Who is at risk of developing a sexually transmitted disease?
Sexually transmitted diseases are transferred by vaginal, oral, or anal sex. You’re at high risk if you have more than one sexual partner or have sex with someone who is not monogamous. Other factors that put you at high risk:
- You don’t use a condom when having sex
- You share needles during IV drug use
- You trade sex for money or drugs
Rarely, the STD known as trichomoniasis can be transferred via contact with moist items such as wet clothing or towels. Intercourse isn’t the only way to get an STD, and genital touching can also spread infection.
What are the symptoms of an STD?
Many times you can have an STD with no symptoms, and the infection can still be passed on to your partner. When symptoms do appear, they vary from disease to disease. Symptoms that indicate a possible STD include:
- Painful urination
- Unusual discharge from the vagina
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Strong vaginal odor
- Vaginal itching or irritation
- Warts, blisters, or lesions around the genital area
If you notice any of these symptoms, come to Physicians for Women El Paso for immediate evaluation and treatment.
Do I need to get tested for STDs if I have no symptoms?
Yes, testing is still a good idea, because you can be infected with an STD and have no symptoms. You may pass on the infection to your partner or partners without knowing it. If you engage in sexual intercourse without protection, have a new partner or more than one partner, or are just concerned you’ve been exposed to an STD, getting tested regularly is a good precaution.
A simple blood test, genital or mouth swab, or visual exam can help your doctor determine if you have an STD and what kind.
What STDs do I need to be concerned about?
The most common STDs are:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- HIV
- Herpes
- HPV
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
Many of these can be cured with antibiotics or other medications, but some — such as HIV — can only be managed. It’s important to catch an STD before it can cause serious damage to your body or weaken your immune system.
To learn more about protection against STDs, as well as testing and treatment, call Physicians for Women El Paso or book an appointment online.
