Why do I need a gonorrhea test?The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends yearly gonorrhea tests for all sexually active women under the age of 25. It is also recommended for sexually active older women with certain risk factors. Risk factors include:Having multiple sex partnersPrevious gonorrhea infectionHaving other STDsHaving a sex partner with an STDNot using condoms consistently or correctlyThe CDC recommends yearly testing for men who have sex with men. Testing is not recommended for heterosexual men with no symptoms.Both men and women should be tested if they have symptoms of gonorrhea.Symptoms for women include:Vaginal dischargePain during sexBleeding between periodsPain when urinatingAbdominal painSymptoms for men include:Pain or tenderness in the testiclesSwollen scrotumPain when urinatingWhite, yellow, or greenish discharge from the penisIf you are pregnant, you may get a gonorrhea test early in your pregnancy. A pregnant woman with gonorrhea can pass the infection to her baby during delivery. Gonorrhea can cause blindness and other serious, sometimes life-threatening, complications in infants. If you are pregnant and have gonorrhea, you can be treated with an antibiotic that is safe for you and your child.
