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Gonorrhea Test
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Lab Tests

Gonorrhea Test

A gonorrhea test identifies bacterial infection in body fluids to help prevent serious health complications and stop the spread of the infection.

Overview

A gonorrhea test detects a bacterial infection in a sample of urine or saliva. Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can affect the genitals, rectum, throat, and eyes. Because the infection often presents with no symptoms, testing is essential to prevent transmission and long-term health issues.

Potential Health Complications

If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious conditions:

  • Female reproductive system: Pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and long-term pelvic pain.
  • Male reproductive system: Pain in the testicles and infertility (uncommon).
  • Babies: Blindness and joint infections.

Why You May Need the Test

Testing is recommended if you are sexually active and have symptoms or are at high risk. Symptoms may include:

  • Unusual genital discharge
  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Rectal itching, bleeding, or discharge
  • Lower abdominal pain
  • Sore throat (uncommon)
  • Vaginal bleeding between periods
  • Testicular or scrotal pain, tenderness, or swelling
  • Eye pain, light sensitivity, or pus-like drainage

Annual screening is recommended for women under 25, men who have sex with men (MSM), and individuals living with HIV. You should also be tested if you have a new partner, multiple partners, or a partner with an STI.

Test Procedures

Samples are collected via:

  • First-catch urine sample: Collecting the very first part of the urine stream after not urinating for two hours.
  • Swab sample: Using a sterile swab to collect fluid from the urethra, vagina, cervix, rectum, throat, or eyes.

Understanding Results

  • Negative result: No gonorrhea infection was found. Note that it may take weeks after exposure to test positive, so a negative result does not rule out a very recent infection.
  • Positive result: You are infected and require immediate antibiotic treatment. Partners must also be notified, tested, and treated.

Some bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics. If symptoms persist after treatment, your provider may order an antibiotic "susceptibility test" to determine the most effective medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Up to 70 % of gonorrhea infections are asymptomatic, especially in women and in rectal or pharyngeal sites. Annual screening is recommended for sexually active individuals under 25, men who have sex with men, and anyone with a new or multiple partners, regardless of symptoms.
Urine NAAT is convenient for detecting urethral infection in men and cervical infection in women, but it may miss rectal or pharyngeal infections. Swab samples from the rectum, throat, or cervix are required to evaluate those sites. Using site‑specific swabs in addition to urine improves overall detection rates, especially in high‑risk populations.
Most labs report NAAT results within 24–72 hours. While awaiting results, avoid sexual activity or use condoms consistently to prevent possible transmission. If you have symptoms, discuss empiric treatment with your clinician; many providers will start a single‑dose antibiotic regimen pending confirmation, especially in high‑risk cases.
Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are the most sensitive and can detect infection as early as 2–5 days after exposure. Testing earlier than 48 hours may yield a false‑negative, so if you’re unsure of the exact timing, repeat the test after one week for confirmation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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