Question 1

Does a urine test check the throat or rectum?

Accepted Answer

No. A urine NAAT checks the urine/urethral exposure pathway. If oral, anal, vaginal, or cervical exposure occurred, site-specific swabs may be needed.

Question 2

Do I need a doctor's prescription?

Accepted Answer

No prescription is required. This is a direct-to-consumer test that you can order online and complete at any participating lab location. However, if you test positive, discussing results with a healthcare provider is recommended for proper treatment.

Question 3

How accurate is the urine test compared to swab tests?

Accepted Answer

Urine NAAT is highly accurate for urethral chlamydia and gonorrhea, but it does not detect rectal or pharyngeal infections. Published data suggest that up to roughly 90 percent of men with rectal gonorrhea or chlamydia do not have a positive urethral specimen, and roughly 30 percent of vaginal infections do not show up on urethral testing. Approximately 35 percent of gonorrhea infections are found at the pharynx. The CDC recommends three-site testing (urine or genital plus rectal plus pharyngeal swab) for men who have sex with men and for anyone who has had receptive anal or oral sex with a partner whose status is unknown. A negative urine test alone does not rule out infection at other sites.

Question 4

How long after exposure should I wait to test?

Accepted Answer

The minimum reliable testing window is approximately one to two weeks after exposure for gonorrhea and two to four weeks after exposure for chlamydia. Testing earlier than these windows may produce false negatives because the organism load is still below the detection threshold of the assay. If symptoms develop earlier, see a clinician for evaluation rather than relying on early testing alone.

Question 5

What if I test positive for one or both infections?

Accepted Answer

Both chlamydia and gonorrhea are completely curable with appropriate antibiotics. If you test positive, you'll need to see a healthcare provider for treatment, notify sexual partners so they can be tested and treated, and avoid sexual contact until treatment is complete.

Question 6

How soon after exposure can I get accurate results?

Accepted Answer

For most accurate results, wait at least 1-5 days after potential chlamydia exposure and 2-6 days after potential gonorrhea exposure. Testing too early may result in false negatives. If you're unsure about timing, consult with a healthcare provider.

Question 7

Can I use insurance or HSA/FSA?

Accepted Answer

While we don't bill insurance directly, you may be able to use HSA or FSA funds for payment. You'll receive a receipt that you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement, depending on your plan's coverage for preventive STD testing.

Chlamydia & Gonorrhea Test