Sometimes we get really scared when we think about the small symptoms we feel, especially if it could be a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). Gonorrhea is a common bacterial infection. But the biggest problem with this is that some people can have this disease without having any symptoms. So, the only way to know for sure whether you have this disease or not is to get a Gonorrhea test. Let's talk about this in detail.
What exactly is a Gonorrhea test?
Simply put, a gonorrhea test is a test that checks your body for the bacteria that causes gonorrhea, called Neisseria gonorrhoeae . This is very important because, as mentioned earlier, many people do not have symptoms and can pass the disease on to their sexual partners without even knowing they have it.
Imagine, you don't have any problems, but you have this bacteria in your body. Then there is a high chance that someone else will get infected with it. That's why it's important to get tested.
Gonorrhea is a disease that can be completely cured with antibiotics . That's good news. But if left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems. Women can develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. Men can experience testicular pain and infertility. Sometimes, this infection can even enter the bloodstream. So, the best way to avoid such serious conditions is to get tested if you suspect you have the disease and get treatment as soon as possible.
Who should get this gonorrhea test?
If you think you have gonorrhea, or if you have one or more of the following symptoms, it is wise to see a doctor and get tested.
| Symptom | Simply explained |
|---|---|
| Dysuria | Burning or pain when urinating. |
| Discharge | An abnormally thick, yellow, or green discharge from the urethra (penis) in men or the vagina in women. |
| Testicular pain | Pain or swelling in one or both testicles in men. |
| Lower abdominal pain | Lower abdominal pain, especially in women. |
| Irregular bleeding | Vaginal bleeding in women during their monthly periods or after sexual intercourse. |
| Rectal problems | Itching, pain, discharge, or bleeding around the anus. Pain during bowel movements. |
| Sore throat | Sore throat due to an infection in the throat of those who engage in oral sex. |
| Eye problems | Eye pain, itching, or a discharge from the eyes. |
Cases that should be checked especially
Some people are at slightly higher risk of getting gonorrhea. If you fall into one of the following groups, even if you don't have symptoms, consider talking to a doctor and getting tested regularly.
- If you are a pregnant mother: If you get gonorrhea during pregnancy, you can pass it on to your baby during delivery. This can cause serious eye infections in the baby.
- If you have a new sexual partner: It's a good idea to get both of you tested when starting a new relationship.
- If you have multiple sexual partners: The more partners you have, the higher the risk.
- If your sexual partner has recently been treated for an STI: If they have the disease, there is a chance that you have it too.
- If you are HIV-infected: HIV weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to other infections.
How do you do this test?
This test is very simple. Doctors take a sample of your body fluid and test it for the bacteria `Neisseria gonorrhoeae`. There are two main ways to get the sample:
1. Urine test: This is the easiest method to do in most cases. You just need to collect some urine in a small container (specimen container) that you will be given.
2. Swab test: This involves using a swab to collect a sample of cells and fluid from a possible site of infection. For example, a sample can be taken from a woman's vagina, cervix, a man's urethra, or the rectum or throat.
The sample obtained in this way is sent to a lab for testing. The best and most widely used test currently is the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) . This tests for the presence of genetic material from the bacteria. This is a very sensitive test, so even very small amounts of bacteria can be detected. The NAAT test can be done on either a urine sample or a swab sample.
Rarely, if there is a suspicion of an antibiotic-resistant strain of gonorrhea, the doctor may also do a bacteria culture test.
How should you prepare before the test?
Your doctor will tell you if you need to do anything special before the test. Usually, they can give you instructions like this. Following these instructions carefully is very important to get accurate results.
| Advice to follow | The reason for that |
|---|---|
| Tell your doctor about your sexual activity. | Depending on the sexual activity you engage in (e.g. oral sex, anal sex), the areas where the infection can occur will vary. This will help the doctor decide exactly where to take the sample. |
| If you are taking antibiotics, stop them temporarily. | Some antibiotics can affect the test results and give a false negative result. So talk to your doctor and follow his or her instructions. |
| Avoid urinating for two hours before the urine test. | A urine test requires a "first-catch" urine sample. This means the first urine you pass in the morning or the first urine you pass after not urinating for several hours. If you urinate shortly before the test, the concentration of bacteria in the sample may be reduced and the test may not detect it. |
| Do not use vaginal douches or creams 24 hours before the test. | If these are used, the sample may become contaminated and the test results may change. |
What might the results of the test be?
You will usually receive the results of the test within one to three days. The report you receive can come in two main types.
- Negative / Not detected: This means that the gonorrhea bacteria were not found in the sample you provided. However, this does not mean that you do not have the disease 100%. If you test a few days after being exposed to the disease, the amount of bacteria in your body may not be detected by the test. Usually, the test may not be positive for about two weeks after you have the disease. Therefore, talk to your doctor about the best time to get tested.
- Positive (Positive / Detected): This means that the gonorrhea bacteria are present in your body, meaning that you have gonorrhea. If the report is positive, don't panic at all. There are things you need to do next.
What do you do if your report is positive?
It's normal to have a lot of thoughts, fears, and worries when you see a report like this. But remember, this is completely treatable.
1. Take a deep breath: First of all, don't panic. What you're feeling is normal. But the most important thing to remember is that with prompt treatment, this can be completely cured.
2. Use antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your doctor: Take the medication your doctor prescribes, in the prescribed dosage, for the prescribed period of time. Don't stop taking the medication just because your symptoms subside after a few days. Finish the full course.
3. Inform your sexual partners: This may be a bit difficult. But it is very important and responsible. Your partners may also be infected and have no symptoms. Therefore, informing them about your report, getting them tested and referred for treatment if necessary, can help stop the spread of the disease. It is the best way to show that you care about them.
Can gonorrhea be detected with a blood test?
No. While some STDs, such as syphilis, herpes, and HIV, can be detected with blood tests, there is currently no blood test that can detect gonorrhea. It requires a urine sample or swab sample.
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease that doesn't always show symptoms, but it's easily spread. The only way to know if you have the infection is to get tested. Having an STI is nothing to be ashamed of. Your physical and mental health, as well as your sexual health, are all important. Your doctor is there to help you. So if you have even the slightest suspicion that you have gonorrhea, don't be afraid to talk to a doctor and get tested right away.
Take-Home Message
- Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease, often has no symptoms, so the only accurate way to know if you have the disease is to get tested.
- This test is very simple. It only requires a urine sample or a swab.
- Don't panic if the test result is positive. This can be completely cured with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.
- If you are diagnosed with the disease, it is very important to inform your sexual partners so that they can also be tested, receive treatment if necessary, and prevent further spread of the disease.
- Never be embarrassed or afraid to talk to a doctor about your sexual health. It's an important part of your overall health.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න