What are chlamydia and gonorrhea? Both chlamydia and gonorrhea are sexually transmitted infections that can infect areas of the human body such as the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder), eyes, throat, vagina, female reproductive organs (fallopian tubes, uterus cervix, uterus), rectum. Although some of the symptoms may overlap, many people experience no symptoms at all (asymptomatic) with both infections. It can be difficult to distinguish between chlamydia and gonorrhea based on symptoms alone. In order for effective treatment to be prescribed, sexually transmitted infections must be diagnosed by a specialist. What are the Similarities Between Chlamydia and Gonorrhea? Chlamydia and gonorrhea are not caused by the same pathogen, yet there are a number of similarities between the infections, including how they are transmitted and diagnosed, and the complications they can cause if left untreated. Transmission The bacterium that causes chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) and the bacterium that causes gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) can be found in both semen and vaginal secretions. Transmission of any of the infections between people can occur during: Vaginal sex; Oral sex; Anal sex; Birth (where transmission is from the mother to the baby). Diagnosis The diagnostic tests for chlamydia or gonorrhea are very similar. To test for chlamydia in women, a swab is used to take a sample from the vagina or cervix. A urine sample can also be used. For testing men, a urethral swab (the tube that allows urine and sperm to leave the body) or a urine sample may be used. A rectal or throat swab may be taken from anyone who is at risk of chlamydial infection in the anus or throat. Taking the samples used to test for gonorrhea infection is done in the same way. Possible Complications of Untreated Infections Although some people may have a chlamydia or gonorrhea infection without knowing it, it will not go away without treatment. Some of the long-term effects of both infections are similar and include: Infertility; Pelvic inflammatory disease; Risks in pregnancy, such as premature birth, in the case of chlamydia; Inflammation or fibrosis in the genital area; Arthritis that is associated with joint swelling (reactive arthritis in the case of chlamydia) and can spread to other parts of the body (gonococcal arthritis is associated with gonorrhea) What are the differences between chlamydia and gonorrhea? Although chlamydia and gonorrhea have many features in common, there are also some differences between the two infections, mainly in symptoms and treatment. Symptoms A person who has a chlamydia or gonorrhea infection may not know they have it because they have no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may be slightly different depending on the type of infection. Symptoms of chlamydia can include:Pain during sex; Bleeding between menstrual periods; Burning or pain during urination; Swollen testicles; Pain in the anus, bleeding or discharge (for rectal infections); Vaginal discharge, which may be yellow and have a strong odor; White/watery discharge from the penis Symptoms of gonorrhea may include: An unusual discharge from the penis or vagina that may be yellow, green, or white; Bleeding between menstrual periods; Burning or pain during urination; Pain or swelling of the testicles Gonorrhea can also affect the anus and throat. In the anus, symptoms may include itching around the area, discharge, or pain. Symptoms in the throat are rare and may involve only a sore throat. What is the treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea? Both infections are treated with antibiotics, but not with the same drugs. Chlamydia is treated with doxycycline taken by mouth twice a day for seven days. Alternative medications are also taken by mouth and may include a single dose of azithromycin or levofloxacin once daily for seven days. Treatment for gonorrhea varies. Some strains of gonorrhea are now resistant to some antibiotic drugs that were previously effective. For an infection in the urethra, cervix, throat, or rectum: One injection of ceftriaxone will be given (the amount of medicine may vary depending on the patient’s weight); People with allergies to ceftriaxone can receive a single injection of gentamicin and a single oral dose of azithromycin; If ceftriaxone injection is not possible, a single oral dose of cefixime can be administered; If chlamydia infection has not been ruled out, the person should also be treated for chlamydia with doxycycline. It is not necessary to test for infection immediately after completion of treatment (unless the infection is in the throat or pregnancy is present). However, re-examination three months after treatment is recommended for all patients. It is wise to avoid sex until treatment is complete and all of the patient’s sexual partners have completed their treatment for chlamydia or gonorrhea. This reduces the risk of re-infection and transmission of the infection to other people. There are effective ways to reduce the risk of transmitting infections, including using condoms, getting tested for sexually transmitted infections regularly and knowing your sexual partners. References: 1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chlamydial infection-sexually transmitted disease treatment guidelines, 2021 3. Cyr SS. Update to CDC’s treatment guidelines for gonococcal infection, 2020 4. Verywell Health. How to Differentiate Chlamydia and Gonorrheableeding or discharge (for rectal infections); Vaginal discharge, which may be yellow and have a strong odor; White/watery discharge from the penis Symptoms of gonorrhea may include: An unusual discharge from the penis or vagina that may be yellow, green, or white; Bleeding between menstrual periods; Burning or pain during urination; Pain or swelling of the testicles Gonorrhea can also affect the anus and throat. In the anus, symptoms may include itching around the area, discharge, or pain. Symptoms in the throat are rare and may involve only a sore throat. What is the treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea? Both infections are treated with antibiotics, but not with the same drugs. Chlamydia is treated with doxycycline taken by mouth twice a day for seven days. Alternative medications are also taken by mouth and may include a single dose of azithromycin or levofloxacin once daily for seven days. Treatment for gonorrhea varies. Some strains of gonorrhea are now resistant to some antibiotic drugs that were previously effective. For an infection in the urethra, cervix, throat, or rectum: One injection of ceftriaxone will be given (the amount of medicine may vary depending on the patient’s weight); People with allergies to ceftriaxone can receive a single injection of gentamicin and a single oral dose of azithromycin; If ceftriaxone injection is not possible, a single oral dose of cefixime can be administered; If chlamydia infection has not been ruled out, the person should also be treated for chlamydia with doxycycline. It is not necessary to test for infection immediately after completion of treatment (unless the infection is in the throat or pregnancy is present). However, re-examination three months after treatment is recommended for all patients. It is wise to avoid sex until treatment is complete and all of the patient’s sexual partners have completed their treatment for chlamydia or gonorrhea. This reduces the risk of re-infection and transmission of the infection to other people. There are effective ways to reduce the risk of transmitting infections, including using condoms, getting tested for sexually transmitted infections regularly and knowing your sexual partners. References: 1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chlamydial infection-sexually transmitted disease treatment guidelines, 2021 3. Cyr SS. Update to CDC’s treatment guidelines for gonococcal infection, 2020 4. Verywell Health. How to Differentiate Chlamydia and Gonorrheableeding or discharge (for rectal infections); Vaginal discharge, which may be yellow and have a strong odor; White/watery discharge from the penis Symptoms of gonorrhea may include: An unusual discharge from the penis or vagina that may be yellow, green, or white; Bleeding between menstrual periods; Burning or pain during urination; Pain or swelling of the testicles Gonorrhea can also affect the anus and throat. In the anus, symptoms may include itching around the area, discharge, or pain. Symptoms in the throat are rare and may involve only a sore throat. What is the treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea? Both infections are treated with antibiotics, but not with the same drugs. Chlamydia is treated with doxycycline taken by mouth twice a day for seven days. Alternative medications are also taken by mouth and may include a single dose of azithromycin or levofloxacin once daily for seven days. Treatment for gonorrhea varies. Some strains of gonorrhea are now resistant to some antibiotic drugs that were previously effective. For an infection in the urethra, cervix, throat, or rectum: One injection of ceftriaxone will be given (the amount of medicine may vary depending on the patient’s weight); People with allergies to ceftriaxone can receive a single injection of gentamicin and a single oral dose of azithromycin; If ceftriaxone injection is not possible, a single oral dose of cefixime can be administered; If chlamydia infection has not been ruled out, the person should also be treated for chlamydia with doxycycline. It is not necessary to test for infection immediately after completion of treatment (unless the infection is in the throat or pregnancy is present). However, re-examination three months after treatment is recommended for all patients. It is wise to avoid sex until treatment is complete and all of the patient’s sexual partners have completed their treatment for chlamydia or gonorrhea. This reduces the risk of re-infection and transmission of the infection to other people. There are effective ways to reduce the risk of transmitting infections, including using condoms, getting tested for sexually transmitted infections regularly and knowing your sexual partners. References: 1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chlamydial infection-sexually transmitted disease treatment guidelines, 2021 3. Cyr SS. Update to CDC’s treatment guidelines for gonococcal infection, 2020 4. Verywell Health. How to Differentiate Chlamydia and Gonorrheagreen or white; Bleeding between menstrual periods; Burning or pain during urination; Pain or swelling of the testicles Gonorrhea can also affect the anus and throat. In the anus, symptoms may include itching around the area, discharge, or pain. Symptoms in the throat are rare and may involve only a sore throat. What is the treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea? Both infections are treated with antibiotics, but not with the same drugs. Chlamydia is treated with doxycycline taken by mouth twice a day for seven days. Alternative medications are also taken by mouth and may include a single dose of azithromycin or levofloxacin once daily for seven days. Treatment for gonorrhea varies. Some strains of gonorrhea are now resistant to some antibiotic drugs that were previously effective. For an infection in the urethra, cervix, throat, or rectum: One injection of ceftriaxone will be given (the amount of medicine may vary depending on the patient’s weight); People with allergies to ceftriaxone can receive a single injection of gentamicin and a single oral dose of azithromycin; If ceftriaxone injection is not possible, a single oral dose of cefixime can be administered; If chlamydia infection has not been ruled out, the person should also be treated for chlamydia with doxycycline. It is not necessary to test for infection immediately after completion of treatment (unless the infection is in the throat or pregnancy is present). However, re-examination three months after treatment is recommended for all patients. It is wise to avoid sex until treatment is complete and all of the patient’s sexual partners have completed their treatment for chlamydia or gonorrhea. This reduces the risk of re-infection and transmission of the infection to other people. There are effective ways to reduce the risk of transmitting infections, including using condoms, getting tested for sexually transmitted infections regularly and knowing your sexual partners. References: 1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chlamydial infection-sexually transmitted disease treatment guidelines, 2021 3. Cyr SS. Update to CDC’s treatment guidelines for gonococcal infection, 2020 4. Verywell Health. How to Differentiate Chlamydia and Gonorrheagreen or white; Bleeding between menstrual periods; Burning or pain during urination; Pain or swelling of the testicles Gonorrhea can also affect the anus and throat. In the anus, symptoms may include itching around the area, discharge, or pain. Symptoms in the throat are rare and may involve only a sore throat. What is the treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea? Both infections are treated with antibiotics, but not with the same drugs. Chlamydia is treated with doxycycline taken by mouth twice a day for seven days. Alternative medications are also taken by mouth and may include a single dose of azithromycin or levofloxacin once daily for seven days. Treatment for gonorrhea varies. Some strains of gonorrhea are now resistant to some antibiotic drugs that were previously effective. For an infection in the urethra, cervix, throat, or rectum: One injection of ceftriaxone will be given (the amount of medicine may vary depending on the patient’s weight); People with allergies to ceftriaxone can receive a single injection of gentamicin and a single oral dose of azithromycin; If ceftriaxone injection is not possible, a single oral dose of cefixime can be administered; If chlamydia infection has not been ruled out, the person should also be treated for chlamydia with doxycycline. It is not necessary to test for infection immediately after completion of treatment (unless the infection is in the throat or pregnancy is present). However, re-examination three months after treatment is recommended for all patients. It is wise to avoid sex until treatment is complete and all of the patient’s sexual partners have completed their treatment for chlamydia or gonorrhea. This reduces the risk of re-infection and transmission of the infection to other people. There are effective ways to reduce the risk of transmitting infections, including using condoms, getting tested for sexually transmitted infections regularly and knowing your sexual partners. References: 1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chlamydial infection-sexually transmitted disease treatment guidelines, 2021 3. Cyr SS. Update to CDC’s treatment guidelines for gonococcal infection, 2020 4. Verywell Health. How to Differentiate Chlamydia and Gonorrheaonce daily for seven days. Treatment for gonorrhea varies. Some strains of gonorrhea are now resistant to some antibiotic drugs that were previously effective. For an infection in the urethra, cervix, throat, or rectum: One injection of ceftriaxone will be given (the amount of medicine may vary depending on the patient’s weight); People with allergies to ceftriaxone can receive a single injection of gentamicin and a single oral dose of azithromycin; If ceftriaxone injection is not possible, a single oral dose of cefixime can be administered; If chlamydia infection has not been ruled out, the person should also be treated for chlamydia with doxycycline. It is not necessary to test for infection immediately after completion of treatment (unless the infection is in the throat or pregnancy is present). However, re-examination three months after treatment is recommended for all patients. It is wise to avoid sex until treatment is complete and all of the patient’s sexual partners have completed their treatment for chlamydia or gonorrhea. This reduces the risk of re-infection and transmission of the infection to other people. There are effective ways to reduce the risk of transmitting infections, including using condoms, getting tested for sexually transmitted infections regularly and knowing your sexual partners. References: 1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chlamydial infection-sexually transmitted disease treatment guidelines, 2021 3. Cyr SS. Update to CDC’s treatment guidelines for gonococcal infection, 2020 4. Verywell Health. How to Differentiate Chlamydia and Gonorrheaonce daily for seven days. Treatment for gonorrhea varies. Some strains of gonorrhea are now resistant to some antibiotic drugs that were previously effective. For an infection in the urethra, cervix, throat, or rectum: One injection of ceftriaxone will be given (the amount of medicine may vary depending on the patient’s weight); People with allergies to ceftriaxone can receive a single injection of gentamicin and a single oral dose of azithromycin; If ceftriaxone injection is not possible, a single oral dose of cefixime can be administered; If chlamydia infection has not been ruled out, the person should also be treated for chlamydia with doxycycline. It is not necessary to test for infection immediately after completion of treatment (unless the infection is in the throat or pregnancy is present). However, re-examination three months after treatment is recommended for all patients. It is wise to avoid sex until treatment is complete and all of the patient’s sexual partners have completed their treatment for chlamydia or gonorrhea. This reduces the risk of re-infection and transmission of the infection to other people. There are effective ways to reduce the risk of transmitting infections, including using condoms, getting tested for sexually transmitted infections regularly and knowing your sexual partners. References: 1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chlamydial infection-sexually transmitted disease treatment guidelines, 2021 3. Cyr SS. Update to CDC’s treatment guidelines for gonococcal infection, 2020 4. Verywell Health. How to Differentiate Chlamydia and Gonorrheaincluding using condoms, getting tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections and knowing your sexual partners. References: 1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chlamydial infection-sexually transmitted disease treatment guidelines, 2021 3. Cyr SS. Update to CDC’s treatment guidelines for gonococcal infection, 2020 4. Verywell Health. How to Differentiate Chlamydia and Gonorrheaincluding using condoms, getting tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections and knowing your sexual partners. References: 1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chlamydial infection-sexually transmitted disease treatment guidelines, 2021 3. Cyr SS. Update to CDC’s treatment guidelines for gonococcal infection, 2020 4. Verywell Health. How to Differentiate Chlamydia and Gonorrhea