Table of Contents:
- What Are Chlamydia + Gonorrhea?
- Why Test for Chlamydia + Gonorrhea?
- How Often Should I Test for Chlamydia + Gonorrhea?
- Conclusion
According to the CDC, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea were the two most reported STDs in 2019, and their numbers have continued to rise in recent years. But what are Chlamydia and Gonorrhea? And how do you know if you have one of these common sexual infections?
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea have several overlapping symptoms and, relatively often, no symptoms at all. This article explains what Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are, which symptoms to look out for, and why it’s important to get tested for these common sexual infections.
What Are Chlamydia and Gonorrhea?
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are both sexually transmitted infections caused by bacteria, but they have some differences in terms of their symptoms and treatment:
Symptoms:
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can cause similar symptoms, such as discharge from the genitals, pain or burning during urination, and abdominal pain. Many people with Chlamydia have mild symptoms that can be easily overlooked or no symptoms at all. Gonorrhea is more likely to cause noticeable symptoms, though 50% of infected women and 10% of infected men will not experience any obvious symptoms (NHS).
Causes:
Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, while Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Both sexual infections can be transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can infect both men and women and can cause serious health problems if left untreated.
Incubation Period:
If symptoms do appear, it typically takes 1-3 weeks after exposure before seeing signs of Chlamydia and 1-2 weeks before seeing signs of Gonorrhea (Medical News Today), though in some cases it can be many months before symptoms appear.
Complications:
If left untreated, both Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can cause serious health complications. In women, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can most commonly lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause infertility and chronic pelvic pain. In men, untreated Gonorrhea can lead to epididymitis, a painful condition that affects the testicles.
Why Test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea?
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are among the top most common STDs, so if you’re sexually active, it’s smart to check your status. Knowing your STD status early can help prevent the spread of the disease to others. And remember, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can be transmitted even if there are no noticeable symptoms, so it's important to get tested regularly if you are sexually active.
In most cases, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can be effectively treated with antibiotics or other medications if detected early. Delaying diagnosis and treatment of STDs like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can lead to more serious health problems, including infertility and chronic pain.
It’s not just about your physical health — worrying about your Gonorrhea or Chlamydia status can affect your mental health, too. Knowing your STD status can provide peace of mind and reduce anxiety about your sexual health.
How Often Should You Test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea?
How often you should screen for STDs like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea depends on your lifestyle. If you have new or multiple partners, it’s recommended to test every 3-6 months (CDC). A good rule of thumb is to get STD tested every time you switch partners. If you’re with one long-term partner, you can opt to test for sexual infections once a year. It’s important to make sure you’re up-to-date on your STD status to avoid health complications from untreated STDs.
Conclusion
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are extremely common among sexually active adults, and they’re often difficult to tell apart when symptoms do appear. It’s important to get tested regularly to detect STDs like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea early so you can get treatment before complications arise.
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