What is the Penile Swab Test?

A penile swab test involves collecting a sample from the surface of the penis or the urethral opening using a sterile swab. The sample is analysed in a laboratory to detect bacterial, viral, or fungal organisms.

This test is commonly used to identify sexually transmitted infections and other infections affecting the genital area, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, herpes (when lesions are present), and candidal infections, depending on the test panel used.

Penile swab testing is particularly useful when symptoms are present, providing direct sampling from the affected area.

Why do I need a Penile Swab test?

Genital infections can cause discomfort and may lead to complications if left undetected. Some infections may be asymptomatic or cause mild symptoms, making laboratory testing essential for accurate identification.

You may need this test if you experience:

• Penile discharge
• Redness or irritation
• Sores, ulcers, or blisters
• Pain or burning during urination
• Itching or swelling
• Symptoms after unprotected sexual contact
• Recurrent genital infections

Testing helps clarify the cause of symptoms and supports appropriate medical follow-up.

Benefits of the test

1. Direct sampling from the affected area
   Improves detection accuracy when symptoms are present.
2. Identifies sexually transmitted infections
   Useful for diagnosing STIs affecting the penis.
3. Detects asymptomatic infections
   Helps identify infections even with mild symptoms.
4. Guides further clinical evaluation
   Clear results support appropriate next steps.
5. Quick and minimally invasive
   The swab procedure is brief and well tolerated.
6. Useful for recurrent symptoms
   Helps investigate repeated genital issues.
7. Supports sexual health screening
   Appropriate for symptomatic or screening contexts.
8. Reduces diagnostic uncertainty
   Confirms infection rather than relying on symptoms alone.

Step-by-step: How we offer testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• Attend your appointment
• A clinician performs the penile swab
• Sample is sent to the laboratory
• Results are issued once analysis is complete

Home or hotel visit (+£60, UK-wide)

• Book a mobile clinician
• Penile swab taken at your home or hotel
• No clinic visit required
• Sample securely transported to the laboratory

Your results explained

Negative (no infection detected)

• No pathogens identified
• UK standard: Not detected
• Suggests symptoms are not due to tested infections

Low-level detection

• Small quantities of organisms detected
• UK standard: Low positive / equivocal
• May reflect early infection or colonisation

Positive (infection detected)

• One or more pathogens identified
• UK standard: Organism reported by name
• Indicates active genital infection