Is there a cure for chlamydia and gonorrhea?

Treatment of chlamydia and gonorrheais relatively quick and easy. Discover the basic symptoms and when you should see a doctor.

Gonorrhea and chlamydia are the two most commonly diagnosed STIs in Canada. In 2010 alone, nearly 10,000 cases of gonorrhea; and 95,000 cases of chlamydia were reported.

STIs don't discriminate and can be contracted by anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. The use of condoms and safe sex practices provides excellent protection against transmission.

Infection can occur during oral, vaginal and anal sex. If a mother is infected, gonorrhea can also be transmitted to infants at birth.

Consult a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Gonorrhea:

• Burning sensation during urination;
• Discharge from the penis or vagina;
• Vaginal bleeding;
• Pain or swelling of the testicles.

Chlamydia

Symptoms are the same as gonorrhea's, but may also include:

• Increased menstrual pain.
• Pain in the lower abdomen and back in women.
• Itching in penis.

Both infections may also occur in the rectum and be accompanied by discomfort, itching, bleeding and discharge. Almost half of men and women who are infected will show no symptoms of chlamydia. Gonorrhea can also go undetected in both men and women.

If diagnosed and treated quickly, these STIsdo not pose any particular health threat. A simple course of antibiotics will often be enough to cure the infection. Follow the doctor’s orders and take your medication as directed. You’ll need to wait about seven days after the end of treatment before resuming sexual activity.

However, if these infections are not treated quickly, there are risks of serious complications.

Chlamydia:

• Infertility (especially in women);
• Blindness (if the infection has spread to the eye);
• Swelling of the prostate.

Gonorrhea:

• Chronic pelvic pain in women;
• Infertility;
• Ectopic pregnancy.

Do not take these STIslightly. Both of these sexually transmitted infections can have serious consequences for your genitals, so you must seek medical treatment without delay.

It's relatively straight forward. Do not engage in unsafe sexual practices and be sure to always protect yourself during sex. Also, consider limiting your number of sexual partners.

Finally, go get tested. If you find out you’ve been infected, you’ll need to let your sexual partner(s) know as soon as possible, so they can seek treatment as well.