Signs That You Have An STD
Are you concerned that you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD)? If you have you had unprotected sex you might have an STD and not even know it. STDs can present symptoms that are alarming, or rather minute. Since there are so many different types of STDs out there, regular testing can ensure you are not at risk for developing worsening symptoms or transmitting the disease to someone else.
You can never be too safe when it comes to protecting your reproductive health. Here we break down everything you need to know about STD testing, including the most popular types of STDs and the symptoms that come along with.
Common Symptoms Associated With Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Since there are a wide variety of STDs it is difficult to pin down them all down into one list of symptoms. STDs can be transmitted through oral, anal, and vaginal intercourse, meaning STDs can impact different parts of your body but be caused by the same disease.
If you have any of the following symptoms, it is important that you go to your local Urgent Medical Center for testing.
- Sore or itchy genitals
- Discharge from gentiles
- Strong, unfamiliar odor
- Burning when you urinate
Common Types of STDs and Their Symptoms
As mentioned before, STDs come with all types of symptoms and titles. Certain STDs are more common in the US than others. The STDs you are most likely to come into contact with include:
Chlamydia
With over 1 million new cases each year, Chlamydia is the most common STD in America. Women 15-24 are at the greatest risk for contracting it. If chlamydia is left untreated, it can severely damage a woman’s reproductive system, rendering her infertile. Although it can be treated and cured, you can be infected with chlamydia more than once in your lifetime.
Symptoms of chlamydia: odd vaginal or penis discharge, burning while urinating.
Herpes
About 1 in every 6 people in the US between the ages 14-49 have genital herpes according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many people that have herpes are unaware they carry the disease. Herpes can be caused by one of two viruses, herpes simplex type 1 or herpes simplex type 2. While herpes is a chronic disease with no cure, there are medications you can take to reduce the chance of spreading it, and also to help reduce symptoms associated with an outbreak.
Symptoms of herpes: outbreaks occur as sores around the gentiles, these sores carry the virus. (Read More)
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea, often called the clap or drip, is a popular STD with 700,000 new cases reported each year in the US. Women 15-24 and men 20-24 are the most common age groups to get gonorrhea. It is common for gonorrhea and chlamydia to occur simultaneously.
Symptoms of gonorrhea: burning with urination, green or yellow vaginal or penis discharge, conjunctivitis (in eyes), pain or swelling at the site of contraction (mouth, throat, anus, vagina, or penis). In some cases, gonorrhea has no symptoms at all. (More Information on Gonorrhea)
Genital Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV impacts 20 million new people each year, and over 50% of people who are sexually active will get HPV at some point. Only certain types of HPV are known contributors to cancer. Often the virus goes away on its own without treatment. You don’t have to have intercourse to spread HPV; it is often spread during ‘sex play’ where only skin contact is made. There is a vaccine for HPV that women can get which protects against the 2 most dangerous types of HPV, responsible for causing 70% of all cervical cancers.
Symptoms of HPV: there are usually no symptoms for HPV, and 90% of outbreaks go away on their own.
Of course, these are only some of the most common STDs. Many other STDs are prevalent and regularly tested for, including: syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hep-C, and Trichoniasis.
Testing & Treatment For STDs
There is not one single STD test that can identify all types of STDs because there are different types of STDs that show up in very different ways. STDs can sometimes be detected through a simple examination. If there are sores or pustules, for example, a doctor will be able to see this and know what it is, or at least order further testing to clarify. Discharge or other tissues may be extracted for further testing. Tests may also require urine, saliva, or blood samples.
If you do test positive for an STD, you want to take the proper steps to get it under control. When ignored, STDs can cause future problems for you, even in regards to something as serious as your fertility. STDs can be obvious or they can be rather discreet, the only way to know for sure is to have an STD test conducted. If you are sexually active you should undergo regular testing to make sure you are STD-free.
Depending on what you are diagnosed with, there may or may not be a cure. For chronic STDs there are treatments available to help decrease your symptoms and help prevent the spread to others.
Do Urgent Care Centers Provide STD Testing?
If you are concerned about having an STD you want answers fast, which is exactly what our walk-in services can provide you. At Urgent Medical Center we provide STD testing that is confidential, accurate, and covered by insurance.
