Gonorrhoea Test

Price

£50

Turnaround

24 hours

Professional

N/A

4.8
4.8/5
4.7
4.7/5
Care Quality Commission
Primary Care & Diagnostics Finalist Award

The Importance of Testing & Treatment

Gonorrhoea is highly prevalent in the UK, ranking as the second most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI), following Chlamydia.

Historically known by the nickname ‘the clap’, the only way to diagnose this infection is through a quick and painless Gonorrhoea test.

Understanding Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is caused by the Neisseria Gonorrhoea bacteria. It primarily affects the mucous membranes of the urethra, cervix, rectum, throat, and eyes. Gonorrhoea is highly contagious and can be transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

The bacteria thrive in vaginal fluid and penile discharge and are also spread through sharing sex toys and during childbirth from an infected mother, risking newborn blindness.

 

Common Symptoms

Common symptoms for men include painful urination, pus-like discharge from the penis, and swelling or pain in one testicle. Symptoms in women include increased vaginal discharge, painful urination, vaginal bleeding between periods, pain during intercourse, and abdominal or pelvic pain.

Rectal infections (in both sexes) include discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding, and painful bowel movements. Additionally, throat infections include a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes in the neck (less common).

Symptoms typically emerge 2 – 10 days after exposure.

doctor
Woman doctor taking notes

Testing For Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is diagnosed through laboratory tests, which may include urine test to detect the presence of the bacteria, or swabs taken from the affected areas (cervix, urethra, rectum, throat) and analysed for the bacteria.

Early diagnosis reduces complications. Get tested if you suspect an STI, see symptoms, or after unprotected intercourse. Peace-of-mind testing has no consultation fee, but symptomatic cases may incur charges.

Preventing Gonorrhoea

Preventing Gonorrhoea involves using condoms every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex and getting regular screenings to help detect the disease early.

It also involves encouraging your sexual partners to get tested and share their results. Limiting the number of sexual partners can decrease exposure risk. Avoid sharing sex toys, and always avoid excessive alcohol or drug use, which can impair judgment and lead to risky sexual behaviour.

Woman doctor pointing
Serious doctor with arms crossed

Treating The Disease

Treating Gonorrhoea involves using antibiotics, typically Ceftriaxone and Azithromycin, to eliminate the infection and address potential antibiotic resistance.

Take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms disappear. Follow up with your healthcare provider a few weeks after treatment to ensure the infection is cured.

Avoid all sexual activity until both you and your partner have completed treatment and your healthcare provider confirms the infection is gone. If symptoms persist or recur, contact your healthcare provider for additional testing or a different treatment regimen.

How Prevalent Is Gonorrhoea

In 2022, there were 82 592 cases of Gonorrhoea in the UK. Globally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 82.4 million people were newly infected with Gonorrhoea in 2020.

Gonorrhoea rates remain highest among individuals aged 20 – 24, followed by those aged 25 – 29​​. The increase in cases underscores the importance of regular screening and early detection to manage and prevent further spread of the infection.

 

Doctor with stethoscope

Statistics​

rise in STI cases among 15-24-year-olds since 2021
0 %
increase in gonorrhoea since 2021
0 %
increase in chlamydia since 2021
0
increase in syphilis since 2021
0 %

Gonorrhoea Complications

Untreated Gonorrhoea can lead to severe and long-lasting health complications in both men and women. Here are the primary complications associated with untreated Gonorrhoea:

  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): PID can result in chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.
  • Epididymitis: Inflammation that can cause pain, fever, and in severe cases, infertility if not treated promptly​.
  • Disseminated Gonococcal Infection (DGI): DGI can lead to conditions such as arthritis, tenosynovitis, and dermatitis.
  • Infertility: Untreated Gonorrhoea can lead to infertility in both men and women.
  • Pregnancy And Childbirth: Untreated Gonorrhoea can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight, and can cause blindness, joint infection, or a life-threatening blood infection newborn​s.
  • Conjunctivitis: Gonorrhoea can infect the eyes, leading to gonococcal conjunctivitis and even blindness.
  • Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland, leading to painful urination, and sexual dysfunction​.

How To Book A Sexual Health Screen Appointment?

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Use our online booking engine or book your test by giving us a call.

Choose your test type

On the online booking engine select the “appointment type” you need.

meet with our experts

You will be seen by one of our friendly doctors or trained clinicians.

The Procedure

preparing for appointment

Pre-Appointment

  • Ensure you refrain from urinating for at least 2 hours prior to your test. This helps in obtaining an accurate sample, especially if undergoing a urine test.

during the appointment

Appointment

  • Testing methods vary between genders.
  • For women, a swab from the cervix or vagina is generally taken using a cotton bud. In certain situations, the urethra might also be swabbed.
  • For men, a urine sample is the primary method of detection. However, if there’s any penile discharge, a swab may also be taken.

post appointment

Post-Appointment

  • Gonorrhoea can be tested alongside chlamydia using the PCR method on either urine or a swab.
  • A bacterial swab can also determine antibiotic sensitivities, but this might take 3 to 5 days.
  • After your consultation, you can opt for a call from the doctor to discuss results and any necessary treatment.
  • Alternatively, results can be emailed or you can call us at a convenient time to get them.

Why Choose Walk In Clinic For
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Test prices do not include a consultation.

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Is Gonorrhoea dangerous?
If untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to severe complications. In men, it can cause painful testicle infections, reduce fertility, affect the prostate, and complicate urination. For women, it can spread to reproductive organs leading to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can result in infertility or ectopic pregnancy.
How long should I wait after treatment before having sex?
You should avoid having sex until a follow-up appointment with the doctor has confirmed that you are clear of the infection. This will prevent you from passing it on to anyone else. It is also important that your partner/s follow the same protocol, to avoid re-infection.
How can I prevent Gonorrhea?
The best way to prevent gonorrhea is to use condoms consistently and correctly during sex. Regular STI screenings and maintaining open communication with your partner(s) about sexual health are also crucial.

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