Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, types of bacterial infections are among the most common STDs in America. Both can spread through vaginal or oral sex with people aged between 15 and 24 years being the most vulnerable.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea testing include the collection of urine samples and fluids from the urethra, vagina, and rectum to check for the presence of the bacteria in the body.
Gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported STI in the United States.
Who needs to get tested for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea?
In most cases, both Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are asymptomatic, which means sexually active people are at risk of transmitting these STDs without showing any kind of symptom. However, in certain cases, there are very mild symptoms in both men and women. Those are as follows –
Symptoms of STD in women
- Abnormal fluid discharge from the vagina
- Bleeding between periods
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Abdominal pain
Symptoms of STD in men
- Rectal pain
- Abnormal discharge from the penis
- Pain while urinating
- Swollen or painful testicles
- Swollen scrotum
One should go for both Chlamydia and Gonorrhea testing if any one of the above-mentioned symptoms arises. Other than these symptoms, according to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), you should get tested for these types of STDs yearly if –
- You are 24 years old, or even older or younger than that, and are sexually active.
- Had sex with a person having STD.
- Have multiple sex partners.
- Do not use proper protection while intercourse.
- Have had an infection previously.
What happens during Chlamydia and Gonorrhea testing?
After contracting or having the risk of getting infected with Chlamydia or Gonorrhea, the first thing that comes to our mind is how to get an STD test done. We will walk you through the complete process of what happens during both tests.
For Chlamydia
A fluid sample is collected from the body of an infected person by –
- Collecting a first-catch urine sample, which is then tested to get to know about the presence of the bacteria.
- Collecting swab samples from – the genital area, rectum, cervix, throat, and even from the eyes.
Other than these two ways, there are a few other ways by which Chlamydia can be tested. They are –
- Rapid Chlamydia Testing
- At-home-collection kits
For Gonorrhea
The sample is collected either from the mouth or rectum of the infected person. Other than this method, there are two different ways by which the sample is collected from both men and women. Those are –
- For men – The swab sample is collected from the opening of the urethra.
- For women – The swab sample is collected from the cervix with the help of a spatula.
Apart from these, it can also be tested at home by using the at-home collection kits.
How to prepare yourself for the test
No special preparation is needed to get a Chlamydia or a Gonorrhea test except for a few, which include –
- Avoid using any kinds of antibiotics or vaginal creams 24 hours before testing.
- One should not urinate 1 to 2 hours before the test.
For both cases, the results come out to be either positive/abnormal or negative/normal.
Are Chlamydia and Gonorrhea curable?
Yes, both Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are curable with the help of proper treatment and medications. However, if left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues in the long run, especially in pregnant women, resulting in complicated pregnancies including ectopic pregnancy (fertilized egg implants itself in the fallopian tube and not the uterus).
Why choose Affordable Rapid Testing in AZ for STD testing?
As these types of STDs can be both asymptomatic and symptomatic, it requires quick and reliable testing with accurate results. Affordable Rapid Testing in Phoenix & Scottsdale, AZ is the best STD testing clinic that offers you the most precise results with holistic treatment. They also offer discreet walk-in STD testing ensuring absolute privacy and same-day results. For more information, head to their website.
