Two infections often mentioned together
Gonorrhoea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and chlamydia by Chlamydia trachomatis. They are different infections with similar symptoms: burning on urination, discharge from the urethra, or unusual vaginal discharge.[1],[2]
Crucially, both often cause no symptoms at all, especially in women and in throat or rectal infection, so many people do not know they are infected.
Why treat even without symptoms
Silent infections can still be passed to partners and can cause complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease in women, which can lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy, and epididymitis in men.[1],[2] They also increase the risk of acquiring HIV.
How common are they?
The World Health Organization estimated about 129 million new chlamydia infections and 82 million new gonorrhoea infections worldwide among people aged 15–49 in 2020.[4] These are new infections rather than all cases, but they show both are very common.
Where they infect, and why self-treatment is a bad idea
Both bacteria infect the mucosa of the genitals, throat or rectum, depending on which sites were exposed during sex.[1],[2]
Gonorrhoea is exceptionally good at developing antibiotic resistance. Many antibiotics that once worked no longer do. Buying antibiotics yourself risks treatment failure and drives further resistance.[1]
How they are diagnosed
The standard test is nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) from the exposed sites: urine, vaginal swab, throat or rectum.[1],[2] Urine testing alone does not cover throat or rectal infection.
Culture matters when resistance is suspected or treatment has failed, because it shows which antibiotics still work.[1]
Recommended treatment
Gonorrhoea: CDC guidance recommends ceftriaxone by intramuscular injection as the main treatment.[1]
Chlamydia: guidance recommends a seven-day course of doxycycline for people who can take it. Pregnancy requires a different, safe regimen.[2]
During and after treatment, avoid sex for about seven days after treatment and until partners have also been treated, to prevent passing infection back and forth.[1],[2]
Retest around three months after treatment, because reinfection is common.[1],[2]
How we care for you at Dr. Kris Clinic
We test for gonorrhoea and chlamydia at the sites where you have risk, and you can collect throat or rectal samples yourself in a private room. If results are positive, we treat according to standard guidance, explain self-care and arrange retesting, in English or Thai.
We help plan partner notification so partners can be tested and treated, and test for other STIs that often occur together, such as syphilis and HIV. Everything is confidential and judgement-free.
Frequently asked questions
I have no symptoms, but my partner tested positive. Do I need treatment?
You should be tested and usually treated too, because most infections are silent.
Can I just buy antibiotics myself?
No. Gonorrhoea readily becomes resistant, and self-bought antibiotics may not work and fuel further resistance.
Can I get infected again after treatment?
Yes. Treatment does not give immunity, so retesting around three months later is recommended.
Will a throat infection cause symptoms?
Usually not, or only a mild sore throat, so the throat must be tested directly.
Gonorrhoea and chlamydia need recommended treatment, care for partners and retesting for reinfection.[1] Avoid self-treatment and test the sites you were exposed at.
Talk to a doctor about this
Confidential care in Surat Thani, the mainland gateway to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Tue–Fri 17:00–20:00 · Sat–Sun 10:00–15:00 (UTC+7)
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Dr. Krida Uakridathikarn (Dr. Kris)
Board-certified family physician with certificate training in clinical sexology and sexual medicine. He works at Suratthani Hospital and provides sexual health, hormone and LGBTQ+ inclusive care at Dr. Kris Clinic. Profile and CV
References
- CDC STI Guidelines: Gonococcal Infections in Adults
- CDC STI Guidelines: Chlamydial Infections
- CDC STI Guidelines: Screening Recommendations
- WHO: Sexually transmitted infections; estimates for 2020/2022
Keep reading
Main guide: HIV & STI prevention
Which STI Tests Do You Need, and When?
Syphilis: Symptoms, Testing and Stage-Based Treatment
Genital Herpes: Symptoms, Testing, Treatment and Living With ConfidenceThis article is general education, not personal medical advice or a promise of results. Diagnosis and treatment require assessment by a doctor. Content reflects the cited sources as of the update date.