Question 1

What is Gonorrhea?

Accepted Answer

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection that affects the genitals, rectum, and throat. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which spreads through sexual contact and often produces no symptoms. The Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Test is the most important test for diagnosis because it directly detects the RNA of the bacteria in urogenital samples.

Question 2

What causes gonorrhea?

Accepted Answer

Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which spreads through sexual contact including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. The bacteria infect the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract, including the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes in women, and the urethra in both men and women. It can also infect the throat, eyes, and rectum, making it a versatile pathogen that requires prompt treatment to prevent complications and transmission to sexual partners.

Question 3

What is the best test for gonorrhea?

Accepted Answer

The Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Test is the most important test for gonorrhea because it directly detects the RNA of Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria in urogenital samples, providing definitive proof of an active infection. This nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) is highly sensitive and specific, meaning it accurately identifies the bacteria even when present in small amounts. The test also screens for chlamydia simultaneously, which is essential because these two STIs often occur together and require different treatment approaches.

Question 4

When should I get tested for gonorrhea?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience unusual discharge from the genitals, burning during urination, pelvic or abdominal pain, or painful bowel movements. Testing is also crucial if you have had unprotected sex with a new partner, if a sexual partner has been diagnosed with an STI, or if you are sexually active with multiple partners. Many people with gonorrhea have no symptoms at all, so regular screening is recommended for anyone who is sexually active, particularly if you are under 25 or have risk factors.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of gonorrhea include thick, cloudy, or bloody discharge from the penis or vagina, burning or pain during urination, increased vaginal discharge, and vaginal bleeding between periods. Men may experience painful or swollen testicles, while women may have pelvic pain or pain during intercourse. Rectal infections can cause discharge, itching, soreness, bleeding, or painful bowel movements. However, many people infected with gonorrhea experience no symptoms at all, which is why the infection often goes undetected without regular testing.

Question 6

Who is at risk for gonorrhea?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, but risk is higher for people under 25, those with multiple sexual partners, and individuals who do not use condoms consistently. People with a previous gonorrhea infection or other STIs are at increased risk, as are those whose partners have not been tested or treated. Men who have sex with men face elevated risk, and pregnant women can pass the infection to their babies during childbirth, potentially causing serious eye infections in newborns.

Question 7

What happens if gonorrhea is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious and permanent health complications. In women, the infection can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which results in chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Men can develop epididymitis, a painful condition affecting the tubes attached to the testicles that can also lead to infertility. Both men and women face increased risk of contracting HIV, and in rare cases, gonorrhea can spread to the blood and joints, becoming life-threatening.

Question 8

Can gonorrhea be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Gonorrhea is typically diagnosed using urine samples or swabs from the affected area rather than blood tests. The Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Test uses nucleic acid amplification technology to detect the bacterial RNA in urogenital samples, which is more accurate than blood testing for this type of infection. For men, a urine sample is usually sufficient, while women may provide a vaginal swab or urine sample. If you have symptoms in the throat or rectum, swabs from those areas may be collected to ensure accurate diagnosis.

Question 9

How is gonorrhea treated?

Accepted Answer

Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics, typically a single injection of ceftriaxone, which is the most effective treatment for current strains of the bacteria. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the appropriate antibiotic based on current treatment guidelines, as antibiotic resistance is an increasing concern with gonorrhea. It is crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms disappear, avoid sexual activity until treatment is complete and you are cleared by your provider, and ensure that all sexual partners are tested and treated to prevent reinfection.

Question 10

How can I prevent gonorrhea?

Accepted Answer

Prevention of gonorrhea involves using latex condoms correctly every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex, which significantly reduces transmission risk. Limiting your number of sexual partners and being in a mutually monogamous relationship with someone who has tested negative for STIs also lowers risk. Regular STI screening is essential for sexually active individuals, particularly if you have new or multiple partners. Open communication with partners about sexual health, getting tested together before engaging in sexual activity, and avoiding sex while being treated for an STI are all important prevention strategies.

Question 11

What can I do at home for gonorrhea symptoms?

Accepted Answer

While gonorrhea requires antibiotic treatment from a healthcare provider and cannot be cured with home remedies, you can manage symptoms at home by taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to reduce discomfort and inflammation. Avoid sexual activity completely until you have completed treatment and been cleared by your provider to prevent spreading the infection. Stay well-hydrated to help flush bacteria from your urinary tract, and wear loose, breathable cotton underwear to reduce irritation. It is crucial to follow up with testing after treatment to ensure the infection has been completely eliminated.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Gonorrhea Blood Test & STI Screening

What is Gonorrhea?

What causes gonorrhea?

What is the best test for gonorrhea?

When should I get tested for gonorrhea?

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