Wellness Tips from Josef Schenker, MD
Welcome to Wellness Tips, a trusted blog series featuring health insights from Dr. Josef Schenker, Medical Director at Centers Urgent Care. Drawing from his deep expertise in internal medicine and emergency care, Dr. Schenker offers practical insights to help you stay healthy and feel your best.
In this series, Dr. Schenker tackles important health topics with a strong emphasis on prevention, early recognition, and everyday wellness strategies. Each post is packed with expert advice to help you make confident, informed choices about your health—so you can take charge of your well-being, one step at a time.
Gonorrhea Prevention
Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States. The latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data shows that 601,319 gonorrhea cases were reported in 2023. The numbers are particularly concerning because untreated gonorrhea can lead to severe health complications, especially for women.
While gonorrhea is treatable with antibiotics, it’s not something you want to deal with. The symptoms—when they do show up—can be painful and distressing. Plus, the infection can spread before you even realize you have it. That’s why prevention is key.
Josef Schenker, MD believes that better understanding leads to better health. By learning how gonorrhea spreads and what we can do to avoid it, we’re taking a major step toward protecting not just our own health, but the health of others too.
Dr. Josef Schenker Explains What is Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It spreads through sexual contact—including vaginal, anal, or oral sex—with someone who is infected. You don’t need to have multiple partners to get gonorrhea—it only takes one unprotected sexual encounter with an infected person. It can affect both men and women and targets warm, moist areas of the body like the reproductive tract, rectum, throat, and eyes.
It’s important to remember that there’s no shame in having questions or concerns about STIs. Dr. Josef Schenker encourages open and honest conversations so you can make informed choices about your sexual health.
What are the Symptoms of Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is often referred to as a “silent” infection because many people don’t experience any symptoms. This makes it especially easy to pass along to a partner without knowing.
If symptoms do appear, they can vary depending on gender and the part of the body that’s infected. Below, we break down the most common symptoms:
In Women
- Unusual vaginal discharge: Thick or watery, yellowish or greenish.
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain: May feel like period cramps but without your period.
- Painful urination: A burning sensation when peeing.
- Bleeding between periods: Especially after sex.
- Pain during intercourse: Often overlooked or dismissed but could be a sign.
In Men
- Discharge from the penis: Often white, yellow, or green.
- Burning during urination: A strong stinging or painful feeling.
- Swollen or painful testicles: Usually affects one testicle.
Shared Symptoms (All Genders)
- Rectal pain or discharge: Especially after anal sex.
- Sore throat: If contracted through oral sex.
- Eye infections: Redness, discharge, or irritation if the bacteria enters the eyes.
If you notice any of these symptoms—or if you think you’ve been exposed—it’s best to seek medical advice promptly. Josef Schenker, MD emphasizes that early detection makes treatment faster and more effective.
Josef Schenker, MD, Explains How to Prevent Gonorrhea
If you’re experiencing any symptoms—or just want peace of mind—it’s always a good idea to reach out to a healthcare professional. Josef Schenker, MD emphasizes that prevention is always the best first step.
Use Protection Every Time
Using protection—like condoms or dental dams—goes a long way in lowering your chances of getting gonorrhea. These barriers create a protective layer that blocks the bacteria from being passed from one person to another. The key is to use them every single time, not just occasionally. Make sure you know how to use them properly too, because incorrect use can reduce their effectiveness.
Have Open Conversations With Your Partner(s)
We get it—talking about STIs and testing isn’t exactly romantic. But open, honest communication is one of the most important ways to protect yourself and your partner. Knowing each other’s STI status and testing history builds trust and helps you make informed decisions together. Dr. Schenker recommends framing the conversation as part of caring for each other—not as a confrontation.
Get Tested Regularly
You don’t have to feel sick to get tested. In fact, many people with gonorrhea have no symptoms at all, which means the infection can spread without anyone realizing it. That’s why regular STI testing is so important—especially if you have multiple partners or a new sexual partner. Routine testing helps catch infections early before they cause complications or get passed along. It’s quick, it’s confidential, and it’s a normal part of taking care of your health.
Limit the Number of Sexual Partners
This is a personal decision, but it’s worth mentioning because it plays a big role in your overall risk. The more sexual partners you have, the more chances there are for exposure to gonorrhea or other STIs. That doesn’t mean you need to avoid relationships or intimacy—it just means being mindful of how your choices impact your health. If you do have multiple partners, using protection and getting tested more frequently becomes even more important.
Avoid Sex When You or Your Partner Has Symptoms
If something doesn’t feel right—whether it’s unusual discharge, pain, or just a sense that something’s off—listen to your body. The same goes for your partner. Even if you’re unsure it’s gonorrhea, it’s always safer to pause sexual activity and get checked out. Gonorrhea and other infections are much easier to treat when caught early, and waiting to get clarity protects both of you. Remember: a brief delay in intimacy is far better than dealing with the complications of an untreated infection.
These practical steps may seem simple, but they’re incredibly effective. Dr. Schenker encourages everyone to take charge of their sexual health by being proactive, prepared and informed. Small choices add up—and when it comes to preventing gonorrhea, those choices matter.
Gonorrhea Treatment
Dr. Josef Schenker reminds us that even with the best precautions, infections can still happen. That’s why it’s important to know that gonorrhea is treatable—especially when caught early.
Here are the main treatment options available:
- Antibiotics
The most common treatment is an intramuscular injection of ceftriaxone, often paired with oral doxycycline if there’s a risk of co-infection with chlamydia. - Partner Treatment
To prevent reinfection, it’s essential that your sexual partners also get tested and treated. - Abstaining During Treatment
Avoid all sexual contact until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment and received a clean bill of health. - Follow-Up Testing
Some people may need to return for a follow-up test, especially if symptoms persist or if there’s concern about drug resistance.
Treating gonorrhea is straightforward, but prevention saves you the hassle, discomfort, and health risks. Taking the right precautions from the start can help you avoid the need for treatment altogether.
Josef Schenker, MD, Answers Frequently Asked Questions:
Gonorrhea is usually treated with a single dose of antibiotics, and symptoms often improve within a few days. However, you should avoid sexual activity until your healthcare provider confirms the infection is gone to prevent reinfection or spreading it to others.
No, gonorrhea does not go away on its own. Without proper antibiotic treatment, the infection can worsen and lead to serious complications such as infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, or joint infections. Early medical attention is essential to avoid long-term health issues.
When left untreated, gonorrhea can cause permanent damage, including infertility in both men and women. It may also lead to chronic pelvic pain and joint inflammation, and increase the risk of contracting or transmitting HIV. Pregnant individuals can pass it on to their babies.
Make Safe Choices, Stay Gonorrhea-Free
Taking care of your sexual health is one of the smartest decisions you can make—for your body, your peace of mind, and your future. Gonorrhea is common, but that doesn’t mean it’s inevitable. With a little caution and a lot of care, you can protect yourself and your partners.
If you ever have concerns or symptoms, or simply want to stay informed, Centers Urgent Care is here for you. With multiple convenient locations across New York, our compassionate team—led by Dr. Josef Schenker—is ready to support your wellness journey, whether that means testing, treatment, or preventive care. Get in touch with us today and take the next step toward a healthier you.
About Josef Schenker, MD:
Dr. Josef Schenker, a board-certified expert in internal medicine and emergency medical services, brings extensive experience and compassion to his role as Medical Director and Partner at Centers Urgent Care. With leadership in SeniorCare Emergency Medical Services and as an Attending Physician at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Dr. Schenker oversees critical care and treatment protocols across varied medical needs. His dedication extends to chairing NYC REMAC, ensuring adherence to state standards in emergency medical procedures. At Centers Urgent Care, Dr. Schenker's expertise ensures prompt, high-quality emergency care for patients of all ages, supported by state-of-the-art facilities including a dedicated pediatric suite.