Chlamydia And Gonorrhea
Chlamydia and gonorrhea can be transmitted through oral, vaginal, and anal sex. These two sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) cause symptoms in some while others may have no noticeable symptoms whatsoever. Both of these infections can be passed on from an infected mother to her baby during a vaginal delivery. Both chlamydia and gonorrhea can be passed on even when ejaculation has not occurred.
Chlamydia
The most common bacterial infection that is passed on through sexual contact is chlamydia (chalmydia trachomatis). Chlamydia affects somewhere between 3-4 million unsuspecting people every year. This infection is without a doubt the most common reason cited as a cause for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) as well as for ectopic pregnancies and female factor infertility. Chlamydia is also the most common cause of prostate and testicular infections and male factor infertility.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea (neisseria gonorrhoeae) is also a bacterial infection that is sexually transmitted. Many people with Chlamydia have gonorrhea, and vice versa. It is estimated that a whopping 700,000 new cases of gonorrhea occur each year. Gonorrhea, like chlamydia, is also a common cause of PID, ectopic pregnancy and female infertility in women and prostate and testicular infections in men. The bacteria responsible for gonorrhea can also grow in the eyes, mouth, throat, and anus.
The only 100% effective way to prevent gonorrhea and chlamydia is through abstention from sex. The second most effective way is to stay in a long-term relationship that is monogamous. Condoms reduce the prevalence of these infections but cannot completely eliminate their transmission.
For this reason, it's crucial for couples just beginning a sexual relationship to discuss their sexual histories. There are tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea. There are also other sexually transmitted infections that can be passed from partner to partner even though no symptoms are present.
The symptoms of chlamydia and gonorrhea in women include changes in the color or the texture of the vaginal discharge. There may also be vaginal burning or pain. Some women experience intermittent spotting or bleeding and there may be burning on urination. If there is pelvic pain, this is a signal that the disease has spread to the internal reproductive organs.
Men may have a bit of burning with urination or have a discharge from the penis. There may be some testicular pain. The symptoms may resolve without treatment though the male still has the disease and can transmit the infection to his partner.
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