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Gonorrhea and chlamydia are the most commonly reported sexually
transmitted diseases. Both are transmitted through sexual contact
with an infected partner.
Some of the symptoms that may appear with infection are:
- a large amount of greenish-yellow vaginal discharge
- burning or pain with urination
- itch and/or burning of the outer vaginal area
- dull pelvic pain
- low grade fever
- irregular spotting/bleeding
It is important to understand that it
is common for women to be infected with gonorrhea and/or chlamydia
and have no symptoms at all.
Untreated infection can lead to a condition called pelvic inflammatory
disease (PID). This happens when the infection spreads into the
deeper vaginal tissues, cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes. Pelvic
inflammatory disease can lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancy.
It is extremely important to contact your doctor for an exam if
you have any symptoms of gonorrhea or chlamydia. Additionally,
if you have had multiple sexual partners or are unsure if you
have been exposed, you should make an appointment for testing.
The test that is performed for gonorrhea and chlamydia is quick
and painless. A swab of the cervix is done and sent to the lab
for diagnosis.
If your results are positive for gonorrhea and/or chlamydia,
your doctor will prescribe a regimen of antibiotics to treat the
infection. You will return to the office after treatment for another
test in order to assure that the infection is completely gone.
It is essential that your partner contact a physician for treatment
as well, so that you will not be re-infected.
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