Private gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) testing at 101 Harley Street. Site-specific PCR testing, rapid results and expert treatment including for antibiotic-resistant strains.
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Although highly treatable, gonorrhoea remains an important public health concern because infection is common, symptoms are frequently absent and antibiotic resistance has increased significantly worldwide.
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are therefore particularly important.
Gonorrhoea is transmitted through sexual contact and may affect several different parts of the body.
Common sites of infection include:
Transmission may occur during:
Because gonorrhoea frequently infects the throat and rectum without causing symptoms, site-specific testing is often important when assessing risk.
Many individuals experience no symptoms at all.
When symptoms do occur, they often develop within days of exposure but may occasionally take longer.
Symptoms in men may include:
Symptoms in women may include:
Rectal infection may cause:
Throat infections are usually asymptomatic and are frequently identified only through screening.
Modern testing is performed using highly sensitive PCR technology.
Depending on the circumstances, testing may involve:
One of the most common reasons for missed diagnoses is testing only one anatomical site when infection is present elsewhere.
A detailed sexual history helps determine which samples are most appropriate.
The timing of testing is important.
Testing immediately following an exposure may occasionally produce a false-negative result.
The most appropriate testing strategy depends on the timing of the exposure, the presence of symptoms and individual risk factors.
We can advise on the optimal testing window and whether repeat testing is required.
Unlike many bacterial infections, gonorrhoea has demonstrated an impressive ability to develop resistance to antibiotics.
Over recent decades, several previously effective treatments have become unreliable due to emerging resistance.
For this reason, prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment and follow-up are particularly important.
Modern treatment remains highly effective, but careful antibiotic stewardship is essential to preserve future treatment options.
Untreated infection may occasionally result in complications.
In women these may include:
In men, complications may include:
In rare circumstances, infection can spread beyond the genital tract and affect joints, skin and other organs.
Gonorrhoea remains highly treatable when diagnosed promptly.
Treatment recommendations occasionally change in response to antibiotic resistance patterns and therefore current therapy should always follow up-to-date clinical guidance.
Sexual partners will usually require testing and, in many cases, treatment.
Follow-up testing may also be recommended depending on the circumstances.
Yes. Throat and rectal infections with gonorrhoea are very frequently completely asymptomatic. This is one of the most important reasons why site-specific testing is essential. Many patients with gonorrhoea at these sites are unaware of the infection and would not be identified without targeted swabbing from these locations.
PCR testing for gonorrhoea can generally produce a reliable result from around two weeks after a potential exposure, though testing earlier can still be informative. If you have had a very recent exposure and are concerned, your clinician can advise on the most appropriate timing and whether a repeat test would be recommended.
Yes. The vast majority of gonorrhoea infections can be cured with appropriate antibiotic treatment. However, because Neisseria gonorrhoeae has a well-documented capacity to develop antibiotic resistance, it is important that treatment is prescribed by a clinician familiar with current resistance data and guidelines, and that a test of cure is performed to confirm the infection has been cleared.
Partner notification is an important part of managing gonorrhoea. Sexual partners who have been exposed may also be infected and require testing and treatment. Your clinician can advise on how to approach this. Partner notification services are available to help if you find it difficult to inform partners directly.
Yes, in most cases. Gonorrhoea and chlamydia frequently co-occur, and testing for both at the same time is standard practice. A broader sexual health screen, including HIV, syphilis and hepatitis, may also be appropriate depending on your individual circumstances. See Comprehensive STI Screening for further information.
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101 Harley Street, London, W1G 6AH
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