Gonorrhea and Chlamydia can occur in the mouth, the genitals, and the rectum.  The infections can also be passed in the eyes of the newborn.  In women, the most common place they grow is the cervix (the opening of the uterus).  From there, they can spread into the uterus and fallopian tubes.  The also can grow in the urethra, the opening through which urine passes.

Gonorrhea and chlamydia often have no symptoms.  When they do occur, they may show up 2 days to 3 weeks after infection.  Common symptoms include: 

• A yellow vaginal discharge
• Painful or frequent urination
• Burning or itching in the vaginal area
• Redness, swelling or soreness of the vulva
• Pain in the pelvis or abdomen during sex
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Rectal bleeding, discharge or pain

The most common symptoms in men include:

• Discharge from the penis
• Pain and burning during urination
• Rectal bleeding, discharge or pain

Both gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause severe problems.

• Pelvic inflammatory disease PID is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes and other pelvic organs.  This can cause chills, fever and pelvic pain.  PID can cause infertility.
• Etopic Pregnancy can result from scarring of the fallopian tubes caused by PID.  When this happens, the egg cannot move through the tube to the uterus.

Syphilis occurs in stages and is more easily spread in some stages than others.  If not treated, Syphilis may affect your heart, blood vessels, and nervous system.  It can cause brain damage, blindness, paralysis and even death.

Syphilis first appears as a painless sore called a chancre.  It lasts 10 days to 6 weeks after contact with the disease.  You may also have swollen glands in the pelvic/groin area.  If not treated, the next stage begins 1 week to 3 months later when a rash may appear.  In most cases, the rash appears on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands.  Flat warts may also be seen on the vulva, outside the vagina.  During this stage you may feel like you have the flu and you are very contagious.

The rash goes away in a few weeks or months, but the disease does not go away.  Years later the disease may return.  Syphilis is spread by contact with a chancre.  It also spreads by touching the rash, warts or infected blood during the second phase of infection.  It enters the body through a cut in the skin or mucus membrane.

Sexually transmitted diseases are treatable with appropriate antibotics.  It is important to take all of your medication and to have your partner treated at the same time.  You can pass STDs even while you are being treated so avoid sexual contact (oral, anal and vaginal) until both you and your partner have finished all treatment.

Who is at Risk?

• Having more than one sexual partner
• Having sex with someone who has or has had  more than one partner
• Beginning sexual activity at an early age
• Having other types of STDs, either now or in the past
• Using drugs

Prevention

• Limit your sexual partners.  The more partners you have, the higher your risk
• Know your partner.  Ask about your partner's sexual history.  Ask whether or not he or she has had STDs.  Even if they have no symptoms, they may still be infected.  If you don't feel comfortable enough to ask these questions, ask yourself if you should be considering sex with this person.
• Use a condom.  Both male and female condoms are sold over the counter in drug stores.  They help protect against STDs
• Avoid contact with any sores on the mouth or genitals

Finally...if you think you may be at risk, get tested.  The earlier the disease is caught, the less harm they will do.  Prompt treatment and protecting yourself against STDs are the best ways to take care of your health.