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How To Catch Chlamydia And Gonorrhea

What Do I Need To Know If I Get Treated For Gonorrhea

Complications: TORCH Infections, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HIV/AIDS – Maternity Nursing -@Level Up RN

If youre getting treated for gonorrhea:

  • Take all of your medicine the way your doctor tells you to, even if your symptoms go away sooner. The infection stays in your body until you totally finish the antibiotics.

  • Your partner should also get treated for gonorrhea so you dont re-infect each other or anyone else.

  • Dont have sex for 7 days. If you only have 1 dose of medication, wait until a week after you take it to have sex. If youre taking medicine for 7 days, dont have sex until youve finished all of your pills.

  • Get tested again in 3 months to make sure your infection is gone.

  • Dont share your medicine with anyone. Your doctor may give you a separate dose of antibiotics for your partner. Make sure you both take all of the medicine you get.

  • If you still have symptoms after you finish your treatment, call your doctor.

  • Even if you finish your treatment and the gonorrhea is totally gone, its possible to get infected with gonorrhea again. Gonorrhea isnt a one-time-only deal. So use condoms and get tested regularly.

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Can Gonorrhea Be Cured

Yes. Prompt treatment can cure gonorrhea. Take all medicine as your healthcare provider instructs, even if your symptoms improve and you start to feel better. Also, never take someone elses medicine to treat your illness. Doing so makes the infection harder to treat.

Taking all antibiotics as prescribed is always important, but its especially important with gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is curable now, but its becoming more resistant to antibiotics. Some forms of gonorrhea that have developed a high level of antibiotic resistance are commonly referred to as super gonorrhea.

To ensure that gonorrhea remains curable, its more important than ever that everyone take medications as prescribed and that everyone takes steps to prevent infection.

What Are The Symptoms Of Gonorrhea

Often, gonorrhea doesnt cause symptoms. This is especially the case in women and people assigned female at birth . If you do experience symptoms, theyll likely impact you differently based on your reproductive parts.

Gonorrhea symptoms vary depending on your reproductive anatomy.

Gonorrhea symptoms in women

People assigned female at birth including cisgender women, transgender men and nonbinary people with vaginas often dont experience symptoms. This is why its essential to get tested for gonorrhea if you believe youve been exposed.

When symptoms are present, they may include:

Gonorrhea symptoms in all genders

People of all genders can get gonorrhea infections in the throat or rectum . These types of infections are less common than gonorrhea affecting the genitals.

Symptoms may include:

Read Also: All Symptoms Of Chlamydia Female

Ways You Can Catch An Sti Without Having Sex

All STIs and STDs are passed sexually, right? Wrong. In addition to transmission through sexual intercourse, there are other ways in which infections can be passed which you should be aware of. Whether an STI is passed sexually or non-sexually, it will have the same consequences if left untreated.

Maybe youre aware that sexually transmitted infections can be passed in varying ways, or maybe this is new to you. Either way, its worth reading up on other ways in which STIs can be transmitted. The more clued up you are about how infections can be contracted, the easier it is to know how to take care of your sexual health and keep yourself safe.

What Are The Complications Of Chlamydia

Chlamydia &  Gonorrhea  LabReqs.com
  • Chlamydia can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease of the uterus, Fallopian tubes and ovaries, if not cured quickly enough. PID can cause abdominal pain, fever, and the pain may never go away. When a woman has PID her Fallopian tubes can be fully or partially blocked with scar tissue. She may not be able to become pregnant if the sperm cannot get to the egg.
  • She may be at a higher risk for a tubal or ectopic pregnancy if the fertilized egg cannot get into the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening.
  • If a man has chlamydia too long, his epididymis and testicles can become infected. Usually,there are no problems after treatment.
  • There is an increased chance of becoming infected with HIV or spreading it when you are infected with chlamydia.
  • Both men and women can develop a type of arthritis called Reiters Syndrome because the infection gets into the joints of the body.
  • Newborn babies that are infected at birth can have pneumonia, eye infections and may be born early or miscarried.

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Is Chlamydia Of The Throat Common

Although chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial STI in the United States, chlamydia of the throat is uncommon.

A small 2021 study involving 140 men who have sex with men found that 1.4% of the participants had chlamydia of the throat.

Other research has shown that extra-genital chlamydia is as common in women as it is in MSM.

Engaging in sex with people who carry the bacteria without using barrier protection can contribute to the spread of the infection.

What Are The Symptoms Of Chlamydia

If you do notice symptoms, youll likely experience them differently based on your reproductive anatomy. Many of the symptoms that cisgender women experience can also affect transgender men and nonbinary individuals with vaginas. Many of the symptoms that cisgender men notice can affect transgender women and nonbinary individuals with penises, too.

Chlamydia bacteria often cause symptoms that are similar to cervicitis or a urinary tract infection . You may notice:

  • Pus in your urine .
  • Increased need to pee.
  • Dull pain in the lower part of your abdomen.

Chlamydia bacteria most often infect your urethra, causing symptoms that are similar to nongonococcal urethritis. You may notice:

  • Pain or a burning sensation when you pee .

Signs of chlamydia that all genders may notice

Chlamydia can affect parts of your body other than your reproductive organs, such as your:

  • You may notice pain, discomfort, bleeding or a mucus-like discharge from your bottom.
  • Throat. You may have a sore throat, but you usually wont notice symptoms if the bacterias in your throat.
  • Eyes. You may notice symptoms of conjunctivitis if C. trachomatis bacteria gets in your eye. Symptoms include redness, pain and discharge.

See your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.

Read Also: How Long Can You Have Chlamydia Before It Causes Damage

How Does Chlamydia Affect A Pregnant Person And Their Baby

In newborns, untreated chlamydia can cause:

  • ophthalmia neonatorum ,

Prospective studies show that chlamydial conjunctivitis and pneumonia occur in 18-44% and 3-16%, respectively, of infants born to those with chlamydia. 9-12 Neonatal prophylaxis against gonococcal conjunctivitis routinely performed at birth does not effectively prevent chlamydial conjunctivitis.37-39

Screening for and treating chlamydia in pregnant people is the best way to prevent disease in infants. At the first prenatal visit and during the third trimester, screen:

  • All pregnant people under age 25 and
  • All pregnant people 25 years and older at increased risk for chlamydia .

Retest those with infection four weeks and three months after they complete treatment.40

How Do I Know If I Have Genital Herpes

Gonorrhea and Super #Gonorrhea: Is This Common STI Becoming Resistant to #Antibiotics?

Most people with genital herpes have no symptoms or have very mild symptoms. Mild symptoms may go unnoticed or be mistaken for other skin conditions like a pimple or ingrown hair. Because of this, most people do not know they have a herpes infection.

Herpes sores usually appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals, rectum or mouth. This is known as having an outbreak. The blisters break and leave painful sores that may take a week or more to heal. Flu-like symptoms also may occur during the first outbreak.

People who experience an initial outbreak of herpes can have repeated outbreaks, especially if they have HSV-2. However, repeat outbreaks are usually shorter and less severe than the first outbreak. Although genital herpes is a lifelong infection, the number of outbreaks may decrease over time.

Ask a healthcare provider to examine you if:

  • You notice any symptoms or
  • Your partner has an STD or symptoms of an STD.

STD symptoms can include an unusual sore, a smelly genital discharge, burning when peeing, or bleeding between periods .

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What Can Happen If Chlamydia Isnt Treated

Untreated chlamydia can put your health at risk. Make an appointment with your provider immediately if you notice any symptoms of chlamydia, and get regular STI screenings to avoid complications later.

Complications of chlamydia for people with vaginas

Untreated chlamydia can cause:

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease . PID is a serious condition that requires hospitalization. It can occur when an untreated STI, like chlamydia, damages your reproductive organs. PID can lead to infertility and chronic pelvic pain. It can also cause an ectopic pregnancy, which is life-threatening for the fetus and potentially deadly for the mother or gestational parent, too.
  • Pregnancy complications. An untreated infection can lead to pre-term delivery. Also, if youre pregnant and have chlamydia, you can pass the infection on to your newborn. Babies born with chlamydia may have pneumonia or conjunctivitis that could lead to blindness if not treated.

Complications of chlamydia for people with penises

Untreated chlamydia can cause:

  • Epididymitis. Infection can spread to the testicles and the tube that carries sperm to your testicles , causing symptoms like pain, swelling and tenderness in your testicles.
  • Reduced fertility. Chlamydia can harm your sperm, negatively impacting your ability to conceive.

Complications of chlamydia that can affect all genders

Untreated chlamydia can:

What Puts You At Risk For Stds And Hiv

Youre at risk if you:

  • Have sex without using a condom, with someone who is infected.
  • Have had an STD.
  • Have more than one sex partner.
  • Are under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
  • Many women have STDs without having symptoms. This means that unless she gets tested, she may have an STD and not know it.

If you are a woman, take charge of your sexual health. Be sure to schedule pelvic exams and pap smears every year. Get tested and learn how to protect yourself from STDs and HIV.

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You Said Common But How Common Exactly

The bad news is that new STI cases have been increasing year after year. In 2019, almost 2 million new chlamydia infections were reported to the CDC nationally, as well as over 600,000 new gonorrhea contaminations. In addition, its important to note that young people are the most at risk, with over half of new chlamydia cases reported in those aged 15-24. And what about Missouri more specifically? According to official statistics, 42,358 new cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea were reported in the previous year alone.

Im Pregnant How Does Chlamydia Affect My Baby

15+ When To Retest For Chlamydia After Treatment Pictures

If you are pregnant and have chlamydia, you can give the infection to your baby during delivery. This can cause an eye infection or pneumonia in your baby. Having chlamydia may also make it more likely to deliver your baby early.

If you are pregnant, you should receive testing for chlamydia at your first prenatal visit. Talk to your healthcare provider about getting the correct examination, testing, and treatment. Testing and treatment are the best ways to prevent health problems.

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Std Testing And Sexual Health Education In Indianapolis In

Indianapolis does have community outreach programs designed to inform students and residents about how dangerous unprotected sex can be, the school system still promotes the federally funded abstinence only classes.

Even though this program may be more comfortable for some parents and educators it is leaving teens and young adults vulnerable. Not only are the increasing number of teenage pregnancies an indication that the abstinence programs are not effective. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea is exceedingly high among women ages 16 to 24, and other sexually transmitted diseases are also growing.

Without proper education many teens and young adults also do not understand that you can get an STD without having sexually intercourse. Some of the viruses can be spread through casual contract, and others may not display any symptoms until others may have been infected.

Regular Herpes testing in Indianapolis is especially important for teens and adults. HIV testing in Indianapolis is always important regardless of age and gender.

Without proper sexual education classes in schools, students will continue to be at risk and STD rates will keep increasing at an alarming rate. While abstinence can protect teens from many sexually transmitted diseases it is not 100 percent effective, and until students and adults understand all of the risks and dangers the city will continue to struggle with a high STD rate.

What Is Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common STD caused by infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. It can cause cervicitis, urethritis, and proctitis.

In women, these infections can lead to:

  • ectopic pregnancy, and
  • chronic pelvic pain.

Lymphogranuloma venereum is another type of STD caused by C. trachomatis. LGV is the cause of recent proctitis outbreaks among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men worldwide.1,2

Also Check: How To Be Treated For Chlamydia

How To Stay Safe

So, what can you do to stay safe?

  • Use condoms and use them correctly,
  • Access reliable sexual health education,
  • Seek timely testing and treatment if you are at risk Remember, most STIs have no symptomsLimit casual sex and use condoms with a new partner.
  • Get tested for STIs between partners and after unprotected sex If you feel you may be at risk of having been infected or reinfected
  • Talk about the potential risk of acquiring STIs with your partner
  • Make informed choices about the level of risk you are comfortable taking with your sex life.
  • If you are pregnant and are at risk for STIs, it is important to get tested and treated before your baby is born.
  • Reinfection is common even after successful treatment. Make sure your partners get treated to prevent reinfection
  • When used correctly, condoms offer one of the most effective methods of protection against STIs, including HIV. Female condoms are also effective and safe.

    We are often not aware that they may have an STI.

    Any sexually active person can catch an STI, those who change partners frequently or do not use condoms are at higher risk. Previous successful treatment for an STI doesnât make you immune to catching the infection again.

    Odds Of Getting Herpes From One Encounter

    Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of chlamydia | Infectious diseases | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

    Although herpes can have noticeable symptoms, you wont necessarily know the person youre with has herpes. Its actually likely to get it without seeing symptoms. Thats because approximately 70 percent of the times herpes is spread it happens when the person is going through an asymptomatic period when symptoms are not present.

    What are the chances of getting herpes from one unprotected encounter? The risk of getting herpes is about 10 percent for a woman catching it from a man or about four percent for a man getting it from a woman. Using condoms tends to reduce the risk of spreading herpes by about 30 percent. Condoms dont help as much for herpes as they do for STDs that only pass through bodily fluids because you can get herpes through skin contact.

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    What Advantages Can You Get In Std Express Clinic Over Other Regular Clinics

    For both gonorrhea and chlamydia testing, going to STD Express Clinic may be the best course of action. STD Express Clinic makes it easy to get yourself tested for a variety of sexually transmitted diseases without having to make an appointment in advance.

    STD Express Clinic understands the social stigma STDs can place on people, and so we value patient privacy. The clinic follows HIPAA-compliant rules in place for protecting your health information.

    STD Express Clinic is open on weekends as well, convenient for those with long working hours. The tests are affordable, effective, and are approved by the FDA. Finally, understanding that positive tests can create a lot of questions, doctor is available during extended clinic hours for any kind of assistance you may need.

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    Hiv And Stds Are Spread In The Same Ways

    You can get HIV or an STD by having sex without a condom with a person who is already infected. HIV and some STDs can be passed from a mother to her baby while she is pregnant, during birth or through breast feeding. HIV and some STDs can also be spread by sharing drug works with someone who has HIV or an STD.

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    What Would Cause A False Positive Chlamydia Test

    It may be positive with only tiny amounts of DNA present. This could be either by contamination for example from the glove of the doctor or nurse who took the swab, or because something other than chlamydia has interlinked with the DNA segment, and given a positive result although this is probably very rare.

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    What You Should Know About Chlamydia And Gonorrhea

    Chlamydia : DB Clinic

    20 Jan, 2022

    In the STD family, chlamydia and gonorrhea are the two most reported ones in the United States. For context, STD stands for Sexually Transmitted Diseases. You will most likely also come across its synonymous term STI, for Sexually Transmitted Infections. These infections or diseases are caused by bacteria, and they can have long-term negative health consequences on a teenager. This is especially true if the teenager doesnt receive timely treatment. This article will go through important information about chlamydia and gonorrhea. We hope this will give you the tools to be proactive when it comes to the health of your students.

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