Neisseria gonorrhoeae (urethral, vaginal, cervical swab; urine, ejaculate, prostate secretion)

The Neisseria gonorrhoeae test is essential for detecting and treating gonorrhea. If you suspect an infection or want a routine sexual health check, schedule your test at IntroLab in Belgrade, where a professional team provides accurate testing. Timely diagnosis is a key step toward a healthy life.

When is the neisseria gonorrhoeae test performed?

The neisseria gonorrhoeae test is recommended when there is suspicion of gonorrhea infection, based on symptoms or potential exposure, as well as during routine sexual health check-ups. Common tests include taking urethral, vaginal, or cervical swabs, as well as analyzing urine, ejaculate, or prostate secretion.

• Urethral, vaginal, and cervical swabs are usually performed when symptoms such as burning during urination, unusual discharge, or pain in the genital area are present.
• Urine can be tested when symptoms are mild or absent.
• Testing ejaculate and prostate secretion is typically recommended for men with symptoms or those who have been sexually exposed to the infection.

These tests help identify the presence of the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium, enabling early detection and treatment of the infection, thus reducing the risk of complications and transmission to others. Regular testing for gonorrhea is also important for maintaining sexual health and preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

What is gonococcus (neisseria gonorrhoeae)?

Gonococcus (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) is a bacterium that causes gonorrhea, a common sexually transmitted infection. In men, these bacteria most often inhabit the urethral mucosa and can spread to the testes. Women often do not experience noticeable symptoms of gonorrhea, which can lead to the infection going undetected until complications arise. In many cases, gonorrhea is discovered accidentally during routine gynecological exams. In women, these bacteria typically colonize the mucosa of the cervix and urethra, while their presence in the rectum, larynx, and eye mucosa is less common. If the disease progresses, gonococcus can enter the bloodstream, spreading throughout the body and causing other serious health issues such as infectious meningitis, gonococcal sepsis, and arthritis.

The primary mode of transmission for gonococcus is sexual contact. In pregnant women, there is also a risk of passing the bacteria to the newborn during childbirth. Early diagnosis and timely treatment of gonorrhea are essential to prevent the spread of the infection and avoid potentially serious complications.

What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?

The symptoms of gonorrhea can vary between men and women, but there are common symptoms that may indicate this infection. Men often experience symptoms such as:

• burning or pain during urination
• whitish, yellowish, or green discharge from the penis
• swollen or painful testicles

Women, on the other hand, often have milder symptoms, which may include:

• burning or pain during urination
• increased vaginal discharge
• vaginal bleeding between periods
• lower abdominal pain

Common symptoms may include:

• itching
• pain or irritation in the genital area
• pain during sexual intercourse
• sore throat

In some individuals, gonorrhea may present without symptoms, which is especially common in women. Additionally, gonorrhea can infect the rectum, leading to:

• anal itching
• discharge
• pain during bowel movements

Consequences of untreated gonorrhea

Untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious and long-term health problems. Here are some possible consequences:

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): In women, gonorrhea can cause PID, a condition that can lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic (outside the womb) pregnancy.
• Infertility: Gonorrhea can damage the reproductive system in both men and women, potentially leading to permanent infertility.
• Epididymitis: In men, gonorrhea can cause inflammation of the epididymis, resulting in pain and, in rare cases, infertility.
• Disseminated Gonococcal Infection (DGI): Gonorrhea can become a systemic condition, affecting the skin, joints, and other parts of the body, leading to rash, fever, and arthritis.
• Increased Risk of HIV: People infected with gonorrhea have a higher risk of contracting HIV, and for those who are already HIV-positive, gonorrhea can increase viral load.
• Pregnancy and Newborn Complications: Untreated gonorrhea can cause pregnancy complications, including preterm birth. It can also be passed to the newborn during delivery, leading to serious health issues for the baby, such as blindness.
• Chronic Pain: Untreated gonorrhea can cause chronic pelvic pain in women and genital pain in men.

Timely detection and treatment of gonorrhea are essential to avoid these potentially serious and long-term consequences.

How is gonorrhea treated?

Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics. It is important to strictly follow the doctor’s instructions regarding dosage and duration of therapy to ensure complete eradication of the bacteria and prevent antibiotic resistance. After completing the treatment, the doctor may recommend retesting to confirm that the infection has been fully cured. Self-treatment of gonorrhea without medical advice and supervision should not be attempted, as inadequate treatment can lead to complications and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Preparation for the neisseria gonorrhoeae test

Preparation for the neisseria gonorrhoeae test involves several important steps. It is particularly recommended for men to avoid urinating for 1 to 2 hours before taking a urethral swab or providing a urine sample to prevent the bacteria from being flushed away. Additionally, avoid taking antibiotics for several days prior to testing, as this may affect the accuracy of the results. It is also advisable to refrain from sexual contact for at least 24 to 48 hours before testing. For women, it is important to avoid using vaginal creams, tampons, or special soaps 24 hours before taking a vaginal or cervical swab to ensure the accuracy of the test.