Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea and chlamydia are more common than you might think, yet many people don’t realize they have them. That’s because these infections often don’t cause noticeable symptoms—but even if you feel fine, they can still cause serious health complications if left untreated.
Read on to learn more about gonorrhea and chlamydia and how they can negatively affect your health.
Symptoms of Gonorrhea and Chlamydia
While many cases of gonorrhea and chlamydia are asymptomatic (meaning you won’t notice symptoms), some people may experience the following:
- Painful urination
- Unusual discharge from the vagina or penis
- Lower abdominal pain
- Bleeding between periods (for women)
- Pain during sex
- Swelling or pain in the testicles (for men)
These symptoms can easily be mistaken for other infections or health conditions, which is why routine STI testing is so important.
The Long-Term Impact on Your Health
Even if you don’t experience symptoms, untreated gonorrhea and chlamydia can lead to serious health issues over time:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): In women, untreated STIs can spread to the reproductive organs, causing chronic pain, infertility, and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.
- Infertility: Both men and women can experience fertility issues due to long-term damage from untreated infections.
- Increased risk of HIV: Having an untreated STI can make you more susceptible to contracting HIV.
- Complications during pregnancy: If left untreated during pregnancy, these infections can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, or even be passed to the baby during delivery.
The Importance of Regular STI Testing
Because gonorrhea and chlamydia often have no symptoms, the only way to know for sure if you have an STI is to get tested regularly. If you’re sexually active, routine STI testing is an essential part of protecting your reproductive health and preventing long-term complications.
Pregnancy Options Offers No-Cost, Confidential STI Testing
At Pregnancy Options, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality sexual health care. That’s why we offer no-cost, confidential STI testing for the most common infections, including gonorrhea and chlamydia.
If you’re sexually active, getting tested is one of the best things you can do for your health. Schedule your no-cost STI test today and take control of your well-being.