Bacterial Infections

Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Syphilis

STIs caused by bacteria are gotten through the exchange of semen and/or vaginal fluid in the areas of the mouth, vagina, penis (the urethra specifically) and the anus. Having unprotected vaginal or anal sex (sex without a condom) with an infected person puts you at risk for contracting a bacterial STI. Some STIs, like gonorrhoea, can also be gotten through oral sex. Antibiotics can cure sexually transmitted infections caused by bacteria. You can antibiotics with a doctor’s prescription. However, if they are untreated they can lead to diseases that cause problems such as infertility and eyesight loss.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a serious infection that is common among young people (16-24). Sometimes it's hard to tell if you have it because there may be no symptoms. If untreated, it can cause a painful, long-term condition in women called PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease). It can also cause infertility in both men and women.

What are the symptoms?

Females

• new or different discharge from the vagina
• burning feeling when peeing
• pain in the lower stomach, sometimes with fever and chills
• pain during sexual intercourse
• bleeding in between periods
• bleeding after sexual intercourse

Males

• watery or milky discharge from the penis
• itchy feeling inside the penis
• burning feeling when peeing
• pain or swelling in the testicles (balls)

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Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a common STD, which if not treated early can cause serious health problems. It is sometimes known by other names such as "the clap".

What are the symptoms?

Females

• new or different discharge from the vagina
• burning feeling when peeing
• pain in the lower stomach
• fever and chills
• pain during sexual intercourse

Males

• discharge from the penis (may be thick and yellow-green in colour)
• burning feeling when peeing
• pain or swelling in the testicles (balls)

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Syphilis

Syphilis is an infection that can cause serious health problems such as heart disease or brain damage.

What are the symptoms?

First stage

• painless sore on genitals (penis, vaginal area)
• sore appears 1 week to 3 months after being infected

Second stage

• flu-like symptoms
• rash on the hands, feet or over the whole body

Third stage

• serious health problems if untreated

Viral infections
Back to Sexually Transmitted Infections page

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