What to expect from STI screening for gonorrhoea

The clinician may ask about vaginal, penile, rectal, or throat symptoms and the kinds of sexual contact you have had. Gonorrhoea can affect more than one site, so a throat or rectal swab may be needed even when the main symptom is elsewhere.

Depending on the service, testing uses urine or a swab from the relevant site. A positive result indicates infection at the tested site and requires medical treatment. A negative result may need reconsideration if testing happened soon after exposure or symptoms continue.

Share the date of possible exposure, current symptoms, recent antibiotics, and any allergies. Do not feel pressured to omit a body site: accurate information helps the clinician choose the right samples. Avoid sexual contact until results and next steps are explained if infection is suspected.

If gonorrhoea is detected, take treatment exactly as prescribed and follow advice about partner notification and repeat testing. Partners may need assessment even if they feel well. Do not self-treat with leftover antibiotics, because the wrong medicine may not clear infection.

Seek prompt assessment for unusual discharge, pain when passing urine, pelvic or testicular pain, rectal discomfort, or a sore throat after sexual exposure. Get urgent help for severe lower-abdominal pain, a swollen painful testicle, fever with joint pain or rash, or rapidly worsening illness.

Which sites should be tested based on my contact? How long might results take? If the result is positive, when can I resume sex and how will partners be supported?