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Gonorrhoea Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, January 2008.

Answers to questions about gonorrhoea

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email. This section will expand over time.

Do I need to have a test again when I have finished the treatment to check that the gonorrhoea infection has cleared up? If I have gonorrhoea, is it likely that I will have another sexually transmitted infection too? How soon after having unprotected sex can I have a test for gonorrhoea?

Related topics Gonorrhoea Contraception - non-hormonal STIs (STDs)

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Do I need to have a test again when I have finished the treatment to check that the gonorrhoea infection has cleared up?

You won't usually need to have another gonorrhoea test after you have finished your treatment.

Explanation

If you take the treatment and don't have sexual intercourse before you (and your partner if necessary) have been treated, you won't usually need to have a follow-up test to check that the gonorrhoea infection has cleared up.

However, you are advised to be tested for gonorrhoea again if:

• you and your partner have had unprotected sex before both of you have had treatment
• if you have had unprotected sex with a new sexual partner
• your symptoms don't go away or if you develop new symptoms of gonorrhoea

Further information

• The Family Planning Association
  0845 122 8690
  www.fpa.org.uk
• Terrence Higgins Trust
  0845 12 21 200
  www.tht.org.uk

Sources

• Pattman R, Snow M, Handy P, Sanker KN, Elawad B. Oxford Handbook of genitourinary medicine, HIV and AIDS. 1st edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press 2005.

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If I have gonorrhoea, is it likely that I will have another sexually transmitted infection too?

Yes, you may have another sexually transmitted infection (STI), particularly chlamydia.

Explanation

If you have a test for gonorrhoea, you are advised to be tested for other STIs too, particularly chlamydia. Around 20 percent of men and 40 percent of women with gonorrhoea will also be infected with chlamydia.

Further information

• The Family Planning Association
  0845 122 8690
  www.fpa.org.uk
• Terrence Higgins Trust
  0845 12 21 200
  www.tht.org.uk

Sources

• National Guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhoea in adults 2005. BASSH. www.bashh.org, accessed 31 January 2007.

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How soon after having unprotected sex can I have a test for gonorrhoea?

You shouldn't delay arranging to have a test for gonorrhoea. You can have a test soon after you have had sex.

Explanation

If you have had unprotected sex and there is a chance that you may have gonorrhoea, you should make an appointment to have a test as soon as possible. You can be tested for gonorrhoea even if you don't have any symptoms. Your doctor or nurse will be able to give you advice on when you can have the test.

Further information

• The Family Planning Association
  0845 122 8690
  www.fpa.org.uk

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. It has been patient reviewed by Terrence Higgins Trust. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: January 2008.