Five Things Every Student Needs to Know About Chlamydia & Gonorrhea

August 9, 2022
Paint Texture Border

STIs and STDs (Sexually Transmitted Infections and Diseases) are a  topic you may not want to discuss, but let’s face it, it’s a serious problem. 


For example, did you know that 1 in 4 college students have had an STD? And the CDC estimates that 1 in 5 people in the U.S. has an STI. To clarify, an infection becomes a disease when symptoms are present. 

 

With over 66% of new chlamydial infections occurring in youth aged 15-24 years, chlamydia is the most commonly reported bacterial STD among young people.1  Gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported bacterial STD in the United States. More than half of these infections occurring in individuals 15-24 years of age.2

 

So, let’s start the conversation.

 

1 - What are Chlamydia and Gonorrhea?

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection transmitted through sexual contact. Gonorrhea (also called the “clap” or “drip”) is a bacterial infection that often co-exists with chlamydia (but not always) and is also transmitted through sexual contact. 

 

These STDs are most commonly spread by having vaginal, oral, or anal sex with someone infected. If your sex partner is male, you can still get chlamydia and gonorrhea even if he doesn’t ejaculate. If you have unprotected sex with somebody infected, you can get that STD again, even if you had a past treatment.

 

Chlamydia and gonorrhea can have additional consequences if you’re pregnant. Infections can pass through your birth canal to your baby, causing severe issues during childbirth and beyond. 

 

2 - How Will I Feel if I Have Chlamydia or Gonorrhea?

There’s no simple answer to this question. With chlamydia and gonorrhea, there are often no symptoms, especially for women. Some studies estimate that up to 95 percent of women and approximately 90 percent of men with a confirmed infection will not develop symptoms.  


Why is it such a big deal if most people don’t have symptoms? Well, this is one of the reasons why chlamydia and gonorrhea are among the most prevalent STDs. These diseases spread rapidly because many people don’t know they have it, so they continue to pass it on, not knowing that they have infected others.

 

You might wonder how anybody can tell that they have either of these STDs. The fact is, some symptoms can still show up with both of these diseases.

 

Chlamydia symptoms can start 5-6 days after being infected. In the infrequent event that symptoms exist, a woman could possibly experience painful intercourse, abnormal vaginal discharge, or burning urination. A man may have abnormal discharge from his penis and painful, burning urination.  

 

Gonorrhea in women often goes undetected because they think they have either a mild vaginal or bladder infection. If they have symptoms, they initially include dysuria (meaning it hurts to pee), increased vaginal discharge, or vaginal bleeding between periods. However, women with gonorrhea risk developing severe complications from the infection, regardless of the presence or severity of symptoms.

 

If men have symptoms of gonorrhea, there is a urethral infection with dysuria or a white, yellow, or green urethral discharge that usually appears 1-14 days after infection. Men with gonorrhea may also complain of testicular or scrotal pain.

 

Occasionally men and women can experience pain, swelling, discharge, and bleeding from the rectum with chlamydia and gonorrhea.

 

3 - How Do I Know for Sure That I Have Chlamydia or Gonorrhea?

You have to get tested; there are no other options. You might already be anxious about making that appointment with thoughts running through your head: How will I pay? This is so embarrassing; what if somebody finds out? At Collage, we provide confidential testing and treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea at no cost to you.³ 


Being tested for both of these infections  is very simple. You’ll meet with a licensed health care professional (LHCP) who will ask you some questions to find out how we can best help you, and then you’ll need to give a urine sample. When we get your results back from the lab (generally 5-7 days) your LHCP will call you with your results and set up a follow up appointment for treatment if you test positive. 

 

4 - What Happens if I Don’t Get Treated for Chlamydia or Gonorrhea?

An STD is not something you should ignore. You’re placing your sexual health and future at risk, as well as any current or future partner’s health. If left untreated, the repercussions can be serious. 

 

With chlamydia and gonorrhea, women are at risk for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), infertility, and potentially an ectopic pregnancy. 

 

For men, these infections can spread to the tube that carries sperm from the testicles, causing pain and fever. It’s rare but possible that both chlamydia and gonorrhea can prevent a man from being able to have children. In addition, if gonorrhea is left untreated in men, it can spread to the blood and cause Disseminated Gonococcal Infection (DGI). The characteristics of DGI are arthritis, tenosynovitis, and/or dermatitis. This condition can be life-threatening.

 

5 - Can Chlamydia and Gonorrhea be Treated if I Test Positive?

Thankfully, there is a treatment for both diseases. However, it is crucial that if you do test positive for these STDs, you get medication. 

 

For these treatments to be successful, you need to follow these directions:

  • Take all the medication prescribed.
  • Don’t have any sexual contact during treatment. 
  • Don’t have any sexual contact for 7-10 days after completing treatment.

 

These standards apply to your partner(s) also. You should retest at 3 months if possible but no later than 1 year after being treated. 

 

How Can I Make Sure Not to Get Chlamydia or Gonorrhea?

Most people have heard that wearing a condom during sex will protect you from getting an STD, but condoms aren’t perfect. There’s only one fool-proof way to avoid contracting any STDs. That’s to refrain from having any form of sex until you are in a mutually exclusive relationship with an uninfected partner.  


Some people think STDs aren’t a big deal, especially since bacterial STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can be treated. We believe otherwise. STDs can cause strains in your relationship, both physically and emotionally. There can also be harsh health consequences if an STD is left untreated. 

 

We’re here to help you if you think you’ve contracted chlamydia or gonorrhea. Feel free to reach out to Collage to continue the conversation.

I Don’t Want Another Abortion

November 11, 2025
Learning you’re unexpectedly pregnant can bring up complicated emotions, uncertainty, fear, or even exhaustion if you’ve faced this situation before. You may know that you don’t want another abortion, but still wonder what options exist for your future. At Collage, we provide free and confidential support so you can explore your choices in a compassionate environment. Whether you want to understand what parenting or adoption could look like or simply need someone to listen, you’re not alone. Schedule a free appointment today to learn how we can help. Exploring Parenting Parenting can feel like an enormous responsibility, especially if your finances, relationships, or housing situation are uncertain. Many women ask themselves: “Can I really do this on my own?” “Where will I find the help I need?” “What kind of future can I provide for my child?” These are real and valid questions. At Collage, we’ll help you identify the resources and support available in your community. From offering a warm, supportive presence as you explore this option to providing referrals for resources like housing or childcare support, we’ll ensure you’re not facing these challenges alone. Parenting can be both demanding and deeply rewarding. With encouragement, community connections, and the right information, you can feel more confident in providing a stable, nurturing environment for your child. Understanding Adoption If parenting doesn’t feel like the right fit for your current situation, adoption offers another path forward, one rooted in hope and love. You remain in control of the process, deciding how involved you wish to be in your child’s life. You can select from multiple adoption plans depending on your comfort level: Open adoption: Allows for ongoing communication and contact between you, your child, and the adoptive family. Semi-open adoption: Offers limited contact through a third party, maintaining privacy while keeping some connection. Closed adoption: Protects complete confidentiality with no exchange of identifying information. Financial support is available throughout the adoption process. You’ll never pay for legal or medical services related to adoption. Best of all, adoption agencies can help ensure your needs are met and your wishes are respected every step of the way. Adoption is not an easy decision, but for some women, it brings a sense of peace and purpose, knowing their child is loved and cared for in a stable environment. We can discuss this option with you and offer referrals to reputable agencies so you feel informed. Taking the Next Step Your situation is unique, and so is your decision. Whether you’re considering parenting or adoption or simply need time to process your feelings, Collage is here to provide information and encouragement. We’re available to answer questions, explain your options, and connect you with trusted community resources, all at no cost and in a confidential setting. Schedule your free appointment today to start finding clarity and peace of mind. FAQ: Is it normal to feel uncertain about my decision? Yes. Many women experience mixed emotions when facing an unexpected pregnancy. It’s okay to take time and talk through your options before deciding. What if I don’t think I can afford to parent? We can connect you with programs and community partners that provide material and emotional support, so you will feel more equipped to parent if you choose to. How does adoption work? You remain in control. You’ll choose the family and the level of contact and receive guidance from trusted professionals who handle the legal and practical aspects of the process. Are services at Collage really free? Yes. All services are completely free and confidential. Your privacy and comfort are our priority. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services.

What Can Guys Do with an Unexpected Pregnancy?

By Kirsten Berns • October 28, 2025
Finding out your partner is unexpectedly pregnant can change everything in an instant. You may feel shocked, worried, or unsure about your role. Those feelings are normal. What matters most is how you respond in this moment and what steps you take next. At Collage, we provide no-cost and confidential services for women and men walking through unexpected pregnancies. Schedule an appointment to learn how we can support you—you don’t have to carry the weight of this situation alone. Understanding Your Own Feelings Before you can support your partner, it’s important to process what you’re experiencing. Talking with a trusted friend, family member, or mentor can help you sort through your emotions and understand what this news means. Showing your partner that you are engaging with your own feelings demonstrates that you are taking the pregnancy seriously. Walking With Her Your partner may be feeling the same uncertainty and fear that you are. One of the most powerful things you can do is simply be present. Attend appointments with her, listen when she shares her concerns, and offer support, like running errands or helping with everyday tasks. These small actions communicate that she is not facing this alone. Learning Together Getting informed is one of the best steps you can take together. At Collage, we provide option information so you and your partner can learn more about parenting, adoption, and abortion. Our staff will answer questions and help you understand what each option may look like. Having reliable, unbiased information allows you to approach this decision more confidently. Taking the Next Step This is not something you have to figure out overnight. Unexpected pregnancies can feel overwhelming, but there are resources, support, and people who care about both of you. Collage is here to listen, guide, and provide clarity when you need it most. Request your no-cost and confidential appointment today. Moving forward together can make all the difference. FAQ: What role should I play if my partner is pregnant? Listening, staying present, and supporting her as she makes decisions is crucial. You don’t have to have every answer, but being by her side matters. Can I attend appointments with her? Yes, and many women appreciate having their partner there. It shows support and can help both of you learn about options together. What if my partner chooses parenting and I don’t feel ready to be a dad? It’s normal to feel unprepared. Talking through your concerns with someone you trust and learning about options can help you move forward with more clarity.  Does Collage provide abortions? Collage does not provide or refer for abortions. However, we do provide no-cost pre-abortion screenings, confidential services, accurate information, and compassionate support so you and your partner can make informed decisions.

How Will Abortion Affect Me Mentally?

September 24, 2025
When considering abortion, it’s natural to wonder how the decision could affect your mental health. While every woman’s experience is different, being aware of possible emotional impacts and taking time to reflect on your circumstances can help you make an informed choice. At Collage, we provide free, confidential support so you don’t have to navigate these questions alone. Our staff is here to listen, answer your questions, and connect you with the resources you need as you process your options. Contact us to schedule your appointment today.  What Research Suggests Research has shown that abortion can lead to a range of emotional responses. The American Psychological Association notes that some women experience grief, sadness, or even clinically significant issues like depression and anxiety afterward. Certain factors may make these outcomes more likely, such as: A history of mental health challenges Pressure from others to make a decision Lack of support or secrecy about the pregnancy Strong personal, cultural, or spiritual beliefs Wanting to continue the pregnancy but feeling unable to Recognizing how these factors may apply to your situation can help you prepare and seek support. You Have Other Options You are the one who will live with this decision, so it’s important not to rush. Confirming your pregnancy with a lab- quality test and ultrasound can provide clarity and help you understand your options, which include parenting and adoption. Speaking with a counselor or a healthcare professional can also give you space to process your feelings without judgment. We’re Here for You At Collage, we offer free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and confidential consultations so you can explore your options with accurate information and compassionate support. Schedule your free appointment today. You deserve the time, space, and care to make a confident decision with your mental health top of mind. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do provide pre-abortion screenings.
Show More