Symptoms occur within a few days of exposure and include urethral or vaginal discharge and frequent and painful urination. Bacterial culture confirms diagnosis. Gonorrhea requires antibiotic to resolve, so see your doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Penicillin used to be the drug of choice but many strains have become resistant. Sexual partners should be treated and intercourse avoided until the infection is cured.
Untreated gonorrhea can damage the heart or cause a form of arthritis.
Chlamydia Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis . Infection with chlamydia is often concurrent with gonorrheal infections. Chlamydia is the most frequently reported and fastest spreading STD in the United States. More than 3 million men and women in the U.S. are diagnosed each year. Males typically experience painful and frequent urination and a urethral discharge 7-21 days after exposure.