Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Testing

FAQ: Chlamydia & Gonorrhea

What are the symptoms of Gonorrhea?

Women

Many women infected with Gonorrhea have no symptoms. If symptoms occur, they appear 2 to 10 days after exposure to the disease. Symptoms of Gonorrhea include:

• Thick, creamy, yellow vaginal discharge
• Burning or pain when you urinate
• Bleeding or spotting between periods
• Menstrual periods that are heavier than usual
• Abdominal pain
• Pain during sex
• Fever

Men

If symptoms occur, they usually appear 2 to 10 days after you were exposed to the bacteria. Symptoms of Gonorrhea include:

• Thick, yellow discharge (drip) from the penis
• Burning or pain when you urinate
• Urge to urinate often

What are the Symptoms of Chlamydia?

Possible symptoms include:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Mild pain or discomfort when you urinate
• Menstrual periods that are heavier than usual
• More painful periods
• Abdominal pain
• Spotting between periods or after sex

Often there are no symptoms, especially early in the infection.

Often there are no symptoms. If your urethra is infected, you may have:

• Discharge from the end of the penis
• Discomfort when you urinate

Chlamydia may also infect the epididymis or prostate gland. The epididymis is a small organ attached to the testicle. It is important in sperm production. The prostate is a gland at the base of the penis. It produces nutrients for sperm. Infection of the epididymis is called epididymitis. Prostate infection is called prostatitis.Infection of the epididymis causes pain in the testicle.Possible symptoms of prostate infection are:

• Discharge from the urethra
• Discomfort when or after you urinate
• Pain during or after intercourse
• Lower back pain

Sometimes infections of the prostate or epididymis are sudden and severe. These infections may cause fever or other symptoms of illness. They require prompt medical attention.The anus and rectum may also be infected if you have anal intercourse.Possible symptoms of anal infections are:

• Irritation around the anus
• Pain when you have a bowel movement

What are Urine Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Tests?

These tests check for 2 sexually transmitted diseases: Gonorrhea and Chlamydia and results are obtained through a test sample of a patient's urine.

Why are Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Tests Done?

These tests are done to see if you have Gonorrhea or Chlamydial infection. These serious infections may not cause any symptoms at first. Later, if they are not treated, they can cause pain and serious health problems, such as arthritis and infertility.

How is the Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Test Done?

Gonorrhea and Chlamydia tests begin with a urine sample being collected from a patient. Patients should be prepared to provide their first urine sample of the day or avoid urinating for at least one hour prior to having the test.

How Will I Get the Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Test Result?

You will receive a notification email informing you that your results are available. This email will contain a link to the secure communications area where your results will be available. Please read the email for important information associated with the login process. Once you have successfully logged into the secure communication area, additional instructions will be available to guide you to the appropriate area to view, print and/or save your results.

What Do the Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Test Results Mean?

A positive test result means that Chlamydia or Gonorrhea bacteria are present and you have an infection. Sometimes you may have both types of infection. If you have a positive result, your health care provider will prescribe treatment with antibiotics.

State laws often require that health care providers report the names of people who have these infections to the health department. This allows the state health department to monitor for outbreaks and for infections that are becoming resistant to the usual antibiotics.

What if My Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Test Result is Not Normal?

Test results are only one part of a larger picture that takes into account your medical history and current health. Sometimes a GC Chlamydia STD test needs to be repeated to check the first result. Talk to your health care provider about your result and ask questions.

If your test result is positive, ask your health care provider:

• If you need additional tests
• Any questions you have about your treatment
• When you need to be tested again
• When it is safe to have sex again
• How to protect yourself against reinfection

If you have a positive urine chlamydia and gonorrhea lab test result, you should tell your sexual partner. Follow your health care provider's advice about when it is safe to start having sex again. Use latex or polyurethane condoms every time you have sex to prevent another infection.