Laguna Beach Urgent Care

Gonorrhea and Chlamydia

Posted on Dec 14, 2016 in Uncategorized | No Comments

Gonorrhea and Chlamydia

By:  Lauren Way

Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) caused by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who is already infected, though bodily fluids.  The infection occurs in the genitals, rectum, eyes and throat. Sexually active teens have one of the highest rates of reported infections. It is found to be most common among those who are ages 15 to 24. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia is very common, less than half are reported to the CDC with 700,000 reported cases annually. Most people diagnosed with Gonorrhea often will have Chlamydia as well, and should be treated for both.  Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are caused by a bacterium that can easily grow and spread in the mucus membranes of the body, as well as the warm moist areas of the reproductive tract.

 

Gonorrhea symptoms in women will appear 1 to 30 days after infection, and can include burning with urination, bleeding between periods, lower abdominal pelvic pain, spotting after intercourse, burning and swollen glands of the throat, swelling of the vulva, painful bowel movements, and green/yellow or white discharge from the vagina. Many women who notice the abnormal discharge caused by Gonorrhea and Chlamydia believe they have only a yeast infection and will treat their symptoms with yeast infection medications from the local drug store. Gonorrhea symptoms in men generally appear 2 to 14 days after being infected. Symptoms include green/yellow or whitish discharge from the penis, burning with urination, frequent urination, swollen glands in throat, and painful/swollen testicles.

 

Treatment for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia is most effective when dual therapy is used. An intramuscular injection will be administered in your healthcare professional’s office, as well as an oral antibiotic will be given at the time of treatment. Ceftriaxone is one of the most common injectable treatments followed by oral azithromycin or doxycycline. Treatment will not repair any damage done by the infection, however, it will prevent any further damage. If Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are left untreated it can do great harm to your body. In women, it can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease which can lead to ectopic pregnancies, and even sterility. In men, it can affect the prostate, causing scarring inside of the urethra, making it difficult to urinate. Men also run the risk of Epididymitis, which is a painful condition of the testicles, that can lead to infertility. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia can also spread to the joints, or blood, which can become life threatening. The risks and complications caused by Gonorrhea and Chlamydia require immediate medical attention, making it immensely important to be tested by your physician if you think you have been exposed. Just search Urgent Care Near me or medical walk in clinic to find a provider near you.

If you have questions then please call us 949-715-7278, Surfside Urgent Care of Laguna Beach

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