How is gonorrhea diagnosed?

Diagnosis of Gonorrhea

Medical history would reveal the unprotected sexual encounter(s), a recurrent or peristent UTI (urinary tract infection) and penile or vaginal discharge. Upon a gynecological examination, the cervix can be swollen and can bleed easily.

Gonorrhea may be diagnosed with simple microscopy. A smear from the infected person is sent to a laboratory and evaluated under a microscope to identify the pathogen. A bacterial culture is not necessary but may be done to confirm the diagnosis and test the sensitivity of the microorganism. This will assist with deciding the upon the treatment regimen.

Routine investigations can show raised white blood cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), which are more expensive than a culture, is becoming increasingly common.