Gonorrhea, known locally as “la gonorrea”, is one of the most frequently diagnosed sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Medellín. It spreads quickly, often without symptoms, and if untreated it can cause serious complications like infertility or pelvic inflammatory disease. For travelers, expats, and locals alike, regular gonorrhea testing is essential to staying healthy.

At Rapid Test Medellín, we make it easy with same-day testing, English-speaking support, and confidential nurse visits to your home, hotel, or office. Here’s everything you need to know.

Why Gonorrhea Testing Matters

One of the biggest dangers of gonorrhea is that many carriers have no symptoms at all. They may unknowingly transmit the infection to partners, while the bacteria silently damages the reproductive system. When symptoms do appear, they can include:

• Burning sensation or pain while urinating

• Abnormal discharge (men: white, yellow, or green; women: increased vaginal discharge)

• Lower abdominal or pelvic pain

• Pain during intercourse (women)

• Sore throat (from oral transmission)

• Rectal pain, itching, or discharge

If gonorrhea is left untreated, it can lead to infertility in both men and women, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, and an increased risk of HIV transmission. Pregnant women with gonorrhea can also pass the infection to their newborn, leading to serious eye infections.

Early detection is the key. With the right test, gonorrhea can be diagnosed quickly and treated effectively with antibiotics.

How Common Is Gonorrhea in Medellín?

While Colombia’s national health data is limited, specific studies in Medellín give us insight. Research has found gonorrhea in about 0.7% of asymptomatic individuals in the city. This means that 7 out of 1000 are carriers in Medellin. Many carriers show no warning signs. In high-risk groups, prevalence is even higher.

These numbers underline the importance of testing—because you can’t rely on symptoms alone to know if you’re infected.

Symptoms of Gonorrhea

One of the challenges with gonorrhea is that it’s often “silent” — many people carry the infection without symptoms, which makes testing essential. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

• For men:
  • Burning or painful urination
  • Discharge from the penis (white, yellow, or green)
  • Pain or swelling in one testicle

• For women:
  • Increased vaginal discharge
  • Painful urination
  • Vaginal bleeding between periods
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain

• For both men and women:
  • Rectal infection can cause itching, discharge, soreness, or bleeding
  • Throat infection is often asymptomatic but may cause a sore throat

Because symptoms can mimic other infections — or not appear at all — the only reliable way to know is through testing. At Rapid Test Medellín, we use swab testing (urethral, vaginal, throat, or rectal) to identify the infection quickly and accurately.

Treatment for Gonorrhea

The good news: gonorrhea is treatable with antibiotics, but timing matters. The longer it’s left untreated, the greater the risk of complications.

• Standard treatment: A doctor-prescribed antibiotic injection or oral regimen (commonly ceftriaxone-based, depending on current medical guidelines).

• Importance of full treatment: Both you and your partners need treatment to prevent re-infection.

• Follow-up: In some cases, a test-of-cure is recommended a few weeks later to confirm the infection has fully cleared.

• Complications if untreated:
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy
  • Epididymitis in men, which can cause infertility
  • Increased risk of contracting or transmitting HIV

At Rapid Test Medellín, if your test result is positive, we provide immediate referral to English-speaking doctors in Medellín who can prescribe the correct treatment and ensure proper follow-up care.

How We Test for Gonorrhea in Medellín

At Rapid Test Medellín, we provide reliable, lab-certified testing. The process is simple and discreet:

• Swab test: A nurse collects a urethral (men) or vaginal (women) swab for maximum accuracy.

• Throat or rectal swabs: Available upon request depending on your type of exposure.

• Lab processing: All tests are analyzed in certified partner laboratories in Medellín.

• Results: Most results are available the same day.

Our method ensures the most accurate detection available, far superior to unreliable pharmacy “at-home” kits.

Private Testing at Your Convenience

Getting tested shouldn’t be stressful. That’s why we’ve built our service around privacy and comfort:

• English-speaking support at every step.

• Nurse visits at your home, hotel, or office — no waiting rooms.

• Confidential results delivered securely.

• Doctor consultations available to explain results and discuss treatment options.

Your privacy is our priority. From start to finish, the process is designed to be fast, professional, and discreet.

Who Should Get Tested for Gonorrhea?

You should schedule a gonorrhea test in Medellín if you:

• Had unprotected sex (vaginal, oral, or anal)

• Have noticed discharge, burning urination, or pelvic pain

• Have a partner who was recently diagnosed with an STD

• Are a man who has sex with men (MSM)

• Are a sex worker or engage with high-risk communities

• Simply want peace of mind before or after a new relationship

Because gonorrhea is often silent, many health experts recommend routine testing at least once a year—or more often if you have multiple partners.

Gonorrhea vs. Chlamydia: Why Testing Matters

Gonorrhea and chlamydia often appear together, and both may have few or no symptoms. Our Extra, Ultra, and Premium STD panels include testing for both infections. Here’s a quick comparison:

Since symptoms overlap and co-infection is common, we strongly recommend testing for both.

Same-Day Gonorrhea Testing in Medellín

Living in or visiting Medellín is exciting, but it also comes with responsibility. Whether you’re an expat, tourist, or local resident, taking charge of your sexual health is essential.

At Rapid Test Medellín, we provide discreet, English-friendly testing with same-day results and certified lab accuracy.

👉 Schedule your gonorrhea test in Medellín today and get peace of mind.