At-home test kits are also available for both men and women who wish to test themselves for gonorrhea. To perform the test, you will need to collect a urine sample or take a swab from an affected area. You then mail the sample to a specified lab, and a notification for a positive or negative result is usually sent via email or text message. This type of test is available from companies including LetsGetChecked.com and Nurx, or at number of websites listed by GoodRx, with prices starting around $80 for a testing kit. Since a person may have gonorrhea without displaying symptoms, regular testing can help to detect the disease before it causes complications. This is particularly important for people who are at increased risk of contracting the disease, defined by the CDC as those who have a new sexual partner, more than one sex partner, a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted infection (STI), previous or coexisting sexual infections, or those who are using condoms inconsistently outside a monogamous relationship.
Sexually active women under 25 should be tested once yearly.Sexually active women over 25 who are at increased risk should be tested once yearly.All pregnant women under 25 should be tested early in their pregnancy, as should pregnant women over 25 if they are at increased risk.Men who have sex with men should be tested at least once yearly, regardless of condom use.Men who have sex with men and are at increased risk should get tested every three to six months.People living with HIV should be tested for gonorrhea at their first HIV evaluation, and subsequently at least once yearly.People with HIV who are at increased risk for gonorrhea should be screened more than once yearly (depending on individual risk behaviors and the local epidemiology)
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
Gonorrhea is curable with antibiotics, provided the medications are taken as prescribed; there aren’t any alternative therapies that have been proven to cure the disease. While the Listerine study raises intriguing possibilities, it does not prove that Listerine cures gonorrhea. People who test positive for gonorrhea should still be treated with antibiotics. In addition, Listerine is not intended to be used in body cavities other than the mouth.
Prevention of Gonorrhea
The only way to absolutely keep yourself safe from catching gonorrhea is to avoid having vaginal, anal, or oral sex. However, since many people wish to have sex at some point in their lives, that may be unrealistic.
Using a condom during vaginal or anal sexUsing a condom (for men) or a dental dam (for women) during oral sexThoroughly washing sex toys — or changing the condom on them — before a new person uses themNot having sex with anyone until you’ve finished your treatment (if you are currently being treated for gonorrhea)
Also, having sex with fewer partners can help reduce your chances of getting gonorrhea.
Preventing Gonorrhea in Infants
American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) This website offers straightforward information about sex and sexually transmitted diseases, including gonorrhea. Clinical Trials Browsing the ClinicalTrials.gov site is one way to stay up to date with the latest research on diagnosing, treating, and preventing gonorrhea. Planned Parenthood This organization provides information about signs, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of gonorrhea. Many Planned Parenthood locations also offer tests for gonorrhea; you can find a health center near you on the Planned Parenthood website. Learn More About Sexuality and STD Resources Additional reporting by Becky Upham.
