Gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae)

What is Gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae)?

This test detects Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium responsible for gonorrhea, one of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections.

Gonorrhea testing checks a urine sample or a swab from the genitals, throat, or rectum for genetic material from Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This bacterial STI is common worldwide and, like chlamydia, often produces no symptoms, making silent transmission possible. The test relates to the reproductive, urinary, and immune systems, since untreated infection has been associated with pelvic inflammatory disease, epididymitis, and, rarely, joint or bloodstream involvement. Clinicians commonly order this test as part of routine sexual health screening, when a sexual partner has been diagnosed, when symptoms such as discharge or pelvic pain are present, or alongside chlamydia testing since the two infections frequently occur together.

Tests often checked alongside this

• Chlamydia trachomatis — commonly tested together due to frequent co-infection
• HIV-1/2 Antibodies — often part of the same comprehensive screening panel
• Syphilis RPR — typically included in broader sexual health screening
• Trichomonas vaginalis — another organism often assessed alongside gonorrhea

How this can show up in how you look and feel

• Discharge from the genitals or rectum
• Burning sensation during urination
• Sore throat, in some cases of oral exposure
• Pelvic or abdominal discomfort
• Testicular pain or swelling, in some men
• Infection can be entirely asymptomatic, particularly in women

What can affect this marker

• Timing of exposure relative to testing
• Site of sampling (urine, genital, throat, or rectal swab)
• Recent antimicrobial use
• Sexual activity and number of partners
• Pregnancy, which may prompt targeted screening

What to track over time

• Whether repeat testing is suggested after treatment to help confirm clearance
• New potential exposures since the last screening
• Results of concurrent STI tests done in the same visit
• Any change in personal risk that might affect screening frequency

What to ask your doctor

• What is my recommended screening interval for gonorrhea?
• Should my partner(s) be tested as well?
• Are there other STIs that should be checked at the same time?
• What confirmatory steps follow a reactive result?
• Could antibiotic resistance patterns affect how my results or care are handled?

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