Quick Answer

Reinfection cycles between partners are extremely common — roughly 15-30% of treated STI cases return as reinfections from untreated partners. The solution is simultaneous treatment, which many states support through expedited partner therapy.

  • Chlamydia reinfection rate: ~15-20% within months of treatment.
  • Gonorrhea: reinfection driven by untreated partners and emerging antibiotic resistance.
  • Trichomoniasis: notoriously high reinfection rates without partner treatment.
  • Expedited partner therapy (EPT) lets clinicians prescribe for partners without examining them.

Context Most Pages Skip

Ping-pong infection happens when one partner completes treatment while the other remains untreated, re-exposing the treated partner. Both partners feel cured, the cycle repeats, and antibiotic resistance opportunities multiply.

Breaking the cycle

Treat both partners simultaneously. Most states permit EPT for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Use the same pharmacy to fill both prescriptions. Abstain until both courses finish. Then test-of-cure confirms it's truly over.

⚕️ This page is educational and does not replace advice from a licensed clinician. If you may have been exposed to an STI, get tested — most infections are manageable, and many are fully curable.

Sources & Further Reading

Figures reflect CDC surveillance and WHO estimates; they are population statistics, not personal risk predictions.