Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment

Let’s say you have a new partner. You don’t know if they have been tested for an STD, so you ask. “I haven’t, but I’m sure I’m clean,” they tell you. A few days later you find yourself experiencing what seems to be the symptoms of an STD. 

Sexually transmitted diseases are no joke. One wrong encounter can lead to a world of irritation and pain. What symptoms should you look out for? How do you avoid an STD? Can you treat them? 

Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Diseases 

Sexually transmitted diseases can cause a large number of different symptoms, all of which pertain to a specific kind of STD. These symptoms could be related to hepatitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, HIV, genital herpes, genital warts, and syphilis. 

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If you have had an encounter with a person that you may think is an STD carrier, there are symptoms to look out for. Bumps, sores, and warts can appear around the mouth, anus, penis, or vagina, as well as swelling, redness, itching, or a rash. An STD victim may find that it hurts to urinate, or that their urine has changed color. Women and men can both experience discharge of varying colors, but women can also find that they are bleeding outside of their regular menstrual period. It is also important to watch out for weight loss, fever, and painful sex. 

Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

In order to prevent an STD, it is important for both the carrier of an STD and a person without an STD to understand how these diseases can be transmitted. Did you know that there are asymptomatic STIs? This means that the carrier never experiences any symptoms of any infection, but can still transfer it to another. Some STDs, like hepatitis, can transfer through blood. 

The best way to know if you are safe to have sex without spreading a possible STD is to get an STD test, but what if your partner hasn’t gotten one? Communication is very important in any kind of relationship, especially sexual. Asking your partner if they have been tested for STDs before any sexual activity should be a priority. 

The easiest way to prevent an STD from spreading is the use of a condom. This isn’t a foolproof method, however. Another easy way is to receive vaccinations from your doctor. You can receive vaccinations for HPV, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B. Sexually transmitted diseases can be spread orally, as well as anally. STDs can also spread from sharing needles and from having multiple sexual partners. 

To prevent these circumstances from infecting you or your partner, you must communicate. Don’t be afraid to ask your partner if they have had an STD test because it could certainly save you from an STD. 

Treatment 

Between bacterial and viral STDs, bacterial STDs can be cured. When you are given an antibiotic for your bacterial STD, sometimes you will find that your doctor will supply you with antibiotics for your current partner as well. It is very important to complete your regimen of antibiotics, even if your symptoms go away. If you have a viral STD, the best you can do is to remain aware that you could infect someone and take the necessary measures to protect them from getting infected. 

When to See a Doctor

You should seek out a doctor the moment you think you may have come into contact with an STD or STI. If you have never received an STD test before, you should also consider doing so. Our services will not only get you in immediately to be seen for a potential STD, but we also have STD testing ready and available for you. You don’t need to be scared if you think you may have an STD, BASS Primary Care is here for you!

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