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Signs Of Gonorrhea And Chlamydia

Can Chlamydia Turn Into Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea & Chlamydia: What are the Signs and Symptoms?

No, chlamydia on its own cannot turn into gonorrhea as they are caused by two different bacteria.

It does happen that people contract and carry both chlamydia and gonorrhea bacteria, so you can have them at the same time. Also, having one increases your likelihood of contracting another thus, it is always important to be treated for both.

What Causes Gonorrhea And Chlamydia

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are sexually transmitted diseases that affect both women and men. They are transmitted by having oral, anal, or vaginal sex with a person who already has the disease.

Both STDs are caused by a bacterial infection that affects the mucous membranes, which are moist, soft tissues not covered by our outer layer of skin.

  • Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria, chlamydia trachomatis, and can be found in the vagina, cervix, urethra, and rectum as well as the throat or eyes .
  • Gonorrhea, also called the clap or the drip, is caused by the bacteria, Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Like chlamydia, gonorrhea bacteria can grow and infect women in the cervix, uterus, or fallopian tubes and in men, in the urethra. It can also infect the anus, mouth, and throat.

The infection is spread through semen and vaginal fluids, but the transmission of the disease is not dependent on ejaculation. While the infection comes from these fluids, it can infect the eyes and throat in addition to the vagina, cervix, penis, urethra, and anus.

However, since these fluids are required to transmit the bacteria, you cannot get either STD through casual contact. For example, it is not possible to get chlamydia or gonorrhea from holding hands, hugging, sneezing, sitting on a toilet, or sharing food. It is very unlikely to get chlamydia or gonorrhea from kissing, even kissing someone with the infection in their throat.

Read: Why is Gonorrhea Called the Clap?

Is Gonorrhea An Std

Sexually transmitted diseases are infections that can be transferred from one sexual partner to another through any type of sexual contact. STDs are sometimes referred to as sexually transmitted infections since they involve the transmission of a disease-causing organism from one person to another during sexual activity. It is important to realize that sexual contact includes more than just sexual intercourse . Sexual contact includes kissing, oral sex, and the use of sexual “toys,” such as vibrators. STDs probably have been around for thousands of years, but the most dangerous of these conditions, the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome was first recognized in 1981, and the causative human immunodeficiency virus , was first identified in 1984.

Many STDs are treatable, but effective cures are lacking for others, such as HIV, HPV , and possibly hepatitis B. Even gonorrhea, once easily cured, has become resistant to many of the older traditional antibiotics. Many STDs can be present in, and spread by, people who do not have any symptoms of the condition and have not yet been diagnosed with an STD. Therefore, public awareness and education about these infections and the methods of preventing them is important.

  • Sore throat
  • Also Check: Can I Buy Chlamydia Treatment Over The Counter

    Can Gonorrhea Be Cured

    Yes, gonorrhea can be cured with the right treatment. It is important that you take all of the medication your doctor prescribes to cure your infection. Medication for gonorrhea should not be shared with anyone. Although medication will stop the infection, it will not undo any permanent damage caused by the disease.

    It is becoming harder to treat some gonorrhea, as drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea are increasing. If your symptoms continue for more than a few days after receiving treatment, you should return to a health care provider to be checked again.

    Can Gonorrhea Be Prevented

    Chlamydia: Symptoms in Men &  Women

    The only way to prevent gonorrhea and other STDs is to not have sex . If you decide to have sex, using a latex condom every time can prevent most STDs.

    If you are sexually active, get tested for STDs every year, or more often as recommended by your health care provider. This way, you can get treated right away if you get an STD.

    Read Also: How Long Does Chlamydia Last With Treatment

    What Are The Symptoms Of Chlamydia

    In women

    About half of the women with chlamydia do not have symptoms. When symptoms are present, they may include:

    • White, yellow or green discharge from the vagina that may have a bad smell.
    • Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.
    • Pain, bleeding, or mucous discharge from the rectum.

    In men

    Most men have symptoms, although some do not. Symptoms include:

    • Clear or white discharge from the penis.
    • Pain or burning when passing urine.
    • Pain and swelling around the testicles.

    Alternative And Complementary Therapies

    Gonorrhea is curable with antibiotics, provided the medications are taken as prescribed there arent any alternative therapies that have been proven to cure the disease.

    Sexually Transmitted Infections, N. gonorrhoeae

    While the Listerine study raises intriguing possibilities, it does not prove that Listerine cures gonorrhea. People who test positive for gonorrhea should still be treated with antibiotics. In addition, Listerine is not intended to be used in body cavities other than the mouth.

    Also Check: What Antibiotic Treat Chlamydia And Trichomoniasis

    Get Your Accurate Confidential Std Test At Arcpoint Labs Of Fort Myers

    Taking a proactive role in your sexual health shouldnt be stressful, which is why ARCpoint Labs makes it simple to receive discreet, professional STD testing in Fort Myers. Our professional technicians provide chlamydia testing, gonorrhea testing, and a wide range of other STD testing options, so you can customize your services to suit your needs. Here, youll have the advantage of quick, hassle-free lab services, making it easier than ever to take charge of your sexual health and protect yourself from untreated STDs. Whether youre concerned about potential STD symptoms or simply want to take preventive measures, ARCpoint Labs has a testing solution for you.

    Learn more about our selection of STD testing and other lab services by contacting ARCpoint Labs of Fort Myers today.

    Image Credit: getty, fizkes

    When Can I Expect For Chlamydia Signs To Show Up

    Chlamydial Infection and Gonorrhea Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention

    Chlamydia is a serious issue for both women and men. The majority of the infected experience no signs, which is why 70% of the women infected, and most men have no clue they carry it.

    If the signs do show up, it will take 1 to 3 weeks after the patient has been exposed to the infection for the bacteria to manifest and produce symptoms. What most people dont know about is that every bacteria has an incubation period, chlamydia has one as well.

    This period can vary for every individual. For example, for some individuals, the incubation period can last for a couple of days, so the first signs of the infection will start to develop just days after they have been exposed to the bacteria.

    For others, it can take months for any signs to show, which means the incubation period lasts much longer, and the only way to know if that individual is infected with chlamydia is to get tested. But, on average, it takes 1 to 3 weeks after the person has been infected for any signs to show.

    Also Check: If You Take Medicine For Chlamydia Does It Go Away

    What Can Happen If Chlamydia Is Not Treated

    In women

    Chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease . PID is a serious infection of the reproductive organs. PID can cause:

    • Infertility.
    • Tubal pregnancies, which can lead to death of the mother and unborn child.
    • Inflammation surrounding the liver.

    A mother also can pass the infection to her child during birth. Infection in newborns can lead to:

    • Eye infections .

    How Do You Test For Syphilis

    Testing regularly for STIs, including syphilis is one of the best ways to look after your health.

    To test for syphilis a healthcare professional will do a blood test. The test doesnt hurt and will only take a small amount of blood. A healthcare professional may also examine your genital area, mouth and throat, to check for rashes or growths. If you have sores, a swab will be taken from these. You shouldnt feel embarrassed going for these tests, theyre a normal part of looking after your health and the healthcare worker will do them all the time.

    If you test-positive for syphilis, its important that you let any current or recent sexual partners know, as they will need to test too. Your healthcare worker can give you advice on how to tell them or may offer to tell them anonymously for you. You should also test for other STIs.

    Also Check: I Tested Positive For Chlamydia

    The Limits Of Condoms

    While condoms are effective in preventing the spread of some STDs, they are not perfect. Condoms are better at protecting against gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and trichomoniasis. But they offer less protection against herpes, syphilis, and genital warts. These infections can spread through contact with skin lesions that are not covered by a condom. Finally, condoms offer virtually no protection against crabs and scabies.

    How Do I Recognize The Signs

    Chlamydia

    Chlamydia, like most STIs, is often asymptomatic that means most people wont experience any signs of the infection. If the signs do appear, both women and men will be equally affected. Even though these signs can affect different areas in the body, both sexes will experience them in a similar way.

    Here are the most typical signs for women:

    • Pain during menstruation
    • Fever with pain in the abdomen
    • Excessive vaginal discharge often with a bad odor
    • Pain during intercourse
    • Burning and itching around or in the vagina
    • Bleeding when not on a period

    Even though women are more prone to chlamydia, men can still get infected.

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    If You Have Further Questions Contact Your Ob

    Don’t have an ob-gyn? Search for doctors near you.

    FAQ071

    Copyright 2021 by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. All rights reserved. Read copyright and permissions information.

    This information is designed as an educational aid for the public. It offers current information and opinions related to women’s health. It is not intended as a statement of the standard of care. It does not explain all of the proper treatments or methods of care. It is not a substitute for the advice of a physician. Read ACOGs complete disclaimer.

    Why Am I Being Asked To Get Tested For Gonorrhea And Chlamydia During My Pregnancy

    In the past, all babies were automatically treated with antibiotic eye drops in case their mother had untreated gonorrhea. Silver nitrate drops are not used anymore because they caused irritation to a babys eyes. The antibiotic ointment that is now used in Canada is called erythromycin ointment. Because many bacteria are now resistant to erythromycin, it may not work as well as the silver nitrate did and can sometimes irritate the eyes.Instead of treating all babies with the ointment, a better way of preventing these types of conjunctivitis is for all pregnant women to be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia infections at their first prenatal visit. If they are infected, they need to be treated before the baby is born. This helps the mother as well as the baby. Most women with gonorrhea or chlamydia have no symptoms. Their partners may also not have symptoms. The only way to diagnose all cases is to test all pregnant women.If you were not tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia during your pregnancy, you should be tested at the time of delivery or before you take your baby home. To be tested, you need to either have a swab of your cervix done or provide a urine sample.

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    Common Signs Of Chlamydia

    Like gonorrhea, chlamydia often displays few symptoms and can easily go unnoticed for a considerable amount of time. Men and women infected with chlamydia may notice one or more of the following symptoms:

    • Abnormal vaginal discharge or penile discharge
    • Painful, burning urination
    • In women, bleeding between periods
    • In men, swollen or sore testicles
    • Rectal pain, bleeding, or discharge
    • Lower abdominal pain

    Female Chlamydia Symptoms To Watch For

    Common STDs for Men: Gonorrhea & Chlamydia

    Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that can affect both males and females.

    Up to 95 percent of females with chlamydia dont experience any symptoms, according to the This is problematic because chlamydia can cause damage to your reproductive system if left untreated.

    But chlamydia can occasionally cause symptoms. Heres a look at the common ones you might notice.

    Just remember, you could still have chlamydia without these symptoms. If theres a chance you may have been exposed to the bacteria, your safest bet is to get tested as soon as possible.

    Chlamydia can cause unusual vaginal discharge. It might be:

    • foul smelling

    Chlamydia can also affect your rectum. This can result from having unprotected anal sex or a vaginal chlamydia infection spreading to your rectum.

    You might also notice mucus-like discharge coming from your rectum.

    Chlamydia sometimes causes inflammation that leads to bleeding between your periods. This bleeding may range from light to moderately heavy.

    Chlamydia can also lead to bleeding after any type of sexual activity involving penetration.

    Recommended Reading: How To Cure Chlamydia At Home

    Infection In The Rectum Throat Or Eyes

    Both men and women can develop an infection in the rectum, throat or eyes by having unprotected anal or oral sex.

    If infected semen or vaginal fluid comes into contact with the eyes, you can also develop conjunctivitis.

    Infection in the rectum can cause discomfort, pain or discharge. Infection in the eyes can cause irritation, pain, swelling and discharge, and infection in the throat usually causes no symptoms.

    What Are Signs And Symptoms Of Conjunctivitis

    Newborns with conjunctivitis will have a pink or red color on the white part of their eyes. They can also have:

    • thick pus-like drainage from eyes
    • swollen eyelids that may be red
    • watery drainage from eyes

    Conjunctivitis can be caused by:

    • exposure to chemicals or an irritant
    • blocked tear ducts
    • bacteria from the mothers vagina during delivery
    • other bacteria or viruses caught after birth from a family member or someone else in close contact with the baby.

    In most cases, conjunctivitis is a mild illness that will go away on its own. However, it can be serious in a newborn baby if it is caused by a sexually transmitted infection. This can happen if the mother has an untreated sexually transmitted infection and the babys eyes become infected when he is born. There are two sexually transmitted infections that can do this:

    • Gonorrhea: If a baby gets conjunctivitis from gonorrhea and it is not treated right away, they may develop permanent scarring and blindness.
    • Chlamydia: A baby who is infected with chlamydia at birth can often get conjunctivitis. Fortunately, this kind of conjunctivitis does not cause scarring and blindness. But, the baby could get chlamydia pneumonia between 1 and 6 months of age. The pneumonia will cause a cough and rapid breathing.

    Read Also: What Pills Get Rid Of Chlamydia

    How Do I Know If I Have Gonorrhea

    Some men with gonorrhea may have no symptoms at all. However, men who do have symptoms, may have:

    • A burning sensation when urinating
    • A white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis
    • Painful or swollen testicles .

    Most women with gonorrhea do not have any symptoms. Even when a woman has symptoms, they are often mild and can be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection. Women with gonorrhea are at risk of developing serious complications from the infection, even if they dont have any symptoms.Symptoms in women can include:

    • Painful or burning sensation when urinating
    • Increased vaginal discharge
    • Vaginal bleeding between periods.

    Rectal infections may either cause no symptoms or cause symptoms in both men and women that may include:

    • Discharge
    • Bleeding
    • Painful bowel movements.

    You should be examined by your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms or if your partner has an STD or symptoms of an STD, such as an unusual sore, a smelly discharge, burning when urinating, or bleeding between periods.

    When Should My Baby Receive Treatment For Conjunctivitis

    2018 STD Prevention Conference

    If you are tested at delivery or after and you are found to be infected with gonorrhea, your baby will be treated right away. This will prevent your baby from getting conjunctivitis and permanent eye damage. Babies exposed to chlamydia at delivery should be followed closely for signs of infection and only be treated if they get signs of infection.

    If your test results arent available before you leave the hospital, youll be contacted if they are positive. Watch your baby for eye discharge in the first week of life and contact your doctor if this develops, or if your baby is unwell.

    If your tests are negative but your baby develops red eyes or discharge, contact your doctor. It may be another type of infection or irritation.

    Read Also: What Antibiotics Are Good For Chlamydia

    How Gonorrhea And Chlamydia Are Tested

    Both gonorrhea and chlamydia can be diagnosed with similar methods. A healthcare provider might do a physical examination to look for symptoms, and they may do a urine test to check for the bacteria that cause chlamydia or gonorrhea.

    But screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea doesnât have to take place at a clinic. With the Everlywell at-home Chlamydia & Gonorrhea Test, you can easily check for these STIs from the comfort and privacy of your home.

    The kit comes with easy-to-follow instructions and everything you need to collect your sample at home, and your physician-reviewed results can be conveniently and securely viewed online on your device. Plus, if you receive a positive result after you get tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea with the Everlywell at-home test, youâll have the opportunity to connect with our independent physician networkâand may be prescribed medication to treat the infection.

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