Gonorrhea testing methods

Written by Luo Hong
Dermatology Department
Updated on September 05, 2024
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The methods for detecting gonorrhea generally fall into two main categories. One involves testing for the pathogen of gonorrhea. A simple method is the microscopic examination of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which can be seen under a microscope as Gram-negative diplococci. Another method is the cultivation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, although culturing with medication can occasionally result in false negatives. A more advanced and accurate method is PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), which involves using a urethral swab to detect the DNA of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Currently, this is considered the most sensitive and accurate method available.

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
1min 15sec home-news-image

Can gonorrhea be transmitted through a washing machine?

The probability of transmitting gonorrhea through a washing machine is very low, but it is still recommended to wash separately for safety. Gonorrhea is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, with patients of the disease being the source of infection. In a few cases, it can also be transmitted through contact with secretions containing gonococci, or through contaminated items such as clothing, bedding, towels, bathtubs, and toilets. Gonococci do not grow well outside the human body and have poor resistance to physical and chemical factors. They can survive for 15 minutes at 42°C, only 5 minutes at 52°C, and die within 1 minute at 60°C. In completely dry environments, they die within 1-2 hours, but in not completely dry environments, and in solutions, they can maintain infectivity for more than ten hours, or even several days. However, gonococci are very sensitive to common disinfectants. If sharing a washing machine, you can add hot water or a disinfectant for washing.

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Written by Luo Hong
Dermatology Department
41sec home-news-image

Gonorrhea testing methods

The methods for detecting gonorrhea generally fall into two main categories. One involves testing for the pathogen of gonorrhea. A simple method is the microscopic examination of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which can be seen under a microscope as Gram-negative diplococci. Another method is the cultivation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, although culturing with medication can occasionally result in false negatives. A more advanced and accurate method is PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), which involves using a urethral swab to detect the DNA of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Currently, this is considered the most sensitive and accurate method available.

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Written by Wang Zhi Guo
Dermatology
42sec home-news-image

Has gonorrhea been cured if there has been no recurrence for 5 years?

Gonorrhea has been cured without relapse for five years, which generally indicates recovery. To confirm recovery from gonorrhea after treatment, clinical practice typically requires follow-up examinations, involving the collection of urethral secretions from men and cervical secretions from women, to test for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Men can have a smear test; whereas women generally have a culture of cervical secretions for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, as vaginal secretions contain many other bacteria and cannot be used for definitive diagnosis through smear testing alone. If Neisseria gonorrhoeae tests negative twice, it indicates that the gonorrhea has been cured.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What will happen if gonorrhea is not treated?

In general, gonorrhea will not heal on its own if left untreated, and symptoms may gradually worsen. In men, it can cause gonococcal infection of the scrotum, while in women, it may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease or adnexitis and other gynecological diseases. Once diagnosed, it is advisable to seek treatment in the dermatology or urology department of a standard hospital. With proper treatment, the disease can be completely cured. Avoid delays in seeking treatment. During treatment, avoid sexual contact, alcohol consumption, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and avoid bathing or swimming in public pools. Undergarments should be sun-dried and sterilized, and avoid sharing bath towels or washbasins for washing clothes with family members.

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
1min 51sec home-news-image

Has gonorrhea gotten better if there is no more pus discharge?

Gonorrhea no longer discharging pus does not necessarily indicate improvement. True improvement can only be confirmed by testing negative. The standard treatment for gonorrhea involves an intramuscular injection of cephalosporin-class medication. Symptoms must be completely controlled, and follow-up checks should be conducted two to three times subsequently. Only if all tests are negative can it be declared cured. If the disease is still detected, further treatment is necessary, and avoiding sexual activity during treatment is crucial. Sexual partners must also be examined. Common complications of gonorrhea include, in males, gonococcal urethritis, which due to improper treatment, alcohol abuse, or sexual activity, may develop further, spreading to the posterior urethra and causing complications such as posterior urethritis, prostatitis, seminal vesiculitis, and epididymitis. These conditions can cause repeated inflammation, leading to scars, urethral stricture, or even blockage of the vas deferens, potentially resulting in infertility. In females, the main complication is gonococcal pelvic inflammatory disease, including acute salpingitis, endometritis, secondary tubo-ovarian abscess and complications from rupture like pelvic cysts and peritonitis. Misdiagnosis or mistreatment can easily advance to pelvic and adnexal infections. Recurring episodes may cause fallopian tube constriction, leading to ectopic pregnancy, infertility, or chronic lower abdominal pain.