Gonorrhea test

What is gonorrhea?

All the facts about gonorrhea on the table! Gonorrhea is often colloquially called the clap. It is one of the most common and longest-known sexually transmitted bacterial infections caused by gonococci. We'll tell you more about gonorrhea, how to recognize it and how to prevent it. But before we get started, here are a few hard facts about gonorrhea:

• An estimated 60 million people worldwide are infected with gonorrhea every year
• The infectious disease is not notifiable in Germany
• Gonorrhea sexist? Not at all: men and women are equally affected by infection
• The name gonorrhea comes from the Dutch word for “drop”.
   

In the throat and rectum, gonococci usually do not cause any symptoms, but can be transmitted to sexual partners. In the rectum, this increases the risk of HIV infection. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to an infection of the vas deferens. In people with a vagina, the infection can affect the cervix and fallopian tubes and, if left untreated, can lead to infertility due to adhesions. Babies can be infected with gonorrhea at birth, which manifests itself in conjunctivitis and has often led to blindness if left untreated.

Where can you get infected with gonorrhea?

Very high risk of infection

• Unprotected anal, oral or vaginal intercourse
• Use of shared sex toys

Infection extremely unlikely

• Toilets
• Sauna

Who should take a gonorrhea test?

• People with an active and diverse sex life
• Sex workers
• People who have a chlamydia infection
• Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at greater risk of infection
• Pregnant women (these tests are carried out as part of medical prenatal care)

When should I get tested for gonorrhea?

In order to reliably detect a gonorrhea infection, you should wait about 2-3 days (diagnostic window). Do you notice symptoms that could fit? Then you should see your doctor. However, as many gonorrhea infections are asymptomatic, regular testing is a step towards safer sex.

Test procedure for reliable gonorrhea tests

Detection of pathogen genetic material

This test is also known as the PCR test. The method is very sensitive and provides particularly reliable results, even without symptoms. The test for gonorrhea in s.a.m. health also uses this method.

Detection of antibodies

Your body reacts after an infection and forms antibodies. These can be detected in the blood after some time. However, it says nothing about whether the disease is cured or in need of treatment.

Microscopic detection and bacterial culture

If there are symptoms, the doctor will also take a smear and examine it microscopically. Depending on the spread of the infection, the gonococci may already be visible there. For a precise analysis and reliable diagnosis, bacterial cultures are then taken in the laboratory, which also provide information about the most suitable antibiotics for treatment and resistance.

How is gonorrhea treated?

How do you get rid of gonorrhea? A gonococcal (gonorrhea) infection can usually be treated well with antibiotics. Therefore, always consult a doctor. They will discuss the treatment options with you and prescribe an effective antibiotic.

In recent years, many antibiotic-resistant strains have developed, which is why proper treatment under medical supervision is absolutely essential.

And sex? Yes, we know sex is nice! But it's better to refrain from it until your treatment is complete. This also applies even if the symptoms have already subsided. The antibodies always disappear after an infection. The body's own protection therefore does not last a lifetime. Protect yourself and get tested regularly.

Also remember to inform your sexual partners if you test positive so that they can also get tested and you are not potentially exposed to a new risk of infection the next time you have contact.