Conceptos básicos: Descripción general

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that you can get during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. A pregnant woman can also pass these STDs to her baby during birth. 

STDs are also sometimes called STIs (sexually transmitted infections). 

How do I know if I have an STD? 

Getting tested is the only way to know for sure if you have an STD. Most people who have an STD don’t feel sick or have any symptoms. 

It’s also important to talk with a doctor or nurse if someone you recently had sex with has an STD. 

¿Existe cura para la clamidia y la gonorrea? 

Yes. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can both be cured with the right treatment. If these STDs aren’t treated, they can cause serious health problems, like making it difficult or impossible for a woman to get pregnant. 

If you have an STD, it’s important to get treatment right away. It’s also important to tell anyone you’ve had sex with that you have an STD so they can get treated, too. This can help protect you from getting infected again. 

Conceptos básicos: ¿Quién necesita hacerse la prueba?

¿Quiénes deben hacerse la prueba de clamidia y gonorrea?

The recommendations for getting tested for chlamydia and for gonorrhea are the same.

Para mujeres:

• If you’re age 24 or younger and having sex, get tested once every year
• If you’re age 25 or older, get tested every year if you’re at increased risk for infection

For example, you may be at increased risk if you have:

• Más de una pareja sexual
• Una nueva pareja sexual
• A sex partner with an STD

Para hombres:

• Talk with a doctor to find out if you need to get tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or other STDs

¿Cuáles son los síntomas de la clamidia o la gonorrea?

Many people who have chlamydia or gonorrhea don’t have any signs or symptoms. When there are symptoms, chlamydia and gonorrhea cause very similar things. 

Las mujeres con síntomas pueden tener:

• Secreción anormal (líquido) de la vagina
• Burning when they urinate (pee)
• Sangrado entre períodos

Los hombres con síntomas pueden tener:

• Secreción anormal del pene
• Ardor al orinar
• Testículos dolorosos o inflamados (aunque este síntoma es menos común).

Lo básico: qué esperar

¿Cómo realizan los médicos las pruebas para detectar la clamidia y la gonorrea?

Un médico o enfermero puede analizar tu orina para detectar clamidia y gonorrea. En ocasiones, el médico podría tomar una muestra de la vagina, el pene, el recto o la garganta. La prueba es sencilla e indolora.

Obtén más información sobre la clamidia:

• Datos sobre la clamidia
• Las mujeres y la clamidia

Obtén más información sobre la gonorrea:

• Datos sobre la gonorrea
• Las mujeres y la gonorrea

Toma medidas: hazte la prueba

Get tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea if you’re at risk. Talk with your partner about getting tested, too.

Pida cita en un centro de salud o clínica.

Si cree que puede estar en riesgo, hable con su médico sobre la posibilidad de hacerse pruebas de clamidia y gonorrea. Asegúrate de preguntar también sobre la posibilidad de hacerse la prueba del VIH..

To find an STD clinic near you:

• Ingrese su código postal para encontrar un centro de pruebas cercano.
• Llame al 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)

¿Y el costo?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover some STD testing and prevention counseling. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get these services at no cost to you. Talk to your insurance company to find out more.

Medicare may also cover some STD testing and counseling at no cost for people who are at risk. Learn about Medicare coverage for STD testing and counseling.

If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost STD testing. Utilice este recurso para encontrar pruebas gratuitas cerca de usted..

Para obtener más información, consulta estos recursos:

• Atención preventiva gratuita cubierta por la Ley de Cuidado de Salud Asequible.
• Cómo te protege la Ley de Cuidado de Salud Asequible
• Entienda su seguro médico y cómo usarlo [PDF – 698 KB]

Toma medidas: Protégete

Mantenerse seguro.

The best way to protect yourself from STDs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Wait to have sex until you and your partner have tested negative for STDs.

Here are some other ways to protect yourself from STDs:

• Use a latex condom the right way every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex
• Make sure you and your partner have been tested for STDs
• If you know that you or your partner has an STD, get treated before having sex

Utilice estos recursos para: 

• Aprende a usar un condón correctamente.
• Get tips on talking with your partner about STD testing

If you’re pregnant, talk with your doctor about STD testing.

Having chlamydia, gonorrhea, or another STD while you’re pregnant can be very dangerous for you and your baby. Find out more about STDs and pregnancy.