Bacterial STDs: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis
Bacterial STDs are life-threatening diseases that may cause sterility or death if left untreated. They are curable, using antibiotics, if discovered and treated in time.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
Both chlamydia and gonorrhea are contracted during vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected person.
Symptoms for men:
- Painful urination
- Swollen testes
Symptoms for women:
- Vaginal discharge
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
- Burning or painful urination
- Pain in the pelvic area
- Fever and/or nausea
It is possible to have no symptoms of these diseases while infected and still be able to transmit them to uninfected persons. Symptoms generally begin to occur one to four weeks after becoming infected.
If left untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause a serious condition called PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease). They can also result in permanent sterility in both men and women. A mother infected with chlamydia can give the disease to her baby during childbirth.
Self-check:
True or False: Since bacterial STDs can be cured with antibiotics, they are less dangerous than viral STDs.