What are the CDC recommendations for gonorrhea (NG) testing and re-testing?
Routine Screening
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Sexually active women under age 25 and women 25+ with risk factors (e.g., new/multiple partners) should be screened annually.
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Pregnant women under 25, or older with risk factors should be tested at their first prenatal visit, and again in the third trimester if still at risk.
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Men who have sex with men (MSM) should be tested at exposed sites (urethra, rectum, throat) at least once a year, with those at higher risk tested every 3–6 months.
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Screening heterosexual men without risk factors is generally not recommended, but may be appropriate in high-prevalence settings.
Re‑testing After a Positive Result
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Anyone with a gonorrhea diagnosis should be re-tested approximately 3 months after treatment to check for possible reinfection.
- Test of cure is not recommended for most urogenital or rectal infections, but is recommended 7–14 days post-treatment in cases of pharyngeal gonorrhea.