Quick answer. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are two of the most common bacterial STIs in Singapore, most often affecting people in their 20s and 30s. They are frequently ‘silent’ — especially in women, the majority of chlamydia infections cause no symptoms — so you can have one without knowing. When symptoms occur they include unusual discharge, pain passing urine, or pelvic pain. Left untreated they can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Both are curable with antibiotics, though gonorrhoea is becoming harder to treat as resistance rises. It is important that sexual partners are treated too, and that you get a retest after treatment. Confidential testing is available at GPs, polyclinics and the DSC Clinic.
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Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are among the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Singapore, and the DSC Clinic lists both among the STIs it sees most. They mainly affect people in their twenties and thirties, but anyone who is sexually active can get them. Both are passed through vaginal, anal and oral sex.
The most important thing to understand is that these infections are often silent — many people, particularly women, have no symptoms at all. That makes regular testing essential, because untreated infection can quietly cause serious complications. The good news: both are curable with the right antibiotics, and catching them early prevents long-term harm. This guide covers symptoms, complications, testing, treatment, partner treatment and retesting.
At a glance
| Feature | Chlamydia | Gonorrhoea |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Bacteria (Chlamydia trachomatis) | Bacteria (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) |
| Symptoms | Often none, especially in women | Discharge, pain passing urine — or none |
| If untreated | PID, infertility, ectopic pregnancy | PID, infertility, joint/blood infection |
| Testing | Urine sample or swab | Urine sample or swab |
| Treatment | Antibiotics (curable) | Antibiotic injection + tablets (curable) |
| Resistance | Low | Rising — needs careful treatment |
Why these infections are often 'silent'
One of the biggest dangers of chlamydia and gonorrhoea is that they frequently cause no symptoms. Most women with chlamydia, and many men, feel completely well — yet the infection can still be passed on and can still cause damage inside the body over time.
Because you cannot rely on symptoms to tell you whether you are infected, regular STI testing is the only reliable way to know, especially after a new partner or unprotected sex. Getting tested is a responsible, normal part of looking after your health — not a sign that anything is wrong with you.
Symptoms to watch for
When symptoms do appear, they often show up one to three weeks after exposure and may include:
- In women: unusual vaginal discharge, pain passing urine, bleeding between periods or after sex, lower abdominal or pelvic pain
- In men: discharge from the penis, pain or burning when passing urine, sometimes testicular pain or swelling
- Anal or throat infection: discomfort, discharge or soreness, often with no symptoms at all
Gonorrhoea tends to cause more noticeable discharge than chlamydia, but both can be silent. If you notice any of these signs, see a doctor promptly.
Complications if left untreated
Untreated chlamydia or gonorrhoea can spread and cause lasting harm:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women — infection of the womb and fallopian tubes that can cause chronic pelvic pain
- Infertility — scarring of the tubes can make it harder to conceive
- Ectopic pregnancy — a pregnancy outside the womb, which can be dangerous
- In men — painful infection of the testicles (epididymitis); rarely, fertility problems
- Spread to a baby during childbirth, or rarely a wider infection of the joints and bloodstream (more common with gonorrhoea)
These complications are largely preventable by testing and treating early.
Testing in Singapore
Testing is simple, quick and confidential. Depending on the situation it involves a urine sample or a swab (genital, throat or anal). You can be tested at your GP, a polyclinic, private sexual-health clinics or the DSC Clinic (public STI clinic at 31 Kelantan Lane).
If you have had unprotected sex, a new partner, or symptoms, ask for chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing — it is often done alongside other STI checks. There is no need to feel awkward; clinic staff are used to these requests and care is non-judgemental and private.
Treatment and rising gonorrhoea resistance
Both infections are curable with antibiotics. Chlamydia is usually treated with a short course of antibiotic tablets. Gonorrhoea is typically treated with an antibiotic injection (such as ceftriaxone), sometimes with an additional tablet, as recommended in Singapore’s STI management guidelines.
A growing concern worldwide and in Singapore is antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea — the bacteria are becoming harder to treat. This is why it is important to take the exact treatment a doctor prescribes, to complete it, and to attend any follow-up test. Do not self-treat with leftover or online antibiotics, as this can worsen resistance and leave the infection uncured.
Partner treatment and retesting
Two steps protect you and others:
- Partner notification and treatment: recent sexual partners should be tested and treated, even if they have no symptoms. Otherwise you can be re-infected by an untreated partner. The clinic can advise on how to tell partners, including anonymously.
- Avoid sex until cleared: wait until you and your partner have completed treatment (and any advised waiting period) before having sex again.
- Retesting: a follow-up test is often recommended a few weeks to months after treatment, to confirm cure and check for re-infection.
Telling partners can feel difficult, but it prevents further spread and protects everyone’s health.
Related guides
- Best Sexual Health & STD Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
- sexual health & STD clinics directory
- Genital herpes
- Genital warts (HPV)
- Syphilis
Sources
- DSC Clinic – STI Management Guidelines (7th Edition)
- DSC Clinic – What are STIs?
- HealthHub – Getting Support for STIs
- MOH – Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Trend
Related conditions & guides
Related conditions and guides you may find useful:
- Common STDs and Their Symptoms in Singapore
- HIV PrEP and PEP in Singapore
- HPV Vaccination in Singapore
- STD and STI Testing in Singapore
Part of our Infections & sexual health guides · Browse all health topics