Five Facts About Sexually Transmitted Diseases to Know About

Every day, more than 1 million new STIs are acquired. In 2016, an estimated 376 million new infections were reported, with chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis being the most reported.

Curable STDs include syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. The incurable includes hepatitis B virus (HBV), herpes simplex virus, HIV, and HPV.

Sexually transmitted diseases predominantly spread via sexual contact. However, some like HIV can spread through non-sexual means and bodily fluids like blood or saliva. Some STIs can also be spread from mother to child during childbirth.

What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infectious diseases that spread between people through sexual contact. Bacteria, parasites, and the virus can cause STD.

STDs primarily affect the reproductive system of adults and may lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, neonatal death, conjunctivitis (an eye disease), blindness, and chronic illness. STDs in children may cause cognitive and physical consequences such as abnormal growth and developmental delays. STDs can affect anyone regardless of age, sex, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual activity level, or religious affiliation.

How Does Someone Get a Sexually Transmitted Disease?

Sexually transmitted diseases are typically contracted through contact with a pathogen. Some STDs, such as syphilis and HIV, can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.

STDs include bacterial vaginosis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), genital warts, scabies, crabs, or pubic lice.

STDs can be dangerous if left untreated, and you are advised to get STD testing near you if you are planning to be sexually active.

It is also important to have crucial information about STDs and how to manage them, and here are five facts about STDs:

1. Most STD do not have symptoms
Most sexually transmitted diseases can go unnoticed because they usually do not have warning signs in the early stages. That is why it is crucial to get STD testing in Richmond, TX, annually or if you start a new sexual relationship.
Early treatment for STDs is the best way to prevent complications from STDs. STDs can lead to long-term health problems if not treated promptly.

2. Some STDs cause infertility
STDs that may cause infertility include chlamydia and gonorrhea. If these STDs are not treated on time, they can lead to PID or Pelvic Inflammatory disease, an infection that affects the fallopian tubes. The infection can prevent the fertilization of the egg or keep it from reaching the womb. These STDs also affect fertility in men, though it is rare.

3.STDs present similar symptoms in both men and women
When the STDs advance, they can cause symptoms like:

• Pain during urination
• Unusual discharge from the genitals
• Sores, bumps, and rashes around genitals, rectum, thighs, and mouth

But, it is worth noting that some STDs may have specific symptoms, and you need urgent care for STD testing to determine the exact symptom.

4. Any sexual activity (apart from intercourse) can spread STD
Oral and anal sex can expose people to several STDs like herpes, chlamydia, HPV, and syphilis.

5. Annual STD testing is recommended
If you are sexually active, it is recommended that you get tested for STD at least once a year.

What Are the Common STDs?

It is reported that around 25 types of STDs can spread sexually, but the most common types include:

• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Syphilis
• Herpes
• HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)
• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) affects your immune system and creates room for opportunistic infections. It is crucial to seek urgent care clinic near you if you suspect you have come in contact with the virus. The doctor can take measures to prevent its growth.

Where Can You Go for Testing and Treatment for STDs?

It is important to know STDs are not associated with any particular class, sex, or race. STDs aren’t limited to low-income communities or among certain individuals. If you suspect that you or your partner might have STDs, the first thing you should do is to seek urgent care nearby for testing. The doctor can identify which STDs you may have contracted and start treating them right away.

STD testing is available at clinics all over the country, including publicly funded county health departments, Planned Parenthood affiliates, urgent care centers like Richmond urgent care, private health care providers, emergency rooms, and local health departments.

STD testing can be done through urine samples, blood tests, and swabs of the genitals or rectum. STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can be cured with antibiotics as long as they are diagnosed early on.

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Visit Sunrise Urgent Care Center for more information about Sexually Transmitted Diseases and how you can prevent them.