Medically reviewed
August 17, 2021What is gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea, along with chlamydia, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) – contracted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It’s highly contagious and treated with antibiotics.
Signs and symptoms
People may not have any symptoms after an exposure, but when symptoms are present they may include:
Diagnosis and treatment
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia, along with gonorrhea, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) – contracted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It is a highly contagious bacterial infection and is treated with antibiotics.
Signs and symptoms
People may not have any symptoms after an exposure, but when symptoms are present they may include:
Diagnosis and treatment
If you’re sexually active, you should consider STD testing an important part of your overall health plan. STDs are common and contagious, but sometimes asymptomatic— meaning you can contract an STD and pass it to others without even realizing it. If left untreated, STDs can cause long-term health consequences for both patients and their sexual partners, which is why early detection and treatment are critical.
There are many definitions of safe sex. Some define it as sexual contact in which bodily fluids like blood, semen, or vaginal fluids are not exchanged. Others define it as sexual contact between two monogamous partners who have both been tested for STDs and found negative. A more general understanding of safe sex is sex using a barrier method of protection against STDs and unplanned pregnancy.
Some sexual health professionals prefer the term “safer sex,” to “safe sex,” as all sex carries some risk – whether it’s of infection or pregnancy – even if precautions are taken. While there is no guaranteed way to avoid STDs without abstaining from sexual contact, here are some guidelines for safer sex that offer maximum protection against STDs and unwanted pregnancy.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
Dr. Morley specializes in emergency medicine and received his medical degree from the Sackler School of Medicine in New York City. He completed his residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
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