Can You Have Both Gonorrhea and Chlamydia?

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two sexually transmitted diseases that, when left untreated, can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Both of these bacterial STDs can be transmitted through vaginal sex, oral sex and anal sex. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are often grouped together because they are considered to be very similar, but many people do not realize that it is likely for you to experience both of these STDs at once. Here are some of the things that you should know about having both chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Having Both Gonorrhea and Chlamydia

It is common for people to have both chlamydia and gonorrhea at once, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, it is an extremely common occurrence. If you have been diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea, it is important to be tested for the other. It’s also ideal to get tested for other STDs. While it is very common to become diagnosed with gonorrhea and chlamydia, it is possible to only have one of these STDs.

Symptoms of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

Most people gonorrhea and chlamydia experience no symptoms whatsoever. That being said, the symptoms of these two STDs are so similar that it is often hard for doctors to differentiate chlamydia from gonorrhea and vice versa. Men may have symptoms that include a burning sensation during urination, swollen or painful testicles, and penile discharge that may be white, yellow or green. Women generally experience a burning sensation while urinating, increased vaginal discharge, and vaginal bleeding between menstrual cycles. According to the CDC, many women mistake the symptoms of chlamydia and gonorrhea as nothing more than a vaginal or bladder infection.

Treating Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Together

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the antibiotics for chlamydia and gonorrhea are generally administered together. You will typically be treated for both gonorrhea and chlamydia at the same time, even if you have only tested positive for one of these STDs. This is mostly due to the fact that chlamydia and gonorrhea have similar symptoms. Doxycycline is the name of the antibiotic which is currently used to treat both chlamydia and gonorrhea at once.

It is recommended for all sexually active girls and women to be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea every year if you have had new or multiple sex partners. Since chlamydia and gonorrhea can both lead to infertility, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, or ecoptic pregnancy, you should not take either of these STDs lightly. Treating chlamydia and gonorrhea as soon as possible is the best thing that you can do. According to the CDC, it is also important to make sure that your partner receives treatment at the same time and if you begin to notice symptoms again after you have taken antibiotics, return to the doctor’s office.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Gonorrhea – CDC Fact Sheet.” http://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/stdfact-gonorrhea.htm#diagnosed

American Social Health Association, “Chlamydia – Questions and Answers.” http://www.ashastd.org/learn/learn_chlamydia.cfm#4