What are STDs?
STDs are infections, which include bacteria, viruses, or parasites, passed from one person to another through sexual intercourse.
Types of STDs include:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Gonorrhea and chlamydia
- Genital warts
- Syphilis
How do I know if I have an STD?
You may not know you have an STD because the symptoms are mild, or you may confuse the symptoms as something else. If you’re sexually active, the only way to know if you have an STD is to get tested.
Common symptoms of STDs include:
- Painful urination
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Vaginal discharge or strong vaginal odor
- Bleeding in between your periods
- Fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes or glands
- Bumps or itchy genitalia
What type of tests do I need?
The type of tests you need to check for STDs varies. The team at MyDoc Women’s Health Specialists offer full panel testing and determine specific tests for you after they’ve gotten your sexual history and conducted a physical exam.
Types of testing may include:
- Blood and urine sample
- Pap or HPV test
- Tissue swab
Can STDs affect my health?
If left untreated, STDs can lead to health problems, including:
- Infertility
- Transmission of the infection to your baby
- Organ damage or spreading of infection to other parts of your body
- Certain types of cancer, such as cervical cancer with specific strains of HPV
How are STDs treated?
Treatment for STDs depends on the type of STD you’ve contracted. For bacterial infection, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, an antibiotic can clear the infection and prevent health problems.
With viral infections, such as HPV or HIV, there is no cure and medications are prescribed to help manage symptoms.
The team at MyDoc Women’s Health Specialists may recommend preventive measures to reduce your risk of getting an STD. These measures might include receiving vaccinations for hepatitis and HPV. The team also supports the use of condoms or monogamous sexual relationships to protect yourself from illness.
For confidential STD testing with a caring team of female practitioners, call the office, or book an appointment with the online booking agent.
