Gonorrhoea Test London

A gonorrhoea test is used to detect gonorrhoea infection with the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. There are several types of gonorrhoea tests;

• • Gonorrhoea nucleic acid amplification (NAAT) testing – This test detects the genetic material (DNA) of the gonorrhoea bacteria. It is the most preferred test for gonorrhoea infection. It can be performed on a urine sample or a swab taken from a potential infection site.

• • Gram strain – This test looks under a microscope for certain types of cells characteristic of a gonorrhoea infection. The test is performed on urethral swabs and is used primarily in men who are experiencing urinary symptoms.

• • Gonococcal culture – These cultures attempt to grow the gonorrhoea bacteria from swabs taken from potential infection sites. The cultures are the only tests that detect the infection’s susceptibility to antibiotics. If you have an antibiotic-resistant strain of gonorrhoea, doctors may order a gonococcal culture.

• • Rapid gonorrhoea tests – Rapid testing for gonorrhoea is not common, but several tests have been developed to allow healthcare professionals to give same-day results where time is of the essence.

A gonorrhoea test serves two main purposes and is performed in two different situations;

Screening

Screening tests look for diseases when you’re not experiencing any symptoms with the aim of detecting the disease earlier. When the doctors screen for gonorrhoea, they may also screen for other STDs and STIs at the same time.

Diagnosis

You should also take a gonorrhoea test for diagnosis. Not everyone will develop symptoms. However, you may experience signs such as pain and burning during urination. A gonorrhoea test can help confirm or rule out gonorrhoea as the cause of the symptoms. Gonorrhoea has very similar symptoms to chlamydia, and your doctor may ask for both the gonorrhoea and chlamydia test at the same time to confirm and distinguish the diseases from each other.

Many people who are infected with gonorrhoea do not have noticeable symptoms. Therefore, many health organisations recommend regular gonorrhoea screening for certain age groups, including;

• • All sexually active women under the age of 25 years should get an annual screening for gonorrhoea.

• • All sexually active men, particularly those in same-sex relationships, should get a gonorrhoea test annually.

• • Women with risk factors for gonorrhoea infection who are 25 and older should also be screened yearly.

• • Pregnant women because gonorrhoea can be passed from mother to child during childbirth.

• • People living with HIV should also be screened for gonorrhoea at least once per year.

Regular screening for gonorrhoea in heterosexual men without symptoms is not generally recommended.

Gonorrhoea is a sneaky infection because it may not present with any symptoms in you or your partners. In other instances, the signs might be so mild that they go unnoticed. When the symptoms do present, they are often confused with other infections. One of the reasons gonorrhoea infections are so rampant is that a lot of people don’t realise they have gonorrhoea.

• • Although the infection has many symptoms, the four main ones are;

• • Pain or a burning feeling when you pee

• • Abnormal discharge from the vagina that may be yellowish or bloody

• • Bleeding between periods

• • Yellow, white, or green discharge from your penis

You may also spread the infection to your anus from another part of the body or if you have anal sex. Anal gonorrhoea often doesn’t have any symptoms, but some of the commonly reported ones include;

• • Itching in or around your anus

• • Discharge from your anus

• • Pain when you poo

Getting a gonorrhoea test is a huge step with several benefits, such as;

• • Providing an accurate diagnosis of the infection and treatment

• • Avoid the spread of the infection by letting you know if you have gonorrhoea

• • Protecting your partner

Getting a gonorrhoea test can also give you peace of mind. Whether the test turns positive or negative, you can get timely treatment and cure the infection.

Our tests are quick and simple. They involve either taking a urine sample or a vaginal swab.

Q: How much is a Gonorrhoea test in London?

There are several types of gonorrhoea tests available that look at different bodily fluids, such as urine and blood. Each test looks at different markers and has a different price. The cost of the tests varies from £199 to £350.

Q: Can gonorrhoea go undetected on a test?

Yes, gonorrhoea can go undetected in a test. If you’re infected with gonorrhoea, testing positive may take a few weeks. The infection goes undetected if you take the test too soon after exposure to the bacteria.

Q: What are the first noticeable signs of gonorrhoea?

The bacteria present differently in each person, and the initial symptoms might vary. But some of the most commonly reported first signs include thick, cloudy blood discharge from the penis or vagina, pain or burning sensation when urinating, painful, swollen testicles, anal itching, painful bowel movements, and heavy menstrual bleeding between periods.