Gonorrhea test explained (NG)
What the gonorrhea test is
The gonorrhea test confirms or rules out the presence of the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the body. MedlinePlus states that the test uses a first-catch urine sample in a sterile container, or a swab from the urethra, cervix, vagina, throat, rectum or eyes — depending on where the infection is suspected. The test is done for two purposes: to check a person who has no symptoms after possible exposure, or to confirm or rule out an infection when symptoms are already present. The result is given as positive or negative — this test has no numeric reference ranges or cut-off values, because it establishes whether the infection is present, not how much of it there is.
The result: positive or negative
The gonorrhea test does not produce a number that could be compared with a reference range. The answer is either positive or negative, because the test establishes whether the infection is present rather than how much of it there is.
| Result | What it means |
|---|---|
| Positive | The bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae has been confirmed in the body. MedlinePlus states that in this case treatment prescribed by a doctor is needed, along with telling the sexual partner or partners so that they too get tested and, if needed, treated. |
| Negative | No infection was found. MedlinePlus notes that a very early-stage infection can sometimes go undetected, so if exposure is suspected it is recommended to repeat the test after a few weeks. |
When the test is done
- When there are symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (MedlinePlus)
- Sexually active women under 25 — screening every year (MedlinePlus)
- Men who have sex with men — screening every year (MedlinePlus)
- People who have HIV — at the first visit, and afterwards at least once a year (MedlinePlus)
- When you have new or several sexual partners, or if a partner has had a sexually transmitted infection (MedlinePlus)
- Pregnant women under 25 (MedlinePlus)
How to prepare
- Do not pass urine for two hours before a urine sample (MedlinePlus)
- Do not use vaginal douches or creams for a day before a swab from the cervix or vagina (MedlinePlus)
- Tell your doctor if you are taking antibiotics (MedlinePlus)
What a positive result means
A positive gonorrhea test result means that the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae has been confirmed in the body. MedlinePlus states that in this case treatment prescribed by a doctor is needed, along with telling the sexual partner or partners so that they too get tested and, if needed, treated.
Why a result can be positive
- A confirmed Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection after possible sexual exposure
- A confirmed infection when the test was done because of existing symptoms
Possible symptoms
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Unusual discharge
- Pain in the pelvic area
- There may be no symptoms at all
What to discuss with a doctor
- Treatment prescribed by a doctor without delay (MedlinePlus)
- Telling the sexual partner or partners, so that they get tested and treated if needed (MedlinePlus)
- Repeating the test at the time your doctor indicates
- Discussing with your doctor whether testing for other sexually transmitted infections is needed
Related pages
Full site in Lithuanian: proactiva.app
Frequently asked questions
›Why is a gonorrhea test done?
According to MedlinePlus, the test is done to check a person who has no symptoms after possible exposure to the infection, or to confirm or rule out gonorrhea when symptoms are already present — for example pain when passing urine or unusual discharge.
›How is a gonorrhea test done, and does it hurt?
According to MedlinePlus, a first-catch urine sample is collected in a sterile container, or a swab is taken from the urethra, cervix, vagina, throat, rectum or eyes — depending on where the infection is suspected. MedlinePlus states that there are no known risks: there may only be slight discomfort while a swab is taken from the urethra or cervix.
›How do you prepare for a gonorrhea test?
MedlinePlus recommends not passing urine for two hours before a urine sample, and not using vaginal douches or creams for a day before a swab from the cervix or vagina. It is worth telling your doctor if you are taking antibiotics.
›What does a positive gonorrhea test result mean?
A positive result means that a Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection has been confirmed. MedlinePlus states that in this case treatment prescribed by a doctor is needed, along with telling the sexual partner.
›What does a negative gonorrhea test result mean?
A negative result means that no infection was found. MedlinePlus notes that a very early-stage infection can sometimes go undetected, so if exposure is suspected it is recommended to repeat the test after a few weeks.
›Who should be tested for gonorrhea regularly?
MedlinePlus recommends screening every year for sexually active women under 25, for men who have sex with men, and for people who have HIV. It is also worth being tested when you have new or several partners.
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Gonorrhea Test — 2026-09-07
Related markers
This site is not an emergency service. If severe chest or head pain, breathlessness, confusion, difficulty speaking, heavy bleeding or another acute problem has come on suddenly — do not wait for tests, call 112.
This information is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, your age and sex — always compare your result with the range printed on your own report.