When it comes to STDS, gonorrhea and chlamydia are by far the most common. Both gonorrhea and chlamydia are transmitted through sexual activity. The large majority of these kinds of STD infections occur in people ages 15-24, so it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms and how they differ from each other. In both cases, early detection is key, so make sure to get tested if you think you may have been exposed to gonorrhea or chlamydia.
Here is a brief overview of gonorrhea and chlamydia infections.
OVERVIEW
Both chlamydia and gonorrhea are two of the most common STDS, particularly among teenagers and young adults. They each affect both men and women and complications from untreated STDs can lead to infertility issues down the line.
As the name suggests, you can get either gonorrhea or chlamydia by vaginal, anal, or oral sexual activity. The risk increases if you have more than one sexual partner, especially if you do not use a condom or other form of barrier method. While both infections are treatable, complications can occur if not treated quickly or at all. Bacteria from gonorrhea or chlamydia can travel to other areas of the reproductive tract, like the uterus or fallopian tubes. Over time, if the infection is not treated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. PID in turn can cause infertility due to the buildup of scar tissue in and around the reproductive organs. Both gonorrhea and chlamydia can be transmitted to an unborn baby, which makes it very important to test during pregnancy if you think you may have been exposed.
Men are not immune either. Complications from untreated STDs can cause pain in the testicles and scrotum as well as ejaculation struggles.
SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT
Both gonorrhea and chlamydia share similar symptoms, so it can be confusing to know which one you have. Common signs and symptoms include burning during urination and an increase in discharge. One of the only differences between the two infections is that discharge from a chlamydia infection is slightly yellow with an odor. Gonorrhea infections typically have green, white, or somewhat yellow discharges. You can treat each with medications that can stop the progression of the infection to other areas, but treatment does not reverse any potential damage that may have taken place before treatment.
STDs like gonorrhea and chlamydia can be mistaken for yeast infections because of the similarity in symptoms. For this reason, getting tested as soon as possible if you think you might have an STI can help determine your treatment options.
For free, no-obligation testing for gonorrhea or chlamydia, book an appointment at our Clearway Clinic locations in Worcester or Springfield, MA. Testing early can make all the difference for your reproductive health now and in the future.