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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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 Zhai Yu Juan
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Can gonorrhea and AIDS occur at the same time?

Gonorrhea and AIDS are both sexually transmitted diseases, and their transmission routes can be through sexual contact, mother-to-child transmission, and close living contact. The pathogens are different; gonorrhea is mainly caused by an infection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae leading to acute inflammation of the urogenital tract, while AIDS is a sexually transmitted disease caused by an HIV infection, which can affect various organs throughout the body. When infected with one sexually transmitted disease, other pathogens can also infect simultaneously. Therefore, after diagnosing one sexually transmitted disease, it is important to check for the presence of other sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS, genital warts, syphilis, etc., to see if there is a co-infection.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
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What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is mainly a type of infectious skin disease caused by infection with gonococcus. Symptoms of gonorrhea differ between men and women, with men generally presenting more obvious symptoms. Typically, men show early symptoms of gonorrhea about a week after infection with gonococcus, including purulent discharge at the urethral opening, accompanied by symptoms such as frequent urination, urgent urination, and painful urination. In women, gonorrhea usually manifests as cervicitis, with purulent or bloody discharge from the vagina. Many women do not notice early symptoms of gonorrhea, which if ignored can lead to delays in treatment and may result in gonococcal pelvic inflammatory disease. Severe cases can lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancies. If gonorrhea is suspected, it is important to visit a reputable hospital and undergo treatment with antibiotics under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
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What causes asymptomatic gonorrhea?

Most patients with gonorrhea have clinical manifestations, and only a few with mild or chronic infections may not exhibit obvious symptoms. Gonorrhea is caused by an infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, commonly known as gonococcus. It primarily manifests as a purulent infection of the urinary and reproductive systems, and can also lead to pharyngeal, rectal, and disseminated gonococcal infections. It has a short incubation period, is highly contagious, and can lead to various complications and sequelae. Gonorrhea is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, with the patient being the source of infection. In rare cases, it can be contracted through contact with secretions containing gonococci or contaminated items, such as clothing, bedding, towels, bathtubs, and toilet seats. Females, including young girls, due to the short length of the urethra and genitalia, are easily infected. It is often through shared family use of bath items and towels that infection occurs. Newborns can be infected through the birth canal of a mother with gonorrhea, leading to neonatal gonococcal conjunctivitis. Pregnant women infected with gonorrhea may transmit the bacteria to the amniotic fluid, potentially infecting the fetus.

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What should you avoid eating if you have gonorrhea?

Actually, the dietary restrictions for gonorrhea are not very special and are quite similar to those of general diseases. For gonorrhea, one should not drink alcohol, try to avoid staying up late, and avoid overly spicy and stimulating foods, such as extremely spicy dishes, hot pots, and fried foods. The diet should be as bland as possible. Of course, if we consider one's own resistance, it is possible to make some soup and eat some good chicken soup, which can also improve one's resistance.