You tested positive for gonorrhea or chlamydia. What’s next?

If you’ve just learned you have gonorrhea or chlamydia, you may be asking what’s next. Here are three things you can do to get cured and protect your partners.

Get treated
The good news is that both gonorrhea and chlamydia are curable. Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to cure the infection. If you don’t have a doctor or don’t have insurance, there are low-cost or free options to getting tested and cured. Search for local services near you.

Tell your partners
If you have gonorrhea or chlamydia (or any other STD), chances are your partners may be infected as well. Like you, they should get tested and treated.

Telling your partner about an STD can be a difficult conversation, yet it’s vital to their health and yours. Without treatment, your partner may unknowingly pass the STD back to you or to other people.

If you have chlamydia or gonorrhea, your doctor may be able to give you pills or a prescription for your partners.

Get tested regularly
While gonorrhea and chlamydia are curable, it’s entirely possible to get re-infected. That’s why it’s a good idea to get tested for these and other STDs every three to six months, especially if you have multiple partners or don’t always use condoms.