Gonorrhoea (caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae) is one of the most common STIs in Lagos — and one of the most commonly mis-treated. Ciprofloxacin resistance is above 80% in Nigeria. At Mascot Healthcare, Akoka, we test, identify the correct antibiotics, and treat effectively. Confidential, same day, from ₦5,000.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a gram-negative diplococcus transmitted through sexual contact — vaginal, anal, and oral. In men, uncomplicated urethral gonorrhoea causes urethral discharge (yellow/green, purulent) and dysuria within 2–5 days of exposure. In women, up to 70% of infections are asymptomatic — making testing essential even without symptoms.
Studies from Lagos and across Nigeria consistently show ciprofloxacin resistance rates above 80% for N. gonorrhoeae. Yet ciprofloxacin (or ofloxacin) remains the most commonly dispensed antibiotic for gonorrhoea at Lagos pharmacies. This means the vast majority of men self-treating gonorrhoea with pharmacy antibiotics are using ineffective medication — appearing to improve initially (the infection is suppressed but not cleared), then relapsing or developing complications.
Current WHO and FMOH Nigeria guidelines recommend dual therapy with ceftriaxone (intramuscular) plus azithromycin for uncomplicated gonorrhoea. This combination achieves near-100% cure rates even in drug-resistant strains and is available at Mascot Healthcare.
In men: epididymo-orchitis (testicular infection), urethral stricture (progressive narrowing causing difficulty urinating — often requiring surgery), and infertility from epididymal scarring. In women: pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), tubal damage, infertility, ectopic pregnancy. Disseminated gonococcal infection — joint pain, skin lesions, septicaemia — is rare but life-threatening.
Evidence-based dual therapy, not pharmacy guesswork.
Dual antibiotic therapy at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka. By appointment from ₦5,000. Confidential.