I Think I Have an STD: What Should I Do?
Oct 31, 2023
America has one of the highest rates of STDs in industrialized countries with 20 million new cases annually. If you think you have one, you’re not alone but there are things you can do to manage the condition and keep it from coming back.
If you live in Las Vegas, Nevada and you’re struggling with an STD, the medical providers at WHASN West Valley are here to offer solutions. Here we explore what STDs are, the most common types and symptoms, and your options for treatment and prevention.
This is the broad term for several infections you can get from various types of sexual contact, including vaginal, oral, or anal contact or penetration. These are the most common types:
Chlamydia can cause burning urination, vaginal discharge, rectal pain, and rectal bleeding. While it’s easy to treat, it sometimes has no symptoms. If left untreated, it can lead to infertility and be passed on to unborn children.
Syphilis is a condition whose symptoms change over its four stages. The first stage starts with a sore which may be painless around the rectum, mouth, or genitals.
Gonorrhea thrives in moist areas of the body. It may be asymptomatic or appear as painful urination, vaginal discharge, genital swelling, and bleeding between periods.
Another frequently asymptomatic condition, trichomoniasis can present with unusual discharge, painful sex, painful urination, and can increase the risk of HIV.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a series of viruses that affect the skin mucous membranes of your mouth, throat, cervix, and anus.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infection that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and can increase the risk of other STDs.
Today, we can treat or at least manage most STDs with modern medications and regular check-ups. Here are some important things to know about how to deal with STDs:
Several precautions can help prevent STDs, such as using condoms and dental dams, getting checked for STDs regularly, limiting your number of sexual partners, and avoiding sex with people who may have an outbreak.
If you have one of these infections, take prescriptions as instructed, and avoid sex until the condition clears. In cases with incurable conditions such as HIV/AIDS, pre-exposure prophylactics (PrEP) or post-exposure prophylactics (PEP) can help prevent further transmission.
Be open with your partners about STDs and make sure they’re regularly checked as well. If you have an STD, advise your partners to get tested and inform anyone they’ve had sex with.
Left untreated, many of these infections can affect long-term fertility or unborn children. That’s why regular STD checks are important for your safety and health. If you have signs of any of the conditions above or other symptoms, make an appointment at WHASN West Valley today for quick and compassionate treatment.