The Basics
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can be passed during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The only way to know for sure if you have an STD is to get tested. The good news is that these STDs can be easily cured if they are treated early.
Chlamydia
If you are under age 25 and having sex, get tested once a year for chlamydia (kluh-mid-ee-uh). If you are age 25 or older, get tested if you have new or multiple sex partners.
For men: Talk to your doctor if you are worried about chlamydia or other STDs. If you have any of the signs or symptoms listed below, tell your doctor about them and ask if you should be tested.
What are the signs of chlamydia?
Most people infected with chlamydia do not have any signs or symptoms. Women may have abnormal discharge (drip) from the vagina, burning when they urinate (pee), or pain during sex. Men may have discharge from the penis or burning when they urinate.
How is the test done?
A doctor or nurse can test your urine for chlamydia. Sometimes a sample is taken from the vagina or penis to test. The test is easy and painless.
Learn more about chlamydia:
Gonorrhea
If you are under age 25 and having sex, get tested for gonorrhea (gah-nuh-ree-uh). If you are age 25 or older, get tested if you:
- Have new or multiple sex partners.
- Do not always use a condom.
- Use drugs.
- Have had an STD in the past.
For men: Talk to your doctor if you are worried about gonorrhea or other STDs. If you have any of the signs or symptoms listed below, tell your doctor about them and ask if you should be tested.
What are the signs of gonorrhea?
Most women, and many men, who have gonorrhea have no symptoms. Women may have abnormal discharge from the vagina, burning when they urinate, or pain during sex. Men may have discharge (drip) from the penis or burning when they urinate.
How is the test done?
A doctor or nurse can test your urine for gonorrhea. Sometimes a sample is taken from the vagina or penis to test. The test is easy and painless.
Learn more about gonorrhea:
Syphilis
All pregnant women should get tested for syphilis (siff-ill-iss). Men who have sex with men should also get tested for syphilis if they (or their partner) have more than one sex partner.
What are the signs of syphilis?
Many people who have syphilis have no symptoms. Some people have symptoms during the early stages (or phases) of syphilis infection. In the first stage, a painless sore appears on the genitals, lips, tongue, or butt. The second stage may include a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, sores on the throat or mouth, fever, and spotty hair loss.
How is the test done?
The doctor or nurse may test your blood for syphilis. Sometimes fluid is taken from a syphilis sore to test.
Learn more about syphilis:
The Benefits
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can be easily treated with antibiotics, but it’s important that you get treated right away. The sooner these STDs are found, the easier they are to treat. Your sex partners should also be treated otherwise you could get infected again.
STDs can cause serious health problems if they are not treated. STDs can be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby before, during, or after the baby’s birth.
Take Action!
The only way to know if you have an STD is to get tested.
Make an Appointment at Your Health Center or Clinic
If you think you may be at risk, talk to your doctor about STDs. To find an STD clinic near you, call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).
Get checked regularly for STDs, especially if you are under age 25. Encourage your partner(s) to get tested.
Stay Safe
The best way to protect yourself from STDs is to not have sex, or to wait until you are in a relationship with only one person and you have both been tested.
There are other things you can do to protect yourself from infection:
- Use a latex condom every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
- Be faithful (this means you and your partner only have sex with each other and no one else).
- Make sure your partner has been tested for STDs.