How to Diagnose Gonorrhea

Given that gonorrhea is frequently asymptomatic, it can be difficult to diagnose simply because the infected person may not know they have it. It is important that sexually active people submit to regular screening for all sexually transmitted infections and diseases, without regard to whether they are exhibiting symptoms or not.

Things You'll Need

• Physician

Instructions

Diagnose Gonorrhea

1. Know the symptoms. In both men and women, the most common symptoms include viscous genital discharges as well as painful or difficult urination. Men may also experience sore or swollen testicles, and women may notice pus buildups in their cervical region. Seek immediate medical attention if you exhibit any of these symptoms.

2. Speak to your doctor. Be frank about your sexual history. Remember that patients enjoy the protection of confidentiality laws when speaking to a doctor. What is discussed in the doctor's office will stay in the doctor's office. You are the only person who has the right to access your medical file.

3. Understand the three most common methods used to diagnose gonorrhea. First, your doctor can use staining techniques to test directly for the presence of gonorrhea bacteria. Second, DNA testing for gonorrhea bacteria in a urine sample is performed. Third, your doctor may swab your genitals and attempt to grow a gonorrhea culture under controlled laboratory conditions from the sample. Your doctor can explain each technique in more detail.

4. Bear in mind that your physician will likely use more than one, if not all three, methods of detection to ensure a proper diagnosis is made. Be aware that a degree of physical discomfort may accompany some of these screening procedures. Keep in mind that momentary discomfort is greatly preferable to the potentially serious medical complications that could result if gonorrhea is left untreated.

5. Know that gonorrhea is becoming increasingly resistant to common antibiotics. Your doctor may also perform a throat swab to see whether you have contracted a resistant strain of the disease.

6. Discuss your test results with your doctor once they are returned from the lab. If you have not been infected with gonorrhea, consider yourself lucky and continue to practice safer sex or abstinence. If you have been infected with gonorrhea, remember that curative treatment is possible, especially when the disease is in its early stages. Your doctor will discuss the treatment options available to you in detail.

Tips & Warnings

• Untreated gonorrhea may lead to serious medical complications, such as permanent damage to reproductive organs and spread of the bacterial infection into the brain or heart. Gonorrhea can also cause death, albeit rarely. Be vigilant about getting tested for it, and treat it immediately if you become infected.