Abstract
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease that can infect anyone who engages in unsafe and risky sexual behavior. This local, novel study's primary purpose is to explore the experience of a participant who had recurrent Gonococcal infection and who received Ceftriaxone for the first time. Five themes emerged from the study: embodiment of the illness, alienation and disruption, adaptation and coping, social and relational impact, and existential dimension. The study used a qualitative research method, employing an unstructured interview anchored in the Health Belief Model. Convenience sampling was used to identify the participants. The study had one participant because it was a single-case study. The participant's responses were analyzed through bracketing using Havi Carell's Phenomenology. The study found that recurrent gonorrhea has significant physical, psychological, and social effects on individuals. Repeated infections cause pain, discomfort, and emotional distress, leading to negative self-perception, shame, and stigma that hinder disclosure and treatment-seeking. Despite these challenges, the experience encourages reflection and behavioral change, promoting safer sexual practices and reliance on trusted support systems. Coping involves both medical and psychological adaptation, highlighting the need for education, prevention, and social support. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing emotional impacts, treatment experiences, and behavioral risk factors while strengthening support networks and developing interventions that reduce stigma and improve sexual health awareness.
