What is Happening in 'Cuse?

At Family Planning of Syracuse, we are currently seeing a trend of positive gonorrhea in the throat and positive chlamydia and gonorrhea in the anus, but they are both negative in the penis and vagina.

This is important information to know because it is happening right here in our community. Now that we know there is a rise of gonorrhea in the throat and chlamydia and gonorrhea in the anus, we can control the spread and use prevention strategies.

What is chlamydia and gonorrhea?

·         Chlamydia and gonorrhea are both very common bacterial STIs (sexually transmitted infections) meaning they can be cured with antibiotics.

·         Chlamydia and gonorrhea can spread through oral, vaginal, and anal sex without using a condom, dental dam or another barrier method.

·         These STIs are transmitted through sexual contact NOT casual contact. Chlamydia and gonorrhea cannot spread from kissing, holding hands, hugging, sharing food or sharing drinks.

·         These STIs may not cause any symptoms so it is important to get tested and treated as they can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease if left untreated.

Can chlamydia and gonorrhea be present in the throat?

Yes. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can infect the throat, vagina, cervix, anus and penis.

Well if chlamydia and gonorrhea are present in the throat, then they must be everywhere else in the body right?

Nope. A test must be done in ALL areas where the person was having sex. A positive throat culture does not mean a positive vaginal, penile, or anal culture and vice versa! This is why it is important to be honest with a clinician and disclose all information so they can help the best that they can and test in the accurate places.

Use condoms!

The best way to prevent an STI is to correctly use condoms and/or dental dams every single time someone has sex.

Don’t worry, condoms can be fun!

Did you know there are…

·         Internal condoms- inserted into the anus or vagina, otherwise known as the brand FC2

·         Dental dams- sheets used between the mouth and vagina or mouth and anus during oral sex

·         Polyurethane condoms- for those with latex allergies

·         Flavored condoms

·         Glow in the dark condoms

·         Colored condoms

·         Ribbed, studded or textured condoms

·         Warming and cooling condoms

·         Thin condoms

·         Extra lubricated condoms

Testing and self-swabs

Did you know you can swab yourself at our clinics? For people who are more comfortable swabbing themselves for a specific STI test, the clinician will give them a swab that looks like a long q-tip and the patient will go in the bathroom and swab their own genitals! Don’t worry about messing up, the clinician will give you directions!

If you think you may have an STI or had sex and want to get tested, schedule an appointment! Our phone number for texting and calling is 315-325-2010.

Remember to be honest with the clinician about all forms of sex so they can test accordingly.