Gonorrhea Test

Overview: Gonorrhea Test

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoea bacterium. It is often referred to as "the clap" or "the drip", and it is commonly spread through unprotected sexual contact. Due to its highly contagious nature, gonorrhea can pose serious health risks if left untreated, and a gonorrhea test can help diagnose and treat it quickly.

Preparation for the Test

A gonorrhea test usually requires a sample from either the genitals or throat. If the test is from the genitals, the doctor will need to collect a swab sample from the cervix or the urethra in women, or from the urethra in men. For a throat test, the doctor will need a swab sample from the throat itself.

Procedure for the Test

Once the sample has been collected, it will be sent to a laboratory to be tested. The results of the gonorrhea test usually take a few days, and are reported as either positive or negative.

Types of Gonorrhea Tests

There are several different types of gonorrhea tests available, including genetic testing, antigen testing, nucleic acid amplification testing, and culturing. Genetic testing looks for specific genes in the bacteria that cause gonorrhea, antigen testing looks for proteins created by the bacteria, nucleic acid amplification testing looks for the bacteria’s genetic material, and culturing looks for the actual bacteria.

Risks of the Test

Gonorrhea tests are generally safe and have few risks. The only risk associated with the tests is that they may not always detect the infection if it is in its early stages.

Why Get Tested for Gonorrhea?

It is important to get tested for gonorrhea because it can have serious complications if left untreated. These include pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Additionally, untreated gonorrhea can spread to other parts of the body and cause infections in the joints, heart, and brain.

When to Get Tested for Gonorrhea?

Anyone who is sexually active should consider getting tested for gonorrhea at least once a year. Additionally, anyone who has had unprotected sex, has a new sexual partner, or has multiple sexual partners should also get tested. It is also important to get tested if you have any symptoms of gonorrhea, such as abnormal discharge or painful urination.