common conditions
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When dealing with a new partner, there is no way of knowing if you are about to have a sexual encounter with someone carrying an STD. Communication plays a big role in determining whether or not they have had an STD test. But, iin some instances, you may still believe you have contracted an STD. Knowing the symptoms and details of an STD can help you notice the warning signs that you may have contracted one.
HIV
HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, can be contracted through blood or bodily fluids. These infections generally don’t have any symptoms, which makes them dangerous. Many patients may not know they have HIV until their later years when the infection is more dangerous to them. Symptoms can include fever, rashes, lesions, sweating, and blurred vision. Mothers with HIV can also pass the infection down to the baby during delivery or through breastfeeding. There is no cure for HIV, but there are medical advancements that have allowed HIV patients to live a long life.
Hepatitis B
Of all three forms of hepatitis, hepatitis B is the most likely to be transmitted through sex. Hepatitis B infections often do not cause symptoms, but possible symptoms include joint pain, hives, nausea, vomiting, headache, dark urine, and liver enlargement. Like HIV, there is no cure for hepatitis B, however, there are treatments that can help with symptoms. There are also vaccines that will protect those of us without hepatitis B from the infection.
Human Papillomavirus and Genital Warts
HPV is one of the most common STDs in the United States and is usually cleared up by the body on its own. However, sometimes, HPV can lead to particular kinds of cancer. HPV often appears with no symptoms and has over one hundred different forms. Some of these forms come with genital warts. These warts cause itching and pain, but can be treated with creams or removal.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is another common STD in the United States and can lead to infertility. Much like the other infections listed, gonorrhea can present without any symptoms. Possible symptoms include thick, cloudy discharge, bloody discharge, and painful urination. If ignored, gonorrhea can cause infertility and spread to the blood and joints. Gonorrhea STD treatment involves antibiotics. If you test positive for gonorrhea, you should make sure your partner is also tested.
Chlamydia
The leading cause of preventable infertility in the United States, chlamydia, can also cause pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancy. For women, chlamydia may cause odorous discharge, abdominal pain, back pain, nausea, pain after sex, painful urination and bleeding between periods. Men can experience both discharge and painful urination. Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. If you have chlamydia, your sexual partner should receive STD testing in case they have also been infected.
Prevention of STDs
The first step with any sexual partner should be a discussion about STDs. Your partner may have an STD that you need to protect yourself from, or they may have never been tested to begin with. If you carry a sexually transmitted disease, it is your duty to let your partner know that they could get infected. The easiest way to protect yourself or your partner from an STD is to use a condom. A condom prevents any shared fluids between you or your partner during intercourse.
When to Find Help
If you think you have an STD, you should go to a doctor immediately for testing. If you are on antibiotics for a sexually transmitted disease, a doctor may also provide antibiotics for your partner. The sooner you are seen about a possible STD, the better.
With our primary care, we offer speedy services and various testings, such as STD testing. You don’t have to be alone if you think you have an STD. Contact BASS Primary Care today; our physicians are here to treat you and help you figure out the next step.
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