Does STI screening treat gonorrhoea?

Testing may use urine or swabs from the throat, genitals, or rectum, depending on sexual contact and symptoms. A positive result identifies gonorrhoea at the sampled site and allows a clinician to choose treatment. Testing does not remove the bacteria, and an untreated infection can spread or be passed to partners.

Possible symptoms include discharge, burning when urinating, pelvic or testicular pain, rectal discomfort, or a sore throat. Many infections cause few or no symptoms, so feeling well does not replace testing after a relevant exposure.

Contact a sexual health or general-practice clinician promptly after a positive result. Use the prescribed medicine exactly as directed and mention allergies, pregnancy, and any medicines you take. Avoid sex until treatment and the clinician’s waiting advice have been followed, and make sure recent partners receive testing or treatment advice.

Do not self-treat with leftover antibiotics. Gonorrhoea can require careful treatment selection, and a follow-up test may be advised in some situations. Ask whether other STI tests are needed and whether symptoms involve more than one body site.

Seek urgent care for severe pelvic or abdominal pain, fever, a painful swollen testicle, eye redness or discharge, joint pain with fever, or rapidly worsening illness. If you may be pregnant and have symptoms or a positive result, arrange prompt clinical review.

Ask which sites were tested, what treatment is recommended, when sex can resume, whether partners need care, and whether a follow-up test is required.