Causes
Bacteria from an infected sex partner causes the infection. This can happen during oral, vaginal, or anal sex.
Risk Factors
The infection is most common among people under 24 years old. It is also more common in people who are Black or Hispanic.
Other things that raise your risk are:
- Having sex
- Prior STIs
- Having a new sex partner
- Having more than one sex partner
- Having a partner with an STI
- Having sex without a condom
Symptoms
Most people do not have signs of infection. If they do happen, they may be:
In men:
- Pain when urinating
- Pus exiting the penis
- Scrotal pain or swelling
In women:
- A change in vaginal discharge
- Pain or bleeding during sex or between periods
- Belly pain
- Vaginal redness or pain
- Pain when urinating
Male Genitourinary System
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Female Reproductive System Organs
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Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. An exam will be done.
You will have these tests:
- A swab of the penis, cervix, throat, or rectum
- Urine tests
Treatment
The infection is treated with antibiotics.
To help yourself get better:
- You and your partner should both get treated. Wait seven days before you have sex again.
- If you still have signs after taking all your medicine, or if you are pregnant, you may need to be tested again.
- You should be tested again three months to make sure you have not been reinfected.
Prevention
To lower your chances of getting this infection:
- Have routine exams for STIs if you are a woman under the age of 25. Sexually active young men should get screened, but there is no guideline.
- Always use a condom during sex.
- Abstain from sex.
- Limit sex to one partner.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Beverly Siegal, MD, FACOG
- Review Date: 05/2018 -
- Update Date: 08/01/2018 -