FAQs about the Gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis, and Chlamydia Test

• Why Take a Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Urine Test?

  Chlamydia and gonorrhea are among the most common sexually transmitted infections. They are particularly common in tropical and subtropical countries with poor hygiene standards. But some STIs, such as chlamydia, have become more common in many industrialized countries since the 1990s.

  In the United States – in every state – each case of chlamydia or gonorrhea needs to be reported to the authorities. This is the reason concrete case numbers can be reported on an annual basis, which is not the case for every country – some nations rely solely on estimates. 

  What is problematic about these particular STIs is that they often go unnoticed for a long time, without the person affected experiencing any symptoms. They can then pass the respective pathogens on to others, usually through sexual intercourse. Later, unpleasant symptoms or side effects, such as infertility, may occur.

  One issue with reporting and tracking case numbers is that STIs are still largely a taboo subject. Many people hesitate to seek medical help. This is why an at-home chlamydia and gonorrhea test offers a good, discreet alternative. Furthermore, it is relatively common for a chlamydia infection to be accompanied by gonorrhea, which is why this combined gonorrhea and chlamydia urine test is ideal for those who would like to test themselves for more than one STI at a time. If the test result is positive, you should consult a doctor.

• What Is Chlamydia?

  Chlamydia is mainly transmitted from one person to another through sexual intercourse, when there is contact between an area of the body colonized with the Chlamydia trachomatis pathogen, such as the urethra, vagina, penis, rectum – or even hand. Transmission can also, however, occur, through bodily fluids, such as sperm, vaginal secretions, and urine. Pregnant women relatively often also pass this infection to their newborn.

  Reported chlamydia cases are generally highest among adolescents and young adults – in fact, over 60 percent of all reported cases were among US inhabitants aged 15 to 24 years.

• What Are Common Signs of Chlamydia?

  Like many other STIs, a person can be infected with chlamydia without any symptoms. However, symptoms can also occur – in fact, did you know that a chlamydia infection is the leading cause for urinary tract infections (UTIs) nationwide – in both men and women? 

  The most common signs of chlamydia include:

  • Pain and pressure when urinating
  • Discharge from the urethra
  • Pain in the testicles
  • External skin ulcers in men

  If a severe infection is left untreated, it can also lead to secondary symptoms. Women and men may then experience chronic pain and infertility. In women, if the fallopian tubes are exposed to the pathogen for too long, this can lead to scarred or malfunctioning fallopian tubes. An infection during pregnancy can lead to complications and, in the worst case, can lead to a premature birth.

• How Is Chlamydia Treated?

  A chlamydia infection can usually be treated very well – especially if it is detected early. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics, such as azithromycin, doxycycline, and ofloxacin.

  
  

  In addition, all sexual partners an affected person has had within 60 days of a positive result should be examined and, if necessary, also treated. This way, you can prevent further transmission.

• What Is Gonorrhea?

  Like chlamydia, gonorrhea is also a very common sexually transmitted disease that often affects young adults aged 15 to 24 years. The venereal disease is triggered by the pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae and is sometimes informally known as “the clap.” Infection occurs through direct contact with certain areas of the body, such as genitals, the anal region, or in the mouth – usually during sexual intercourse.

  In terms of side effects, one possible complication in women is that it can lead to infertility. Pathogens can spread in the uterus and fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory diseases. The risk of late pregnancy complications and infertility increases with scarring of the fallopian tubes. The infection can also spread to joints and other parts of your body. Furthermore those affected by gonorrhea are more prone to AIDS and HIV.

• How Do I Know I Have Gonorrhea?

  In many cases, a gonorrhea infection is symptom-free. When symptoms do occur, they can affect many different parts of your body; however, the most common occur in the genital tract. If gonorrhea remains untreated, sufferers may experience severe discomfort in their genital area and complications, including infertility.

  Possible signs of gonorrhea include:

  • Heavy discharge from the penis or vagina
  • Pain when urinating
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Pain in the abdomen or pelvis
  • Itching or discharge in the anal area

  In very rare cases, gonorrhea pathogens can enter the bloodstream. This then leads to pustules on the skin and joint inflammation (gonococcal sepsis) – this can be life-threatening if it is not treated.

• How Is Gonorrhea Treated?

  Gonorrhea can usually be treated well with antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone (as an injection) and oral azithromycin – especially, if it is detected early. If treatment is successful, the infection is usually cured within 24 hours. Anyone infected with gonorrhea should inform their previous or current sexual partners quickly. They should also be tested promptly and receive treatment, if necessary.

• What Is Trichomoniasis?

  Trichomoniasis, also known as “trich,” is the most common sexually transmitted disease that is curable. It is caused by the pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis. Only about 30 percent of those infected experience symptoms. The infection occurs in women more often than in men. About one in five with trichomoniasis who see it resolve without treatment becomes reinfected. To avoid this, all sexual partners should be treated with the same drug. 

  An infection can lead to symptoms such as vaginal inflammation, as well as a purulent, sweetish, and foul-smelling discharge that may cause vaginal burning or itching. Trichomoniasis can also increase one’s risk of getting other sexually transmitted diseases or infecting other sexual partners. The reason may be, for example, that an inflamed genital area can make it more likely to transmit or become infected with HIV.

• Who Should Take the Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Urine Test?

  Adolescents and young adults are most often affected by chlamydia and gonorrhea, as it is most common for people within this age group to change sexual partners more frequently. However, sexually active people of all ages can become infected.

  You should ideally take a gonorrhea or chlamydia test before having sex with new sexual partners, for example. If this is a frequent occurrence, regular tests are a good idea. In this way, all parties can reduce the risk of passing on a pathogen.

  If you experience suspicious symptoms in your genital area, you should get tested. If STI pathogens are detected, you should seek medical treatment.

• How Does the Test Work?

  For the CGT Test, you collect a sample of urine in the collection cup, before transferring the contents via a transfer pipette to a smaller sample tube.

  Send in your sample in the mailing envelope provided free of charge to our CLIA-certified partner lab, which will analyze your urine for the presence of pathogens that lead to the following sexually transmitted infections:

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Trichomoniasis

  After your samples from the gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and chlamydia test kit have been analyzed, you will receive a results report in your user account on our website or in the my cerascreen® app.

  Please note that the Cerascreen® CGT Test is not a substitute for medical advice or a medical diagnosis. The test result itself is not sufficient to administer treatment and independent measures. Please always consult your physician if you want to take further measures.

• What Does the Results Report Tell Me?

  Your personalized results report will first of all provide you with details about whether or not any pathogens could be detected in your urine sample. If such pathogens were detected in the gonorrhea and chlamydia urine test, you will receive recommendations to visit your doctor.

  Besides this information, your results report will tell you in-depth information about the symptoms of various sexually transmitted infections and courses of treatment once an infection has been confirmed.

  Finally, the results report will also provide you with answers to frequently asked questions on the topic – and contact details, should you have any more questions about your results report that need answering.

  Please note: If you become infected, it usually takes some time before the pathogens are detectable – in the case of chlamydia, the incubation period is one to three weeks, and in the case of gonorrhea, one to fourteen days. If you suspect that you have been infected during sex, you should wait a few weeks before performing the test.

• What Recommendations Will I Receive?

  To protect yourself from an STI, you should use a condom or Femidom during sexual intercourse with a partner – whether they are considered a serious partner or not. Condoms and Femidoms work by reducing direct contact between the mucous membranes and fluids of two sexual partners. Please note that condoms do not offer complete protection against sexually transmitted infections.

  It is furthermore recommended that if you frequently change sexual partners, you should get tested regularly for STIs in order to detect and treat the disease in good time – and for your peace of mind!

  If you are still suffering from any symptoms, please ask your family doctor, dermatologist, or gynecologist/urologist for advice to determine the possible cause.

• What Should I Do If I Have an STI Infection?

  If you do receive a positive result from our CGT Test, a doctor will get in touch with you to explain to you what happens next – that is, which steps you should take to treat your infection.

  In the event that you are infected with either chlamydia or gonorrhea, you will most likely receive a combination of antiviral medications. These can antibiotics such as azithromycin, doxycycline, ofloxacin, ceftriaxone (as an injection), and oral azithromycin – or in the case of trichomoniasis, metronidazole, or tinidazole. If you are pregnant, you should discuss whether you can take these medications during pregnancy. The dosage and combination of medication will depend on the type of virus and the damage caused by the infection. 

  Please note: Treatment should always be discussed with your doctor or physician.

• Who Should Not Take the Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Test?

  Our CGT Test is not intended for certain people or only in special circumstances:

  • People with hemophilia should not take the test.
  • Pregnant and nursing women should only take our CGT Test in the presence of a doctor. The reference values and recommendations provided in the test are not for pregnant and nursing women; therefore, you should ask your doctor about your test results.
  • The CGT Test is not intended for children under the age of 18.

  This trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea test is not intended to officially diagnose you with an STI infection. If you still suffer from symptoms, consult your family doctor or physician.