Rapid Gonorrhea Testing
Free, non-judgemental and confidential gonorrhea testing is available at The Rainbow Project, Belfast for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
What is Gonorrhea?
- Gonorrhea is the second most common sexually transmitted infection in the UK after Chlamydia according to the NHS
Symptoms in people with vaginas include
- an unusual vaginal discharge that can be thin or watery and green or yellow in colour
- pain or burning sensation when peeing
- pain or tenderness in the lower abdominal area (this is less common)
- Bleeding between periods, heavier period and bleeding after sex (this is less common)
Symptoms in people with penises
- an unusual discharge from the tip of the penis, which may be white, yellow or green
- pain or burning when peeing
- inflammation (swelling) of the foreskin
- pain or tenderness in the testicles (this is rare)
However 1 in 10 individuals with Gonorrhea will not experience any symptoms, so it’s important to get tested at least once per year.
Gonorrhea doesn’t just occur within your vaginas, penis or rectum (bum) but in the throat. This can happen when you give unprotected oral to someone who has Gonorrhea. Oral Gonorrhea or Gonorrhea of the throat symptoms may include:
- Itchy or sore throat that doesn’t go away
- Difficulty swallowing
To learn more about oral Gonorrhea or Gonorrhea of the throat click here
What is Rapid Gonorrhea Testing?
Rapid gonorrhea testing is a 30-40 minute consultation with a trained member of staff from The Rainbow Project which would include:
A brief questionnaire around your sexual history over the past twelve months (i.e how many partners, whether you used protection or not and what kind of sex you’ve had etc.)
Taking a sample yourself in a private toilet with a cotton swab of either
- 5-6cm inside of your vagina (for women or people with vaginas)
- Discharge from the opening of your urinary tract or if you’re not experiencing discharge then from 2-3cm inside of your urinary tract (for men or people with penises)
Receive your results within 15 minutes – if you are ‘reactive’ for gonorrhea we will contact the GUM clinic to arrange a follow up appointment to get you treatment
How to Book an Appointment?
Available by appointment Monday-Friday 10am-5pm.
- Call 028 90 319 030
- Text 079 04 864 861
- E-mail leo@rainbow-project.org
How is Gonorrhea Treated?
Gonorrhoea is usually treated with a single antibiotic injection (usually in the buttocks or thigh). With effective treatment, most of your symptoms should improve within a few days.
It’s usually recommended you attend a follow-up appointment a week or 2 after treatment so another test can be carried out to see if you’re clear of infection.
You should avoid having sex until you have been told you no longer have the infection – or use protection such as condoms and dental dams.
Previous successful treatment for gonorrhea does not make you immune to getting it again.
Do You Test for Other Infections?
We can test for HIV & Syphilis for more details click here
Or for other options available in Northern Ireland for STI testing from at-home testing to walk-in clinics click here