Screening · Gonorrhea & Chlamydia
Gonorrhea & Chlamydia Screening
Gonorrhea and chlamydia are two of the most common sexually transmitted infections, and both are easily cured with antibiotics.
They frequently cause no symptoms, so screening is the only reliable way to find them. Catching them early prevents complications like infertility.
The Basics
What are they?
Gonorrhea and chlamydia are bacterial infections spread through sexual contact. They can infect the genitals, rectum, or throat, and often cause no symptoms, especially in women. Untreated, they can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility, or in men to painful infection of the testicles.
Why screen?
Because they’re usually silent, the only way to find and cure them before they cause harm, or spread to partners, is to test.
Who & When
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends (Grade B):
- Sexually active women 24 and younger — screen annually.
- Women 25 and older — screen if at increased risk.
- Men and others at increased risk — testing is reasonable; the Task Force notes evidence in men is limited, but screening is commonly done based on risk and exposure.
- Screen at the sites of exposure (vaginal, rectal, or throat), and screen in pregnancy.
The bottom line: yearly screening for sexually active women 24 and under, and testing for anyone with risk or new partners.
The Test
Screening uses a NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test), a very accurate test done on a urine sample or a swab. Swabs can often be self-collected, which many people find more comfortable, and can be taken from the vagina, rectum, or throat depending on exposure. See our chlamydia & gonorrhea test page.
Your Results
- Negative — continue routine screening based on your risk.
- Positive — a short course of antibiotics cures it; partners should be treated too, and we recommend a repeat test in about three months to catch reinfection.
Treatment
Both are curable. Gonorrhea is treated with an antibiotic injection, and chlamydia with a short course of oral antibiotics. Treating partners at the same time and avoiding sex until treatment is complete prevents passing it back and forth.
Higher Risk
Risk is higher with new or multiple partners, a previous STI, inconsistent condom use, exchanging sex, and among men who have sex with men. More frequent testing is worthwhile when any of these apply.
Signs to Watch
Most infections are silent, but see us if you notice:
- Unusual discharge from the vagina, penis, or rectum
- Burning with urination
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain, or bleeding between periods
- Testicular pain or swelling
Symptoms like these should be checked promptly, but remember that no symptoms doesn’t mean no infection.
Useful Links
Talk it through with Dr. Mui
A quick, private test is easy to add to any visit, and self-collection is an option. Book in and we’ll take care of it.
Prefer to ask first? Text Dr. Mui at 617-675-4085.
This page is for general education and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Screening guidelines change over time and the right plan depends on your personal risk. Always talk with a qualified health provider about your specific situation.