Gonorrhoea vs Chlamydia - Understanding The Difference

Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia are both common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can be transmitted through having unprotected sexual intercourse. Gonorrhoea (The Clap) and Chlamydia (The Clam) are mostly found in the urethra, vagina, rectum, and throat. These infections can be transmitted even if you don’t ejaculate during sexual intercourse. If left untreated, both Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia can lead to serious diseases or health conditions. 

Both bacterial infections have their own similarities and differences. These infections are caused by different bacteria and differ in terms of symptoms, transmission, and treatment. Let us compare Gonorrhoea vs Chlamydia to ensure effective treatment and prevention of such STIs. 

Gonorrhoea Vs Chlamydia

Aspects	Gonnorhoea	Chlamydia
1. Caused by	The bacterium “Neisseria gonorrhoeae”	The bacterium “Chlamydia trachomatis”
2. Symptoms	Painful urination Pus-like white, yellow, or green discharge Pain or swelling in the testicles Vaginal bleeding between  Pain during bowel movements	Abnormal, yellowish discharge Abdominal pain  Vaginal bleeding without periods Frequent urge to urinate Painful sex
3. Transmission	Unprotected sexual intercourse	Sex without using a condom
4. Complications	Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), Infertility, or Ectopic Pregnancies	Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Urethritis, or Eye Infections
5. Treatment	Cefixime 200mg and Azithromycin	Doxycycline and Azithromycin
6. Prevention	Safe Sex Practices, Regular STI screenings, and limiting sexual partners	Use condoms during sexual intercourse and get regularly tested for STIs

 

Similarities Between Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia

Although both sexually transmitted infections are caused by different bacteria, they have various similarities between them. Here are some common similarities between Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. 

Infection Transmission Method

Similar to other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia can both be transmitted through unprotected sex, including anal, vaginal, or oral sex. Neisseria Gonorrhoea, the bacteria causing Gonorrhoea, and Chlamydia Trachomatis, the bacteria causing Chlamydia, can both be present in the semen and vaginal fluids of an infected person. Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea can both be transmitted in similar ways mentioned below:

• Vaginal sex

• Anal sex

• Oral sex

• Childbirth (Transmission from infected pregnant woman to the child)

Symptoms That Overlap 

Well, not all infected men and women show symptoms of Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia, which makes these STIs more dangerous and contagious. The men or women who are infected with such infections would unknowingly spread the infection to another person as they are not themselves aware of the STI. Here are some of the most common symptoms of Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia:

If you have a penis, you may experience:

• Pus-like discharge from the tip of the penis

• Pain, itchiness, and burning sensation during urination

• Swelling or redness of the testicles

• Abdominal pain

If you have a vagina, you may experience:

• White or yellow vaginal discharge with a strong smell

• Frequent urge to urinate 

• Pain or burning during pee

• Heavy periods 

• Vaginal bleeding (even when without periods)

• Abdominal pain

Condoms Can Prevent Both STIs

Latex condoms are perfect when it comes to prevention of Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia. It is one of the most effective methods for males, allowing them to avoid exposure to STIs or transmitting the infection to their sexual partners. 

Similar Diagnosis Method

When we are talking about Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia diagnosis, the testing methods are very similar. Your healthcare provider may conduct a swab test, blood test, and urine test to confirm if you are exposed to STIs like Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. For women assigned at birth, the healthcare provider will use a swab to collect samples of vaginal fluids or cervix along with a urine sample. However, for men assigned at birth, the healthcare provider will use a swab of the urethra along with a urine sample for diagnosis. 

Difference Between Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia

Now that you know, both sexually transmitted infections have a lot in common. Let’s discuss a few differences between Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia. 

Bacteria Causing Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia

The major difference between Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea is the bacteria that causes the infection. In Gonorrhoea, the bacterial organism named “Neisseria Gonorrhoeae” is the main cause. In contrast, “Chlamydia Trachomatis” is the bacteria that causes Chlamydia among men and women between the ages of 15 to 24 years.

Pain During Bowel Movements

Although not everyone experiences itchiness or pain during bowel movements, there are some people who may experience it when having Gonorrhoea. However, there is no such itchiness or pain you need to suffer from if you are infected with Chlamydia.

Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia Treatment 

As both STIs, Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia, are caused by different bacteria, they need different antibiotics or treatment. Most healthcare providers prescribe Doxycycline 100mg or Azithromycin for Chlamydia treatment. On the other hand, they may prescribe a combo of Cefixime 200mg and Azithromycin for Gonorrhoea treatment. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia have many similarities between them, including their symptoms, diagnosis, and transmission. However, there are some differences between Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia that can help you understand their distinct causes and treatments. By going through our comparison of Gonorrhoea vs Chlamydia, we hope that you will understand how important it is to be aware of such sexually transmitted infections. We suggest you should get tested regularly (once or twice a year) for potent STIs and have protected sex to prevent STIs for optimal sexual health.