Can You Rule Out Gonorrhea After Symptoms and Negative Urine Test?

Q: Can You Rule Out Gonorrhea After Symptoms and Negative Urine Test?

Hello： If you have been tested, there should be no need for concern regarding non-gonococcal and gonococcal pharyngitis. <br>However, it is advisable to stay hydrated, ensure adequate sleep, limit spicy and irritating foods, and engage in moderate exercise (such as walking). <br>

Gonorrhea issues

Hello, Doctor.
Three weeks ago, I had sexual intercourse with a stranger (unprotected oral sex and protected vaginal intercourse).
Two days later, I developed symptoms of pharyngitis.
After seeing an ENT specialist and taking medication, I still occasionally experience throat pain.
Last week, I noticed frequent urination and lower abdominal discomfort, so I visited a large hospital and consulted a urologist (but did not disclose my previous sexual activity).
During a follow-up appointment yesterday, the doctor informed me that the urine test showed no inflammation or bacterial infection and suspected prostatitis.
Can this rule out the possibility of gonorrhea and gonococcal pharyngitis?

JJ, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/06

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: If you have been tested, there should be no need for concern regarding non-gonococcal and gonococcal pharyngitis.
However, it is advisable to stay hydrated, ensure adequate sleep, limit spicy and irritating foods, and engage in moderate exercise (such as walking).
If you experience any rashes, skin abnormalities, or urethral discharge, you should return for a follow-up examination.
Additionally, please remember to avoid unsafe sexual practices (unsafe partners, unsafe methods).
Many sexually transmitted infections have incubation periods, so it is crucial to avoid such situations.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2016/12/06

More Info

When it comes to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea, it's essential to understand that symptoms and test results can sometimes be misleading. In your case, you experienced throat inflammation shortly after engaging in oral sex, which can be a symptom of gonococcal pharyngitis (throat gonorrhea). However, the negative urine test for gonorrhea is a significant factor to consider.

Gonorrhea can infect various sites in the body, including the urethra, throat, and rectum. The urine test primarily detects infections in the urethra. Since you mentioned that you had a negative urine test and no signs of inflammation or bacterial infection were found, this does reduce the likelihood of a gonorrhea infection in the urethra. However, it does not completely rule out the possibility of a throat infection, especially since throat swabs are typically required to diagnose gonorrhea in that area.

Your ongoing symptoms, such as throat pain and frequent urination, could be attributed to several factors, including a possible viral infection, irritation from the previous throat inflammation, or even prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), which your doctor suggested. Prostatitis can cause symptoms like pelvic pain and urinary issues, and it can occur independently of an STI.

It's also important to note that some STIs can be asymptomatic, meaning that individuals may not show symptoms even if they are infected. Therefore, if you are still concerned about the possibility of gonorrhea or any other STI, it would be prudent to discuss further testing with your healthcare provider. This may include a throat swab specifically for gonorrhea and possibly other STIs, depending on your risk factors and symptoms.

In summary, while the negative urine test and lack of inflammation suggest that gonorrhea is less likely, it cannot be entirely ruled out without further testing, particularly for the throat. If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you have any new symptoms, seeking medical advice is crucial. Regular STI screenings are also recommended for sexually active individuals, especially when engaging in high-risk behaviors.

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