How do They Test for Gonorrhea?

How do They Test for Gonorrhea?

Detecting the presence of an STD like gonorrhea isn’t always straightforward. In fact, it can be quite difficult to identify an STD by outward symptoms alone. Often STDs can remain asymptomatic, and even when symptoms do occur, they may appear similar to other common conditions like acne or the flu. That brings us to today’s question: how do they test for gonorrhea? In general, medical professionals will test for gonorrhea by using a urine sample. However, certain circumstances may render a urine sample insufficient. We’ll explain in greater detail below:

STD Testing 101

Sadly, many people are just as frightened of getting tested for STDs as they are of contracting them in the first place. The good news, though, is that you have nothing to fear in regard to STD tests. Modern STD testing methods are quick, painless, and typically produce results within a couple of days. For a full breakdown of where you can get tested for STDs, check out our previous blog here.

Gonorrhea & Chlamydia Testing

Gonorrhea and chlamydia are very similar. They’re both bacterial, extremely common, and their symptoms are nearly identical. Unsurprisingly, then, the tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia are administered in the same way. As mentioned above, most of the time professionals test for gonorrhea by using a urine sample. However, this test can only detect the presence of genital gonorrhea. Yet, gonorrhea can also exist outside of the genital region –– either in the anus or within the mouth/throat. In order to test for oral gonorrhea, patients need to conduct a simple swab test. These tests are not difficult or painful, and you can even perform them from the privacy of your own home.

Do STD Tests Require Blood Samples?

Some STD tests do require blood samples, but don’t worry –– gonorrhea isn’t one of them. If you want to make sure you’re completely STD-free, though, you will have to have a blood test at some point to test for STDs like HIV or syphilis.

How Accurate are STD Tests?

Modern STD tests are very accurate, but false positives and negatives can occur in rare instances. In such cases, responsible medical professionals will often recommend a second set of tests to corroborate the results of the first test.

How Soon Will I Know My Test Results?

How soon you get your test results back depends mostly on how quickly you get tested. In general, urine tests (like the ones for gonorrhea) deliver results within 1-3 days. Note that blood tests will usually take longer to come back, and you could have to wait a few weeks to find out blood-test results.