What is this test?
This is a laboratory test used to detect the presence of gonorrhea-causing bacteria (Neisseria Gonorrhea) in the body. Gonorrhea is a common, bacterial, sexually transmitted disease.
Why is this test performed?
This test is performed:
- To diagnose a Gonorrhea infection
- To differentiate gonorrhea and Chlamydia
- As a part of prenatal testing.
- What are the symptoms of Gonorrhea?
Following are the symptoms of Gonorrhea:
- Discharge from penis or vagina
- Burning urination
- Swollen testicles
- Anal itching
- Pelvic pain in females.
- What is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a common STD (sexually transmitted disease), it spreads by unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner. It may lead to severe life-threatening complications if left untreated.
- Why are pregnant females screened for Gonorrhea?
Pregnant females are tested for Gonorrhea because it can spread by vertical transmission (mother to baby during childbirth.
- What are the risk factors of Gonorrhea?
- Unprotected sexual intercourse
- Homosexuality
- Multiple sex partners.
- How is Gonorrhea treated?
Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics. It is important to detect and treat the partner of an affected individual.
WHAT DOES THE TEST MEASURE?
This test measures the presence of gonorrhea in the urine sample. Men with gonorrhea will notice symptoms, most women do not or will mistake gonorrhea symptoms for a bladder or other vaginal infection. For men, symptoms usually appear within 2 to 5 days of infection but can take up to 30 days. Women who experience symptoms usually do so within 10 days of infection.
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULT:
- A positive test indicates an active gonorrhea infection that requires treatment with a course of antibiotics.
- A negative test means that there is no evidence of infection at the time of the test. It is important for those who are at increased risk of infection to have screening tests performed on an annual basis to check for possible infection.
