may be recommended to ensure the infection has cleared, especially in cases of suspected resistance.


Cost of Gonorrhea Testing and Treatment in Korea (Approximate Ranges as of July 2025)

The cost will vary based on the clinic, the specific tests involved, and whether you have Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS).

  • Consultation Fee: ₩30,000 to ₩100,000 KRW (approx. $22 to $75 USD).
  • Gonorrhea Test (PCR from urine/swab): Typically ranges from ₩50,000 to ₩150,000 KRW as part of a basic STD panel or as a standalone test.
  • Treatment (Antibiotic Injection + Oral Meds):
  • The injection (e.g., Ceftriaxone) and oral antibiotics will have their own costs. A single treatment course might be in the range of ₩50,000 to ₩150,000 KRW for the medication itself, excluding consultation.
  • Total for diagnosis and treatment (without NHIS): Expect roughly ₩150,000 to ₩350,000 KRW for the initial visit including tests and medication, depending on clinic and specific tests/drugs.

Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS):

  • If you are enrolled in NHIS (and have an Alien Registration Card), the diagnosis and treatment of STIs like gonorrhea are generally covered. Your out-of-pocket costs will be a co-payment, significantly reducing the full cash price.
  • Always confirm with the clinic about NHIS coverage for specific tests and treatments.


Key Considerations for Foreigners:

  • Confidentiality: Korean medical facilities uphold strict patient confidentiality.
  • Language: Prioritize clinics that explicitly state they have English-speaking staff or international patient services.
  • Identification: Bring your passport or Alien Registration Card (ARC) for identification, especially if you have NHIS.
  • Symptoms: Be prepared to describe your symptoms clearly.
  • Partner Notification: The doctor will emphasize the importance of informing past and current sexual partners so they can also get tested and treated. This is crucial to prevent re-infection.
  • Follow-up: Adhere to any follow-up testing recommendations to ensure the infection is completely cleared.

If you suspect you have gonorrhea, or any STI, seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent complications and stop further transmission.