Chlamydia and gonorrhoea: why the sample site matters

Match the sample to the contact

Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause few or no symptoms. Depending on the contact, a clinic may recommend urine or a genital, throat or rectal swab. A urine test alone cannot tell you whether an infection is present in the throat or rectum. Ask which sites the test covers and how the specimen should be collected.

Ask about follow-up

Discharge, pain during urination and other symptoms have several possible causes. A clinician can assess them and decide what testing or treatment is appropriate. After a diagnosis, ask about partner testing, when it is safe to resume sexual contact and whether you need a test of cure or later retesting. The plan depends on the infection, site and circumstances.