Neisseria Gonorrhoeae - Rectal Testing

A positive test indicates an active gonorrhoea infection.

Gonorrhoea can be associated with longer-term health problems when untreated. In many cases, gonorrhoea infections can be effectively treated with antibiotics. Treatment is commonly described as an injection of the antibiotic ceftriaxone into the buttocks, or azithromycin given orally, and symptoms often improve quickly after treatment.

Obtaining treatment: Treatment may be provided by a GP or a local GUM clinic. Up-to-date information is available from the National Sexual Health Helpline, and calls are treated with sensitivity and in strict confidence. The Sexual Health Helpline is open from 9am-8pm, Monday-Friday. Call free on 0300 123 7123.

Things to know:

• A current sexual partner is often treated for gonorrhoea irrespective of screening result.
• Sexual contact is commonly avoided until treatment has been completed by all partners.
• Previous sexual partners over the last 6 months are commonly informed, and GUM clinics can help with partner notification advice.

Further testing:

• People with a confirmed gonorrhoea diagnosis are often screened for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at least one week after completing treatment.
• Re-testing within 3 months of completing treatment is commonly mentioned regardless of symptoms, to check that reinfection has not occurred, and this is often emphasised for people aged 25 and under.

It has not been possible to give an all-clear on the results. Further details on how testing was done may be available by contacting the service that arranged the test.