{"id":5034,"date":"2025-08-21T14:41:44","date_gmt":"2025-08-21T07:41:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/?p=5034"},"modified":"2025-12-24T11:10:26","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T04:10:26","slug":"self-treatment-for-gonorrhea-high-risk-of-antibiotic-resistance-a-global-threat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/en\/self-treatment-for-gonorrhea-high-risk-of-antibiotic-resistance-a-global-threat\/","title":{"rendered":"Self-Treatment for Gonorrhea: High Risk of Antibiotic Resistance \u2013 A Global Threat"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Nowadays, where information is flooded on social media, search applications, or AI tools\u2026 accompanied by an emphasis on convenience. Especially in the context of Vietnamese society, purchasing medication is quite easy. This has led to the formation of a dangerous habit that is silently eroding the foundation of public health: Self-medicating to treat <span style=\"text-decoration: underline; color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/stis-hieu-biet-va-phong-ngua-cac-benh-truyen-nhiem-qua-duong-tinh-duc\/\">sexually transmitted infections (STIs)<\/a><\/span> in general, and gonorrhea in particular.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"3\">This inadvertently creates a &#8216;ticking time bomb,&#8217; pushing society toward a global health crisis:\u00a0<\/span><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"4\">drug-resistant gonorrhea<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"5\">. This is no longer a distant warning but a frightening reality that is already present globally and right here in Vietnam. Therefore, the issue of drug-resistant gonorrhea demands urgent attention and action from every individual and the whole society. Otherwise, we may face the unwanted future where there are no drugs left to treat gonorrhea.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">N\u1ed9i dung trang<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/en\/self-treatment-for-gonorrhea-high-risk-of-antibiotic-resistance-a-global-threat\/#1_Gonorrhea_The_Silent_and_Persistent_Enemy\" >1. Gonorrhea: The Silent and Persistent Enemy.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/en\/self-treatment-for-gonorrhea-high-risk-of-antibiotic-resistance-a-global-threat\/#2_The_%E2%80%98Self-Treatment_Trap_The_Road_to_Disaster\" >2. The &#8216;Self-Treatment&#8217; Trap: The Road to Disaster<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/en\/self-treatment-for-gonorrhea-high-risk-of-antibiotic-resistance-a-global-threat\/#3_Antibiotic_Resistance_The_Mechanism_of_Silent_Destruction\" >3. Antibiotic Resistance: The Mechanism of Silent Destruction.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/en\/self-treatment-for-gonorrhea-high-risk-of-antibiotic-resistance-a-global-threat\/#4_Drug-Resistant_Gonorrhea_A_Global_Threat_That_Cannot_Be_Taken_Lightly\" >4. Drug-Resistant Gonorrhea: A Global Threat That Cannot Be Taken Lightly<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/en\/self-treatment-for-gonorrhea-high-risk-of-antibiotic-resistance-a-global-threat\/#5_Unforeseen_Consequences_Individual_and_Community\" >5. Unforeseen Consequences: Individual and Community<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/en\/self-treatment-for-gonorrhea-high-risk-of-antibiotic-resistance-a-global-threat\/#6_Urgent_Solutions_Raising_Awareness_and_Medical_Action\" >6. Urgent Solutions: Raising Awareness and Medical Action<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/en\/self-treatment-for-gonorrhea-high-risk-of-antibiotic-resistance-a-global-threat\/#7_Conclusion\" >7. Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Gonorrhea_The_Silent_and_Persistent_Enemy\"><\/span><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"6\">1. Gonorrhea: The Silent and Persistent Enemy.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"7\">Gonorrhea is an ancient disease of humanity, with references to its symptoms found in the Old Testament of the Bible (Leviticus 15:1\u20133). For nearly 700 years, it was known as &#8216;the clap,&#8217; possibly alluding to the old quarter of Le Clapiers in Paris, where sex workers lived. Today, gonorrhea is one of the most common\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"8\">sexually transmitted infections (STIs)<\/span><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"9\">\u00a0caused by the bacterium\u00a0<\/span><i><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"10\">Neisseria gonorrhoeae<\/span><\/i><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"11\">. The disease is primarily transmitted through\u00a0<\/span><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"12\">unsafe sexual contact<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"13\">\u00a0(vaginal, anal, oral). Failure to treat promptly can lead to serious and permanent complications. The terrifying thing about gonorrhea is that it often progresses silently, especially in women, with the majority of cases having no clear symptoms. The absence of warning signs makes infected people unaware of their condition, inadvertently becoming a source of transmission to others. When symptoms do appear, they may include painful urination, abnormal discharge from the urethra or vagina, anus, and pain during sexual intercourse. However, the very diversity and sometimes vague nature of the symptoms are a deadly trap, causing many people to mistake them for other illnesses or to self-diagnose, leading to wrong treatment decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_The_%E2%80%98Self-Treatment_Trap_The_Road_to_Disaster\"><\/span><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"14\">2. The &#8216;Self-Treatment&#8217; Trap: The Road to Disaster<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"15\">In the context of fear, shame, or simply wanting to save time and money, many people choose the path of self-purchasing antibiotics for treatment when they suspect they have gonorrhea. Pharmacies sometimes easily provide medication without a doctor&#8217;s prescription, inadvertently aiding a highly dangerous action. This action harbors countless risks:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstList\">\n<li class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\"><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"16\">Mistaken Diagnosis:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"17\">\u00a0Gonorrhea symptoms can be similar to other STIs like Chlamydia, or even common urinary tract infections or vaginal infections. Self-diagnosis and treatment without definitive testing will lead to using the wrong type of antibiotic, failing to eliminate the actual pathogen.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\"><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"18\">Incorrect Dosage and Regimen:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"19\">\u00a0Antibiotics need to be used at the precise dosage and for the exact duration to achieve maximum effectiveness. Self-treatment often leads to using an insufficient dose, stopping intermittently, or discontinuing the drug as soon as symptoms subside. This is the ideal condition for the bacteria not to be completely eliminated; instead, they get a chance to adapt and develop resistance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\"><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"20\">Masking Symptoms:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"21\">\u00a0Improper use of medication can alleviate or mask symptoms, creating a false sense of &#8216;being cured.&#8217; This not only allows the gonorrhea to continue developing silently in the body but also delays the diagnosis and treatment of other serious, co-existing STIs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\"><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"22\">Dangerous Side Effects:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"23\">\u00a0Antibiotics are not supplements. Reckless use can cause side effects ranging from mild, such as nausea and diarrhea, to more serious issues like allergic reactions, liver or kidney damage, or disruption of the intestinal microbiota.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Antibiotic_Resistance_The_Mechanism_of_Silent_Destruction\"><\/span><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"24\">3. Antibiotic Resistance: The Mechanism of Silent Destruction.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"25\">To better understand the threat of drug-resistant gonorrhea, we need to grasp the mechanism of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics work by attacking and destroying bacteria or preventing their growth. However, bacteria are organisms with extraordinary adaptive capacity. Within a bacterial population, a small number of individuals always exist that carry natural gene mutations that help them resist the effects of antibiotics. When we use antibiotics, especially when used improperly (insufficient dose, insufficient duration), the sensitive bacteria are destroyed. But the surviving &#8216;resistant&#8217; bacteria live on and multiply, passing their resistance genes to the next generation. This process is called\u00a0<\/span><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"26\">natural selection<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"27\">. The more we misuse or wrongly use antibiotics, the more we create favorable conditions for the development and spread of resistant bacterial strains. Bacteria can also share resistance genes with each other through a process called\u00a0<\/span><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"28\">horizontal gene transfer<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"29\">, making the rate of resistance spread rapid and alarming.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 610px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/suckhoedoisong.qltns.mediacdn.vn\/324455921873985536\/2021\/11\/20\/photo-1637393492552-1637393492742862751339.png\" alt=\"\u0111\u1ec1 kh\u00e1ng thu\u1ed1c \u0111i\u1ec1u tr\u1ecb b\u1ec7nh l\u1eadu \" width=\"610\" height=\"464\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Drug resistance is a global threat<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Drug-Resistant_Gonorrhea_A_Global_Threat_That_Cannot_Be_Taken_Lightly\"><\/span><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"30\">4. Drug-Resistant Gonorrhea: A Global Threat That Cannot Be Taken Lightly<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"31\">The reality of drug-resistant gonorrhea has become a serious public health issue globally. The bacterium\u00a0<\/span><i><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"32\">Neisseria gonorrhoeae<\/span><\/i><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"33\">\u00a0has shown an astonishing ability to &#8216;evade,&#8217; developing resistance to almost all antibiotics ever used to treat it, and even &#8216;last-resort&#8217; drugs are slowly losing their effectiveness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"34\">The Situation of Drug-Resistant Gonorrhea Worldwide and in Vietnam<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstList\">\n<li class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\"><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"35\">Global Situation:<\/span><\/strong>\n<div class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstNewlineWrapper appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"36\">The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have consistently issued warnings about the emergence of &#8216;super gonorrhea&#8217; strains \u2013 gonorrhea bacteria that are resistant to all available antibiotics, making treatment extremely difficult or even impossible. Cases of total drug-resistant gonorrhea have been recorded in many countries, showing that this is no longer a localized concern but a potential pandemic. Without timely intervention, we could return to the pre-antibiotic era, where a seemingly simple disease like gonorrhea could cause devastating consequences. According to WHO, an estimated\u00a0<\/span><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"37\">82.4 million people<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"38\">\u00a0contracted new cases of gonorrhea in 2020. The antibiotic resistance status of\u00a0<\/span><i><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"39\">Neisseria gonorrhoeae<\/span><\/i><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"40\">\u00a0has significantly increased over the past 50 years, making many antibiotic groups ineffective. The 2021 WHO global surveillance report confirmed that drug-resistant gonorrhea strains are spreading globally. Data from 73 countries show some antibiotics are resistant up to 100% in 70 countries, especially the core antibiotic ceftriaxone, which shows resistance up to\u00a0<\/span><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"41\">31%<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"42\">\u00a0in 68 countries. The U.S. also continuously monitors the resistance situation through the Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Program (GISP). Cases of &#8216;super gonorrhea&#8217; resistant to all types of antibiotics have been recorded in France, Japan, and Spain, showing the imminent danger of an untreatable disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\"><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"43\">Situation in Vietnam:<\/span><\/strong>\n<div class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstNewlineWrapper appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"44\">The situation of drug-resistant gonorrhea in Vietnam is also evolving complexly and alarmingly. Recent studies show a clear increase in the rate of ceftriaxone resistance, the current core antibiotic. A study in Hanoi, Vietnam, during the 2023\u20132024 period, analyzed 352 strains of\u00a0<\/span><i><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"45\">N. gonorrhoeae<\/span><\/i><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"46\">\u00a0and recorded a ceftriaxone resistance rate of up to\u00a0<\/span><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"47\">27%<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"48\">. This shows a significant increase compared to the rate of only 1% in the 2011\u20132019 period.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Unforeseen_Consequences_Individual_and_Community\"><\/span><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"49\">5. Unforeseen Consequences: Individual and Community<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"50\">The increase in drug-resistant gonorrhea brings severe consequences for both individuals and the community:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstList\">\n<li class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\"><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"51\">For Individuals:<\/span><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstList\">\n<li class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\"><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"52\">Persistent Infection and Severe Complications:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"53\">\u00a0When gonorrhea cannot be treated effectively, the infection will become prolonged, causing chronic complications. In women, it can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), causing chronic abdominal pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. In men, it can cause epididymitis, leading to infertility.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\"><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"54\">Increased Risk of HIV Infection:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"55\">\u00a0Untreated gonorrhea significantly increases the risk of contracting and transmitting the HIV virus.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\"><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"56\">Impact on Newborns:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"57\">\u00a0Pregnant women with gonorrhea can transmit the disease to their babies during childbirth, causing neonatal conjunctivitis (ophthalmia neonatorum) which can lead to permanent blindness if not treated promptly.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\"><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"58\">For Community Health:<\/span><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstList\">\n<li class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\"><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"59\">Healthcare Burden:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"60\">\u00a0Treating drug-resistant gonorrhea requires more complex regimens, longer treatment duration, and the use of more expensive drugs, placing significant pressure on the healthcare system and national budgets.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\"><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"61\">Erosion of Trust in Modern Medicine:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"62\">\u00a0When common infections become difficult to cure, public trust in the capabilities of modern medicine will be shaken.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\"><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"63\">Risk for Other Infections:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"64\">\u00a0The development of antibiotic resistance in one type of bacteria can indirectly promote resistance in other types of bacteria, threatening the ability to treat many other infections in the future.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Urgent_Solutions_Raising_Awareness_and_Medical_Action\"><\/span><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"65\">6. Urgent Solutions: Raising Awareness and Medical Action<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"66\">Facing the threat of drug-resistant gonorrhea, urgent action is imperative. The solution does not lie in self-medication, but in changing the awareness and behavior of every individual, along with strong engagement from the medical sector:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstList\">\n<li class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\"><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"67\">ABSOLUTELY DO NOT SELF-TREAT:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"68\">\u00a0This is the golden rule. When there is any suspicion of a sexually transmitted disease, seek a reputable medical facility for examination, testing, and accurate diagnosis. Only a doctor has the necessary expertise to provide the appropriate treatment regimen.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\"><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"69\">Adhere to the Treatment Regimen:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"70\">\u00a0If diagnosed with gonorrhea, strictly follow the doctor&#8217;s instructions regarding the dosage and duration of antibiotic use, even if symptoms have disappeared. Completing the full course is extremely important to completely eliminate the bacteria and prevent the development of resistance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\"><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"71\">Test and Treat Partners:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"72\">\u00a0To break the chain of infection and prevent reinfection, it is crucial that all recent sexual partners of the infected person also be tested and treated if necessary.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\"><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"73\">Practice Safe Sex:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"74\">\u00a0Correct and consistent use of condoms is the most effective measure to prevent the transmission of gonorrhea and other STIs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\"><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"75\">Routine Screening:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"76\">\u00a0High-risk individuals (unsafe sexual contact, multiple partners) should undergo regular STI screening for early detection and timely treatment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\"><strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"77\">Community Awareness Enhancement:<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"78\">\u00a0Health education campaigns need to be intensified to provide accurate information about gonorrhea, the risks of self-treatment, and the importance of seeking professional medical care.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3816\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3816\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3816\" src=\"https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock_763104580-1-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Gi\u1ea3i ph\u00e1p \u0111i\u1ec1u tr\u1ecb b\u1ec7nh l\u1eadu\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock_763104580-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock_763104580-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock_763104580-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/shutterstock_763104580-1-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3816\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Self-treatment is the shortest path to making your condition worse<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Conclusion\"><\/span><b>7. <strong><span class=\"appsElementsGenerativeaiAstAnimated\" data-ast-node-id=\"79\">Conclusion<\/span><\/strong><\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Drug-resistant gonorrhea is not only a medical issue but also a social challenge requiring solidarity and decisive action. Self-medicating for gonorrhea not only harms the individual but is also an irresponsible behavior, contributing to the creation of a &#8216;superbug&#8217; that can threaten the health of all humanity. The time has come for us to end this dangerous habit. Remember that health is the most precious asset, and protecting it requires understanding, responsibility, and trust in medical science. Do not let lack of knowledge and complacency turn a curable disease into an uncontrollable threat. Act today to protect yourself, your family, and the community from the shadow of drug-resistant gonorrhea.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article is written by <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/doi-ngu\/ths-bs-andy-nguyen\/\">BS. CKI. V\u00f5 Nguy\u1ec5n Duy Ho\u00e0<\/a><\/strong>, a specialist in General Surgery, Urology, and Andrology. The doctor has many years of experience in the field of reproductive and sexual health.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><em><b>Reference<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n<ol style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[1]. Baarda BI, Sikora AE. Proteomics of Neisseria gonorrhoeae: the treasure hunt for countermeasures against an old disease. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Front Microbiol<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. 2015;6:1190. Published 2015 Oct 26. doi:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/journals\/microbiology\/articles\/10.3389\/fmicb.2015.01190\/full\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">10.3389\/fmicb.2015.01190<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[2]. Jolein Gyonne Elise Laumen, Vu N Hieu, Pham Hong Nhung, Koen Vandelannoote, Tam Thi Nguyen, Trang T Nguyen, Diep T N Nguyen, Thomas Kesteman, H Rogier van Doorn, Tran M Chau, Paul C Adamson, High Prevalence of Ceftriaxone-Resistant <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neisseria gonorrhoeae<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in Hanoi, Vietnam, 2023\u20132024,\u00a0<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Journal of Infectious Diseases<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Volume 232, Issue 1, 15 July 2025, Pages e73\u2013e77,\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/infdis\/jiaf071\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/infdis\/jiaf071<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[3]. \u201cMulti-drug resistant gonorrhoea\u201d. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/multi-drug-resistant-gonorrhoea\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/multi-drug-resistant-gonorrhoea<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[4]. \u201cGonorrhoea: latest antimicrobial global surveillance results and guidance for vaccine development published\u201d. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news\/item\/22-11-2021-gonorrhoea-antimicrobial-resistance-results-and-guidance-vaccine-development\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.who.int\/news\/item\/22-11-2021-gonorrhoea-antimicrobial-resistance-results-and-guidance-vaccine-development<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[5]. \u201cGonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project (GISP) Profiles\u201d. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/sti-statistics\/gisp-profiles\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/sti-statistics\/gisp-profiles\/index.html<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">[6]. Quy\u1ebft \u0111\u1ecbnh 5165\/Q\u0110-BYT 2021 h\u01b0\u1edbng d\u1eabn ch\u1ea9n \u0111o\u00e1n v\u00e0 \u0111i\u1ec1u tr\u1ecb b\u1ec7nh l\u1eadu. <a href=\"https:\/\/thuvienphapluat.vn\/van-ban\/Tai-nguyen-Moi-truong\/Quyet-dinh-5165-QD-BYT-2021-huong-dan-chan-doan-va-dieu-tri-benh-Lau-494081.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/thuvienphapluat.vn\/van-ban\/Tai-nguyen-Moi-truong\/Quyet-dinh-5165-QD-BYT-2021-huong-dan-chan-doan-va-dieu-tri-benh-Lau-494081.aspx<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Nowadays, where information is flooded on social media, search applications, or AI tools\u2026 accompanied by an emphasis on convenience. Especially in the context of Vietnamese society, purchasing medication is quite easy. This has led to the formation of a dangerous habit that is silently eroding the foundation of public health: Self-medicating to treat sexually transmitted [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":3860,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[139],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5034","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-bulletin"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5034","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5034"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5034\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5037,"href":"https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5034\/revisions\/5037"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3860"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5034"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5034"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gdhealth.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5034"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}