• Infections
• Vaginal Changes
• STDs
• Sexual Health

Everything You Should Know About Testing for Gonorrhea

Medically reviewed and edited by Taryn Facella-Scheuer, ANP-C

What is Gonorrhea and How Does it Spread?

Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI) that typically affects the reproductive system.

It’s usually spread through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner.

Gonorrhea can also be transmitted to other parts of the body — like the throat and eyes — if they come into contact with infected genital fluids.

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What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?

Symptoms of gonorrhea can vary and may often never show up. If they do develop, symptoms usually include:

• Pain or burning during urination

• Unusual, foul-smelling discharge from the genitals

• Pain during sex

• Swollen and painful testicles

• Rectal pain, bleeding, or discharge

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods

How is Gonorrhea Diagnosed?

If you suspect that you’ve been exposed to someone with gonorrhea, it’s essential to get tested.

Your healthcare provider will usually perform a gonorrhea test by taking a urine sample or swabbing the affected area. This sample is sent to a laboratory for testing.

Where Can You Get Professionally Tested for Gonorrhea?

You can get tested for gonorrhea and other STIs at almost any clinic in the country. If you don’t live close to any clinics, your health care provider may also be able to perform an STI test.

Many testing sites offer free or low-cost assessments, and some also offer walk-in appointments.

You can easily find your nearest one by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

LifeMD can also help you with a referral for an STI test if you suspect you have been infected with gonorrhea.

Can You Test Yourself for Gonorrhea?

Although it’s recommended to get a professional medical test if you suspect you have gonorrhea, you can also do it yourself at home.

There are many testing kits available at drug stores or online that can be used to detect an STI without going to the doctor.

You will need to collect a sample from the affected area and send it to a laboratory for testing. The test results will be sent to your phone or can be accessed online.

At-home STI tests are usually easy-to-use but may not be as accurate as a professional test.

If you do test positive for gonorrhea, you will need to make an appointment with a licensed professional to get access to the medicine you need to treat the infection.

How to use an at-home gonorrhea test

After you’ve purchased an at-home test, you’ll need to follow the instructions closely. These instructions usually tell you how to collect a urine sample or swab from the affected area.

You might need to avoid urinating for at least one hour before collecting the sample to ensure an accurate result.

Once you’ve collected your sample, you’ll need to seal it in a provided container before sending it to a lab for testing.

You’ll receive your results within a few days, and these can be discussed with a doctor if necessary.

What Happens if I Test Positive for Gonorrhea?

If you receive a positive gonorrhea test result, it’s important to seek professional medical attention as soon as possible.

The gonorrhea bacteria responsible for the infection should be treated with prescription medication like a course of antibiotics.

Depending on the severity of your infection, you might need to take antibiotics for several days.

You should also try to abstain from any sexual activities until your infection has cleared up to prevent transmitting the STI to others.

Should You See a Doctor About a Gonorrhea Infection?

You should make an appointment with your healthcare provider, even if you haven’t been formally diagnosed with gonorrhea yet.

Being proactive when it comes to STIs can help prevent serious, long-term health complications — like pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility — from developing down the line.

Seeing your doctor about your infection will also ensure that you get the correct gonorrhea treatment for your condition and overcome it completely.

It also minimizes the risk factors associated with contracting other sexually transmitted infections.

Where Can You Learn More About Gonorrhea and Other STIs?

If you suspect that you’ve been infected with gonorrhea or want to know more about STI testing, you can speak to a board-certified physician or nurse practitioner from the comfort of your home.

Head over to LifeMD to make a telehealth appointment.

Taryn Facella-Scheuer, ANP-C

Taryn earned her Bachelor’s in Nursing from Rutgers University, her Master’s in Nursing from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and her Master’s in Adult Gerontology Critical Care from the University of Pennsylvania. She has provided care to a wide array of patients across various healthcare settings. Fitness is Taryn’s passion. She weight lifts and runs regularly, and she also enjoys cooking and traveling.

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