Annual screening for STDs is recommended for all sexually active women 25 years and under. STDs don’t always have visible symptoms, so it’s important to have regular STD testing to be sure of your sexual health. Some STDs can have more severe consequences if left untreated than others.
What Are STDs?
STD stands for sexually transmitted disease, a disease or infection that is contagious and can spread through sexual contact or bodily fluids like semen or blood. It’s more common to contract an STD when you have multiple partners. Sexually transmitted diseases can be caused by:
- Bacteria – Gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia are examples of STDs that are caused by bacteria.
- Parasites – Trichomoniasis is an STD caused by a parasite.
- Viruses – STDs caused by viruses include human papillomavirus (HPV), the herpes simplex virus, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS.
What Are the Symptoms?
STDs don’t always cause visible symptoms, and you could have an STD without even knowing it. While some STDs don’t have symptoms, some do have noticeable signs to look out for.
It’s vital to your health to get tested if you have any symptoms or if you haven’t been tested this year. Here are some common STD symptoms that could point to a possible STD:
- Fever
- Lower abdominal pain
- Painful, burning urination
- Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Sore, swollen lymph nodes
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
Get Tested Right Away
Taking an STD test can be scary, but you are not alone. Getting tested is essential to protecting your health. Talk to us today if you need more information regarding STDs or a potential pregnancy.
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