STD Awareness: Knowing The Difference Between Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
Chlamydia and gonorrhea differ in more ways than one.
Indeed, they share a few similarities, and one of them is that they’re both sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). However, their differences are hard to overlook, starting from their symptoms and specific treatment plans.
These two infections are among the prevailing STD cases in the whole world. Most people are aware of their existence, but not everyone knows exactly how important it is to prevent the number of infected cases from rising. Apparently, our primal instincts don’t always get the best of us.
It is our responsibility to fight this challenge, something of which that has been going on for a while now. The first step of accomplishing the goal is to advertise awareness and encourage actionable methods of stopping the cycle of transmitting the infection from one person to another.
Chlamydia vs. Gonorrhea: What Are The Differences?
Let’s start the discussion by giving their individual definition, then their symptoms and treatment.
What Is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is the number one highest bacterial STD case reported in the US. It is an infection contracted from having unprotected sex with infected individuals. It gets transmitted through directed contact with the infected areas and discharged genital fluids. Although, the bacteria can transfer even without ejaculation.
The bacteria can infect the genitals, and the reproductive organs can become highly at risk.
Pregnant women who are infected with chlamydia can pass it on to their babies during pregnancy and childbirth.
The bacteria that infects the body with chlamydia cannot be passed on by kissing or sharing objects.
Symptoms
Chlamydia may or may not have visible symptoms in the first few weeks of getting infected. Either way, it can seriously affect the male and female reproductive system when it’s not treated during early onset.
There are a few observable changes you might notice:
For women:
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Abnormal discharge from the vagina or urethra
- Vaginal bleeding or spots between periods
- Rectal pain, bleeding, and abnormal discharge
For men:
- Abnormal discharge from the penis
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Pain and swelling in one or both testicles
- Rectal pain, bleeding, and abnormal discharge
How To Treat Chlamydia
Chlamydia can be cured with antibiotic treatment. The treatment plan will be provided to you by the doctor, including the right prescriptions.
There are two kinds of oral medication usually prescribed by doctors: (1) one dose of Azithromycin can be taken at once or within a span of five to seven days, or (2) Doxycycline to be taken twice daily for up to seven days. The dosage and additional instructions will be well-provided by medical professionals.
During the treatment, you will have to avoid getting involved with sexual activities to prevent the risks of worsening the infection.
What Is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is the second-highest bacterial STD case reported in the US. It is an infection contracted through unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected individual.
Gonorrhea can infect the genitals, rectum, mouth, and throat. Although, kissing a person carrying the bacteria will not immediately put you at risk of being infected with gonorrhea.
Like chlamydia, gonorrhea can also be passed on from mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth.
As the bacteria can’t survive outside the body, one can’t get infected with gonorrhea by sharing objects with an infected person.
Symptoms
These are the observable symptoms of gonorrhea:
For women:
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Abnormal discharge from the vagina or urethra
- Vaginal bleeding or spots between periods
- Rectal pain, bleeding, itching, and abnormal discharge
- Difficulty and pain during bowel movements
For men:
- Abnormal discharge from the penis
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Rectal pain, bleeding, itching, and abnormal discharge
- Difficulty and pain during bowel movements
- Painful or swollen testicles (less common symptom)
The most obvious distinction between chlamydia and gonorrhea in terms of symptoms is the presence of itchiness and difficulty during bowel movements.
How To Treat Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea can also be treated with antibiotics. It has a specific treatment plan, which is slightly different compared to how chlamydia is treated.
Doctors recommend a dual treatment for gonorrhea, which involves an injectable Ceftriaxone combined with Azithromycin for oral medication.
Unlike chlamydia, some gonorrhea strains tend to resist antibiotics. It’s rare, but it happens from time to time. The doctors are prepared to prescribe a different treatment plan that can handle a resistant gonorrhea strain.
It’s important that you refrain from any sexual activities until you’ve taken the prescribed dosage.
The Risk Factors of Chlamydia & Gonorrhea
It’s essential that you speak with your doctor about the risk factors of STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea. Here’s a few that’s always been made known to the public:
- Getting involved with a new sexual partner
- Getting involved with multiple sexual partners
- Getting involved with one sexual partner with multiple sexual partners
- Getting involved with a sexual partner who might have a history of contracting an STD
- Failure of using protection during sexual intercourse with your sexual partner/s
- Lack of transparency between sexual partners
Once you get to your medical consultation, you might be required to provide information about the risk factors listed above.
How To Prevent The Spread
Being aware of the risk factors of acquiring STDs is only the first step to actualizing the preventive measures. The responsible thing to do is to protect oneself from getting infected. That’s only as much as a person can do to minimize the risks.
It’s impossible for everyone to abstain from sexual activities. However, several options are provided for sexually active individuals to avoid the spread of infection.
Using condoms can protect you and reduce the risks of getting an STD. And, of course, medical clinics and hospitals are available to tend to patients who want to get tested for STD. From there, you can get the right kind of help to guide you toward a healthy sex life.
Testing and Treatments for Gonorrhea & Chlamydia
If in case you acquire a new sexual partner, it’s a further risk of acquiring a disease or infection. It is highly advised for anyone who is sexually active and continues to get involved with multiple partners to get tested for STD. These are the common behaviors of individuals who frequently get positive results with infections. The sooner you become aware of the medical condition, the quicker you can have the infection treated.
Taking extra precautions will help prevent these infections from spreading. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are only two of the most widespread STDs in the world. Fortunately, they’re highly treatable, primarily when provided with the right medical attention.
Are you seeking for secure and reliable STD testing and treatment online? Set up an appointment with CallonDoc today!
