Why do we screen for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia?

Gonorrhea and chlamydia are infections of the cervix. They are caused by organisms that are transmitted via sexual activity. Although these infections may have symptoms of abnormal discharge, burning with urination or breakthrough bleeding, most women have no symptoms. Possible complications of these infections include infertility, chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy and internal abscesses. A pregnant woman can transmit these infections to her baby via vaginal birth and can cause blindness, eye infection or deadly blood infections. Chlamydia can cause premature delivery. For all these reasons, gonorrhea and chlamydia should be screened for on a regular basis.