Chlamydia: Chlamydia is the most common reportable STI in the United States. It is a bacterial infection and can be treated and cured with antibiotics for all sexual partners. It is spread by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has chlamydia. Both men and women can get Chlamydia. If untreated, women with chlamydia can develop serious, permanent damage to their reproductive system. Anyone who has sex can get chlamydia. However, sexually active young people are at higher risk for this infection. Sexually active women younger than 25 years should be tested for chlamydia every year. Many people with chlamydia have no symptoms. Women with symptoms may notice:

  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Burning with urination

 

Men with symptoms may notice:

  • Discharge from the penis
  • Burning with urination
  • Pain and or swelling in one or both testicles

 

Men and women may get infected with chlamydia in the rectum if they engage in receptive anal intercourse. Symptoms can include rectal pain, bleeding, or discharge.

Testing for chlamydia can be done through a urine specimen, or swabs may be used to collect samples from the genitals, throat or rectum. If you test positive for Chlamydia it is important to take all medication as directed. You should not have sex until you and all partners have completed treatment and been finished with medication for one week. Repeat infection with Chlamydia is common. You should be tested for Chlamydia about two-three months after treatment.

 

Gonorrhea: Gonorrhea is a bacterial STI that can affect both men and women. It is spread by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has gonorrhea. It can cause infections in the genitals, rectum and throat. It is most common in young people ages 15-24. The only way to avoid gonorrhea is to not have sex. If you are sexually active you can lower your risk of getting gonorrhea by being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative for gonorrhea and by using condoms correctly every time you have sex. Men who have sex with men and sexually active women younger than 25 years should be tested for gonorrhea every year.  Untreated gonorrhea can cause complications in both men and women. Women can develop pelvic inflammatory disease and have problems with fertility. Men can become sterile from gonorrhea.  Additionally, men can develop joint or blood problems, although this is rare. Many people with gonorrhea have no symptoms. However, men who do have symptoms may notice:

  • Burning with urination
  • White, yellow or green discharge  from the penis
  • Painful or swollen testicles

 

Women who have symptoms may notice:

  • Pain or burning with urination
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding

 

Men or women with rectal infections may have symptoms which include:

 

  • Discharge
  • Anal itching
  • Soreness
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Painful bowel movements

 

Testing for gonorrhea can be done through a urine specimen, or swabs may be used to collect samples from the genitals, throat or rectum. Gonorrhea can be cured with antibiotics.  If you test positive for the infection it is important to take all medication as directed. All your sexual partners should also complete treatment. You and your sexual partners should avoid having sex until all partners have been finished with medication for one week.