Chlamydia and Gonorrhea infections. Who should be screened? What is the current treatment?
Chlamydia and gonorrhea infections are the most common sexually transmitted infections in the US. These bacteria often infect the mouth, urogenital and anorectal areas. If unknown or not treated they can cause spread to other organ systems, scar fallopian tubes, increase the chance of ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and pain with intercourse and defecation. Ouch!
Best treatment plan…. Have both members of the couple get STI testing before oral or genital intercourse. Have your partner wear a condom from start to finish. Routinely get screened for infections so an infection can be adequately treated.
Risk factors:
- ALL sexually active individuals less than age 25
- Men who have sex with men
- Transgender and gender-diverse people
- Transactional sex
- Having multiple sexual partners
- Personal history of sexually transmitted infection
Screening guidelines (per USPSTF and CDC)
Annual screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea in any sexually active people under age 25 AND anyone (of any age) with risk factors. Screening should test all the “parts” used for sex (mouth, genitals, anus).
Treatment:
–Gonorrhea, if uncomplicated, is routinely treated with a single antibiotic dose injected into the muscle.
–Chlamydia treatment requires a 7-day oral course of doxycycline.
When to test to confirm the infection is gone?
- If pregnant, a test of cure should be obtained 4 weeks after treatment.
- If not pregnant, testing 3 months after will confirm no reinfection. I urge those infected to tell those who they have had intimate contact with.
- If they are a couple, I educate them both about the infection that they share, treatment regimens they both should take, and the LOW risk of getting re-infected after treatment…. Unless one of them has another partner.
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