Healthier Scotland. Scottish Government

Gonorrhoea Testing

Who should get tested for gonorrhoea?

If you or your partner is worried that you may have gonorrhoea, see a doctor straight away.

Even if you don’t have any symptoms you may wish to be tested.

You may have gonorrhoea even if your partner has tested negative for it – it is always a good idea to both get regular check-ups for sexually transmitted infections.

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Where to get a gonorrhoea test

For a gonorrhoea test you can visit your local GP surgery, or a sexual health service (for example a family planning or GUM clinic).

Sexual health services are specialist clinics that deal with sexually transmitted infections, are completely confidential, and you and your partner can ‘self-refer’ (that means you can go along without having to see your GP first).

Find your nearest sexual health service

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What's involved in getting tested for gonorrhoea?

Getting tested for gonorrhoea is simple and straightforward. If you have symptoms, the nurse or doctor will usually use a swab to collect a sample of cells from the affected area(s).

A swab looks a bit like a cotton bud and collecting a sample only takes a few seconds and is not painful, although it may be a little uncomfortable for a moment.

Sometimes, men will be asked to provide a urine sample.

It is quite common to have more than one sexually transmitted infection at the same time. You should be offered a full sexual health ‘screen’, which includes tests for HIV, syphilis, and chlamydia.

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When will gonorrhoea test results be available?

Sometimes you can get the results straightaway, or you may have to wait for one to two weeks.

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How do I tell my partner if I test positive for gonorrhoea?

Some people can feel upset, angry, frightened or embarrassed about discussing sexually transmitted infections with their current or former partner(s).

If you do test positive for gonorrhoea, your partner may need to be tested, along with some of your previous partners (if you have any).

Sexual health staff can help you by giving advice about who should be contacted and the best way to contact them.

Your sexual health service can arrange, with your permission, a ‘contact slip’ to be given to your partner(s). This is called ‘partner notification’ or ‘contact tracing’.

The slip explains to the person that they may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection and that they should go for a check-up. The slip does not give your name, and your details will remain totally confidential.

Nobody can force you to tell your past or present partner or partners about having a sexually transmitted infection, but it is strongly recommended. Left untreated, an infection can lead to serious illness.

Read more about breaking bad news of sexually transmitted infections

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