When is STI screening recommended for gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea can affect the throat, genitals, rectum, or eyes, and some infections cause few or no symptoms. Possible signs include discharge, burning when urinating, pelvic pain, testicular pain, rectal discomfort, sore throat, or eye redness and discharge. The sexual contact you describe helps determine which sites need samples.

Testing may use urine or swabs. If infection is found, prescribed antibiotics are needed and partners may require assessment. Because resistance can affect antibiotic choices, use the treatment selected by the clinician and attend any requested follow-up.

Book a confidential test after a partner tells you they have gonorrhoea, after sex without a barrier with a new partner, or when symptoms appear. Mention oral or anal contact even if the throat or rectum feels normal. Avoid sexual contact until the clinician gives clear advice, and do not self-treat with leftover antibiotics.

Get urgent medical assessment for fever with pelvic or testicular pain, severe lower-abdominal pain, a painful swollen testicle, eye pain or vision change, joint pain with a rash, or rapidly worsening illness. These features can indicate infection beyond the original site and should not wait for routine screening.

Ask which sites should be tested, whether treatment is needed before results, how partners can be notified safely, when sexual contact can resume, and whether a follow-up test is advised.