The Basics
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can be passed on during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. STDs can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby before or during the baby’s birth.
Most people who have an STD don’t have any symptoms. Getting tested is the only way to know for sure if you have an STD.
STDs are also sometimes called sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Can these STDs be cured?
Yes. These STDs can be easily cured with medicine if they are treated early. If these STDs aren’t treated, they can cause serious health problems, like making it impossible to have a baby.
If you have an STD, it’s important to get treatment right away. Anyone you have sex with may also need treatment or you could get infected again.
The Basics
Who needs to get tested for chlamydia (“kluh-MID-ee-uh”)?
For women:
- If you are under age 25 and having sex, get tested once every year.
- If you are age 25 or older, get tested if you have new or multiple sex partners.
For men:
- Talk with a doctor if you are worried about chlamydia or other STDs.
- Tell a doctor if you have any of these symptoms of chlamydia.
What are the signs of chlamydia?
Most people who have chlamydia don’t have any signs or symptoms.
- Women may have abnormal discharge (fluid) from the vagina, burning when they urinate (pee), or pain during sex.
- Men may have discharge from the penis or burning when they urinate.
How is the test done?
A doctor or nurse can test your urine for chlamydia. Sometimes a sample is taken from the vagina or penis to test. The test is easy and painless.
Learn more about chlamydia:
The Basics
Who needs to get tested for gonorrhea (“gah-nuh-REE-uh”)?
For women:
- If you are under age 25 and having sex, get tested for gonorrhea.
- If you are age 25 or older, get tested if you:
- Have new or multiple sex partners
- Don’t use a condom every time you have sex
- Use drugs
- Have ever had an STD
For men:
What are the signs of gonorrhea?
Most people who have gonorrhea have no symptoms.
- Women may have abnormal discharge (fluid) from the vagina, burning when they urinate (pee), or pain during sex.
- Men may have discharge from the penis or burning when they urinate.
How is the test done?
A doctor or nurse can test your urine for gonorrhea. Sometimes a sample is taken from the vagina or penis to test. The test is easy and painless.
Learn more about gonorrhea:
The Basics
Who needs to get tested for syphilis (“SIF-uh-lis”)?
- All pregnant women
- Men who have sex with men if they (or their partner) have sex with anyone else
What are the signs of syphilis?
Many people who have syphilis have no symptoms. Some people have symptoms during the early stages (or phases) of infection.
- In the first stage, a painless sore appears on the genitals, lips, tongue, or butt.
- The second stage may include a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, sores on the throat or mouth, fever, or spotty hair loss.
How is the test done?
The doctor or nurse may test your blood for syphilis. Sometimes fluid is taken from a sore to see if it’s caused by syphilis.
Learn more about syphilis:
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