Why chlamydia and gonorrhea are handled together
- Tested with
- One urine sample or swab
- Symptoms
- Often none; similar when present
- Both are
- Curable with the right antibiotics
- Partners
- From the past 60 days should be treated
Both are bacterial STIs that infect the same parts of the body and spread through vaginal, anal and oral sex. It's common to have both at once.
A single urine test or swab checks for both. And when gonorrhea is treated and chlamydia hasn't been ruled out, current guidelines recommend treating for chlamydia too, so one visit covering both makes sense.
Shared symptoms
Either infection can cause the same signs, and many people have none:
- Burning when urinating
- Discharge from the vagina or penis
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
- Pelvic or lower belly pain
- Rectal pain, discharge or bleeding
- Pain or swelling in a testicle
Get seen promptly if you have
These can signal a complication that needs in-person care:
- Pelvic pain with fever
- Testicular pain or swelling
- Joint pain, rash or fever after a possible exposure
How the two are treated together
Each infection needs its own treatment, chosen by your provider.
The gonorrhea injection is usually given at a clinic or pharmacy. Your provider will tell you where, and which chlamydia treatment suits you.
After treatment
- Avoid sex for 7 days after treatment ends, and until partners are treated
- Get retested about 3 months later, since reinfection is common
- Contact a provider if symptoms continue
Is this visit right for you?
This visit is a good fit if you:
- Tested positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea or both
- Had contact with a partner who tested positive
- Have symptoms and want both infections considered
Get in-person care if you:
- Have pelvic pain with fever, or testicular swelling
- Have joint pain or a rash after exposure
How PulseCareMD can help
One PulseCareMD visit lets a licensed provider review your results or exposure, explain recommended treatment for both infections and what's available to you, and help with partner care and retesting. Your visit fee covers the consultation.
Share your situation
Tell us about your test results, your partner's diagnosis or your symptoms.
A provider reviews it
A licensed provider plans care for both infections at once. Many visits are reviewed within 2–3 hours.
Get your plan for both
Treatment, testing and partner guidance in one place.
Frequently asked questions
When to get emergency care
Go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- Severe abdominal or pelvic pain with fever or vomiting
- Sudden, severe testicular pain
- Fever with joint pain and a rash