Urethral swab for men
male urethral swab · urethral swab test · male STI swab · genital swab for men · urethral culture
This is a swab from the urethra, the tube urine comes out of. It looks for inflammation and sexually transmitted infections.
For burning and discharge, pain when peeing, after unprotected sex, and when a couple is planning a pregnancy.
⏱ Duration: the swab takes about a minute; results usually come in 1 to 5 days
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Peeing. Usually do not pee for 2 to 3 hours before the swab. Check with the clinic.
- Sex. Usually no sex for 1 to 2 days before the test.
- Antibiotics. It is better to do the test before starting antibiotics. If you already take them, do not stop on your own. Tell your doctor.
- Hygiene. Shower the evening before. In the morning, do not use antiseptics or intimate gels.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Your ID
- Past test results, if any
How it goes
- You stand or lie on the exam table
- The head of the penis is wiped with a wipe
- A thin probe is put a short way into the urethra
- The probe is turned for a few seconds and taken out
- The sample is put in a tube or on a glass slide
What you'll feel
- It is unpleasant and may burn for a few seconds
- The first time you pee after the test, it may sting a little
Afterwards
- Drink water as usual. The burning goes away within a day
- Better to avoid sex until the result comes
- If an infection is found, both partners usually need treatment
Contact a doctor straight away if
- You cannot pee, or have severe pain in the lower belly: call emergency services
- High fever, or pain and swelling in the scrotum: see a doctor the same day
- Blood in your urine for more than a day: see a doctor
Common questions
Does it hurt?
Mostly it is unpleasant and stings for a few seconds. There is usually no strong pain.
Can I give urine instead of a swab?
For many PCR tests, the first part of your urine stream works too. Your doctor will say what is best for you.