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 (kluh-mid-ee-uh)
For women:
- If you are under 25 and having sex, get tested once a year.
- If you are 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. Tell your doctor if you have any of the signs and symptoms listed on the next page.
What are the signs of chlamydia?
Most people who have chlamydia don't have any signs or symptoms.
- Women may have abnormal discharge (fluid) 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 (gah-nuh-ree-uh)
For women:
- If you are under 25 and having sex, get tested for gonorrhea.
- If you are 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. Tell your doctor if you have any of the signs and symptoms listed on the next page.
What are the signs of gonorrhea?
Most people who have gonorrhea have no symptoms.
- Women may have abnormal discharge (fluid) 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 gonorrhea. Sometimes a sample is taken from the vagina or penis to test. The test is easy and painless.
Learn more about gonorrhea:
Syphilis (siff-ill-iss)
All pregnant women should get tested for syphilis. 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 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
The sooner chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are found, the easier they are to treat.
These STDs can be cured with antibiotics, but it’s important that you get treatment right away. Your sex partner(s) should also be treated or you could get infected again.
STDs can cause serious health problems, such as infertility, if they are not treated. STDs can be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby before or during the baby's birth.
Take Action!
Get checked regularly for STDs, especially if you are under 25. Encourage your partner(s) 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).
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.
Here are the other things you can do to protect yourself from STDs:
- 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 you and your partner have been tested for STDs.