Dear Experts,
What are the possible ways to contract chlamydia and gonorrhea, can you get it from kissing?
Paula23
Dear Paula23,
Chlamydia (klah-MIH-dee-ah) is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection in the U.S. It is a kind of bacteria that can infect the penis, vagina, cervix, anus, urethra, throat, or eye.
Chlamydia is almost always spread by vaginal and anal intercourse. It is possible, but not very likely, to get chlamydia during oral sex. It can also spread from a woman to her fetus during birth and is a serious health threat, especially for women.
Gonorrhea is another common sexually transmitted bacterial infection. Most often, gonorrhea is spread during vaginal and anal. Gonorrhea of the throat is a risk for people who have unprotected oral sex.
Gonorrhea and chlamydia are particularly risky because often people carrying the infection don’t know they have it, so they can pass it to their partners and don’t know it. This can lead to health problems or even sterility. But antibiotics clear up these infections.
Abstinence is the only way to avoid all sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but using a latex or female condom for intercourse can reduce the risk of infection. Using a condom or Glyde dam for oral sex can also help reduce the risk of STIs.
To set up an appointment for confidential testing, contact your local Planned Parenthood health center by calling toll free 1-800-230-PLAN.
Hope this information helps!
Take care,
Teenwire® Editors
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