Your symptoms suggest that you may have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Two of the most common bacteria that cause STIs are chlamydia and gonorrhea. Both are highly contagious. It is not uncommon to be infected with both at the same time, called a co-infection. They are passed by sexual contact with an infected partner.
If you might be pregnant, let your provider know. Providing this information will allow you to get the correct exam, testing, and treatment. Treating STIs as soon as possible will make health problems for your baby less likely.
STI symptoms start 1 to 3 weeks after exposure. There is often a discharge from the penis or vagina and a burning feeling when peeing. There could be rectal pain or discharge pain, discharge, or bleeding from the rectum, or throat pain. Many women with 1 of these infections will have only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all early in the disease. Many men will also have the infection but no symptoms. If your sexual organs are at risk for an STI, get evaluated,
Tests are needed to show if you have an infection with chlamydia or gonorrhea. These tests may include a urine sample or a swab of your vagina, cervix, urethra, rectum, or throat. Infections can be treated and cured with antibiotic medicine.
Words are used here to talk about anatomy and health risk. If your sexual organs are at risk for an STI, get evaluated. Please use this information in a way that works best for you and your healthcare provider as you talk about your care.
Home care
Don't have sex until you know that your test result is negative.
Call for the results of your tests. If the test is positive, contact your healthcare provider, local clinic, or local public health department to be treated, or return to our facility.
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You will be prescribed antibiotic medicine. Be sure to take all of the antibiotic as prescribed until it's gone or you are told to stop. Keep taking it even if you feel better.
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Both you and your sex partner or partners need to be treated, even if the partner has no symptoms.
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Don't have sex until both you and your partner or partners have finished all antibiotic medicine and you are told that you are no longer contagious.
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Protect yourself with condoms and get tested for HIV frequently, and whenever a new STI is found. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent getting infected with HIV, including treatments, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Learn about safe sex practices and use these in the future. The safest sex is with a partner who has tested negative for STIs and only has sex with you.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised. Call as directed for the results of your test. This is to be sure the infection has cleared. Follow up with your provider or the public health department for complete STI screening, including HIV testing, and to consider ways to prevent HIV. For more information about STIs, call the CDC information line at 800-232-4636. Or go to the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/std/ .
When to get medical advice
Call your healthcare provider if any of these occur:
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Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as directed
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New pain in your lower belly (abdomen) or back, or pain that gets worse
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Unexpected vaginal bleeding
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Weakness, dizziness, or fainting
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Repeated vomiting
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Inability to pee because of pain
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Rash or joint pain
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Painful open sores on the penis, or in or around the outer vagina or rectum
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Enlarged painful lumps (lymph nodes) in the groin
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Testicle pain or scrotal swelling in men
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New symptoms, or symptoms that get worse
