Gonorrhea - Male

Symptoms:

• increased urinary frequency or urgency
• incontinence
• urethral discharge
• pain on urination
• red or swollen opening of penis (urethra)
• tender testicles

Signs and tests:

An immediate preliminary diagnosis of gonorrhea can be made at the time of examination. A smear of the urethral discharge is taken, stained, and examined under the microscope. Neisseria gonorrheae organisms appear as red (Gram negative) spheres, two-at-a-time side by side (diplococci), within the cells present in the discharge. The appearance of these Gram negative diplococci is sufficient for a presumptive diagnosis of gonorrhea.

Cultures provide absolute proof of infection. Neisseria gonorrheae organisms may grow on any of the mucus membranes. Culture sites are determined depending the person's gender, sexual preference, and sexual practices. Generally, cultures are obtain from the urethra, anus, or throat. Laboratories can give a preliminary diagnosis often within 24 hours and a confirmed diagnosis within 72 hours.

Tests include:

• gram stain of urethral discharge
• urethral discharge culture for gonorrhea
• positive rectal culture