What is gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that mainly affects the penis, anus and throat. Gonorrhea is easily transmitted through oral and anal sex, especially unprotected contact. Condoms provide good protection, but because gonorrhea is easily transmitted and doesn’t cause symptoms, regular testing is important, even if you don’t have symptoms.

Test yourself in both the throat, the anus and the genitals.

Test yourself regularly

Gonorrhea is found where the contact takes place – for example in the anus, the throat or the penis. If you get symptoms, they usually appear a few days after the time of infection. Common signs are burning when you urinate and discharge from the urethra. If you have gonorrhea in the throat, however, it is common that you do not feel any symptoms at all. It is therefore good to get tested from time to time, regardless of whether you have symptoms or not.

Since gonorrhea can be found in the throat, genitals and anus, healthcare professionals need to take samples from all these places to get an accurate result. Regardless of your sex, it’s always a good idea to get tested where gonorrhea may be present. The sampling is quick and simple: the throat and anus are tested with a small cotton swab, and the genitals through a urine sample. Avoid urinating two hours before the visit for the test to be reliable.

How is gonorrhea treated?

Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics and the treatment is free of charge. After treatment, another test is usually taken within two weeks to make sure the infection is gone. The earlier you get tested and receive treatment, the lower the risk of complications.

In recent years, antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea has become more common. To prevent the bacteria from becoming resistant, it is important to follow the antibiotic regimen according to instructions.

Test for gonorrhea despite Doxy-PEP!

Doxy-PEP is a preventive treatment with the antibiotic doxycycline that is taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex to reduce the risk of certain sexually transmitted infections, mainly syphilis and chlamydia. However, Doxy-PEP provides poor protection against gonorrhea, and also does not protect 100% against syphilis and chlamydia.

Therefore, it is important to test yourself regularly even if you are using Doxy-PEP, in order to early detect and treat any infections that Doxy-PEP does not protect against. Regular testing is also necessary to reduce the risk of passing on an undiagnosed infection. If you use Doxy-PEP, talk to your healthcare provider for advice on safe use, testing, and how to best protect your health.

You can read more about Doxy-PEP here.

Create a routine - test yourself from time to time!

Do you easily forget to test yourself?

Sign up for our testing reminder and get an SMS when it’s time! You can choose to receive the reminder every 3, 6 or 12 months, depending on your testing needs.

The Sexperts’ testing reminder is aimed at gays, bisexuals and trans people who have sex with men. The service is free of charge and anonymous. We will not use your phone number for anything other than these reminders.

How do I register?

You text THREE, SIX or TWELVE to the number 71111, depending on how often you want to receive a reminder.

How do I unregister?

You text RFSLSTOPP to 71111 to unregister from the service.

Where can I test myself?

We have created a map of Sweden that shows receptions where you can get tested. The map includes both RFSL receptions and other care facilities. In addition, receptions where you can get PrEP are listed.

Find your reception here!