Abstinence is the only absolute method of preventing gonorrhea. A monogamous sexual relationship with an individual known to be free of any STD can reduce risk. The use of condoms, both male and female types, markedly decrease the likelihood of contracting a sexually transmitted disease but they must be used properly.

The condom should be in place from the beginning to end of sexual activity and should be used every time the person engages in sexual activity with a nonmonogamous partner or other suspect partner. Condoms are inexpensive, considering the consequences of contracting a sexually transmitted disease.

Treatment of all sexual partners is essential to prevent reinfection, and is a primary reason that the government has implemented mandatory reporting. Gonorrhea is still relatively easily cured and total eradication of the disease is, in theory, at least possible as the gonorrhea organism appears to exist only on the mucous membranes of humans.