According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are more than 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States each year. That works out to nearly 56,000 new infections every day.
In this article, we’re going to discuss what STDs are, how to prevent it, and where to get tested.
What are STDs and how do they spread?
STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, are illnesses that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. STDs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. They can be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, as well as through other close sexual contacts.
The most common STDs and their symptoms
The most common STDs include the following:
- Gonorrhea– Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can infect both men and women. It can cause infections in the genitals, rectum, and throat. Gonorrhea is spread through sexual contact with an infected person. Symptoms of gonorrhea may not appear for weeks or even months after infection. When they do appear, they can include burning during urination, yellow or green discharge from the penis, and pain or swelling in the testicles. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to infertility in men and women.
- Chlamydia– Chlamydia is another STD that can infect both men and women. It is caused by bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. Like gonorrhea, chlamydia is also spread through sexual contact with an infected person. Chlamydia also has similar symptoms to gonorrhea which can lead to infertility in men and women if left untreated.
- Syphilis– Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can infect both men and women. It is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Symptoms of syphilis may not appear for weeks or even months after infection. When they do appear, they can include a sore or rash on the genitals, rectum, or mouth. If left untreated, syphilis can lead to serious health problems including blindness, paralysis, and dementia.
- HIV/AIDS– HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. HIV is spread through sexual contact or through the blood and bodily fluids of an infected person. Symptoms of HIV/AIDS may not appear for years after infection. When they do appear, they can include fever, fatigue, and weight loss. If left untreated, HIV/AIDS can lead to death.
How to prevent STDs from spreading
There are several ways to prevent the spread of STDs, including:
- Abstaining from sexual contact– This is the only sure way to prevent the spread of STDs.
- Using condoms– Condoms can help reduce the risk of spreading STDs.
- Getting vaccinated– Vaccines are available for HPV and hepatitis B, two of the most common STDs.
- Getting tested– Getting tested for STDs is important so that you can get treatment if you have an infection.
If you think you may have an STD, it is important to see a healthcare provider so that you can be tested and treated. Treatment for STDs is often with antibiotics. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS, but there are treatments available that can prolong your life.
What to do if you think you might have an STD:
If you think you might have an STD, it is important to see a healthcare provider right away. STDs can be treated and cured. However, if left untreated, they can lead to serious health problems including infertility, cancer, and death. If you are sexually active, it is important to get tested for STDs on a regular basis. You can get tested at your local health department, community health center, or doctor’s office.
How to talk to your partner about STDs
If you are sexually active, it is important to talk to your partner about STDs. You should discuss your risk factors for STDs and get tested together. If one of you has an STD, it is important to tell your partner and get treated. This will help prevent the spread of the disease.
Where to get tested for STDs
Getting tested for STDs is easy and confidential. You can get tested at your local health department, community health center, or doctor’s office. Most STDs can be treated and cured. However, if left untreated, they can lead to serious health problems including infertility, cancer, and death.
You can also buy STD test kits at some pharmacies or online. However, it is important to remember that these test kits are not always accurate. If you get a positive result from a home test kit, you should see a healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis.
