Gardnerella urine test (male) in Chiswick

What the test measures

Gardnerella vaginalis is a bacterium best known for its role in bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women. It can also be carried in the male urethra, usually without any symptoms. Because BV often returns in women with the same partner, some men choose to check whether they carry Gardnerella, particularly when a partner has had repeated episodes.

This test looks for Gardnerella in a first-void urine sample, meaning the first part of the stream. Occasionally Gardnerella is associated with mild urethral symptoms, but most men who carry it feel well. Testing is confidential and non-judgemental.

The price includes your urine sample collected at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• Your female partner has recurrent bacterial vaginosis.
• You want a confidential sexual health check that includes Gardnerella.
• You have mild discomfort when passing urine and want to explore possible causes.
• You are starting a new relationship and want peace of mind.
• Your practitioner or partner has suggested testing.

Understanding your result

Your report states whether Gardnerella was found in your urine sample. A positive result means the bacterium was found, but many men carry it without symptoms or health effects. UK guidance on testing and treating male partners of women with BV is still developing, so your practitioner will discuss whether any action is appropriate for you and your partner.

A negative result does not exclude other infections. Discomfort when passing urine or a discharge can be caused by chlamydia, gonorrhoea or other infections, which have their own window periods of around two weeks after exposure for reliable testing. Flagged values point to a conversation with your practitioner, not to a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

Please do not pass urine for at least one to two hours before your appointment, and give the first part of the stream into the pot, as this contains the most cells from the urethra. Tell us if you have taken antibiotics in the last two weeks, as they can affect the result. No fasting is needed.

For broader screening, our STI tests include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV and syphilis, and a female partner can take the bacterial vaginosis swab, listed with every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a Gardnerella urine test in Chiswick?

The Gardnerella Urine Test (male) costs £79 at our Chiswick clinic. This includes your urine sample, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a confidential practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Can men get bacterial vaginosis?

No, BV affects the vagina. Men can carry Gardnerella, the bacterium linked with BV, usually without symptoms.

Should I be treated if the result is positive?

Not always. Whether treatment is helpful depends on your symptoms and on how your partner is affected, and your practitioner will explain the current options.

Is this the same as an STI screen?

No. This test checks for Gardnerella only. If you are concerned about STIs, a dedicated STI screen is the right choice.