STD/Infection Screening

Types of STD’s

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is caused by a bacteria that infects your cervix or urethra. You may not have any symptoms, or you may have vaginal discharge, bleeding after intercourse, or frequent urination. If untreated, it can cause pelvic infections that can lead to infertility. If you are pregnant, chlamydia is associated with preterm birth and can cause eye or lung infections in your baby. It is treatable with antibiotics. Your partner must be treated as well.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is caused by a bacteria that infects your cervix or urethra. You may have vaginal discharge, frequent urination, or you may have no symptoms. It can cause throat and skin infections in women and if untreated, can cause serious pelvic infections and infertility. It can also cause pregnancy complications like preterm birth and eye or throat infections in the baby. It is treated with antibiotics; it is important that your partner is treated as well.

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is caused by a virus, either HSV 1 or HSV 2. It causes intermittent blisters and sores, which can vary from barely noticeable to very painful. You cannot cure the virus, but you can treat with antiviral medications to shorten or suppress herpes outbreaks. You should tell your partner if you have herpes.

Trichomonas

Trichomonas is caused by a parasite that infects the vagina and cervix. It usually causes vaginal discharge and irritation, but you may have no symptoms. It is treatable with an antibiotic. It is important that your partner receives treatment as well.

Syphilis

Syphilis is caused by a bacteria that infects the skin of the vulva in its primary stage, causing a painless sore. If untreated, the sore will resolve but the bacteria will spread to the blood and can affect the skin, brain, heart, or many other organs in its secondary and tertiary stages. It can cause serious pregnancy complications. Syphilis is treatable with antibiotics.

HIV

HIV is a virus that infects your white blood cells. It usually causes flu-like symptoms but can by asymptomatic. It weakens your immune system and can cause serious complications like AIDS. There are medicines to control the HIV virus and decrease its levels in your blood. Everyone should be screened at least once for HIV.

HPV

HPV is a virus; there are high risk and low risk types of HPV. High risk HPV is sexually transmitted. It infects the cervix and causes abnormal pap smears. It can eventually cause cervical cancer. Low risk HPV types cause genital warts. Your immune system can sometimes clear the HPV virus if you are healthy, avoid smoking, and eat a healthy diet. You should tell your partner if you have HPV.

How do STD’s spread?

How do STD’s start? STD’s usually begin and are spread through sex—vaginal, oral or anal. STD’s can be spread through any type of sex: from a male to a female, a female to a male, a male to another male or a female to another female. Some STD’s can be spread through any contact between the penis, vagina, mouth or anus – even if there is no penetration. For example, genital herpes is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, and can be transmitted even if there is no penetration. Some STD’s can be spread in other ways also. For example, HIV and hepatitis B are also spread through sharing needles for injecting drugs or medicines.

Other common questions about STD’s. Contact our offices to schedule an appointment to learn more.

How does the first person get an STD?

What are the causes of an STD in females?

What are common STD symptoms?

Can STD’s be cured?

When do symptoms of STD’s start?

STD treatment

Types of sexually transmitted diseases

How can I protect myself from STDs?

There are lots of ways to reduce your risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Of course, the best way to avoid STDs and unwanted pregnancy is not to have sex. For those who do choose to become sexually active, though, there are ways you can help reduce your risk of contracting an STD.

• Communicate

Talk with your partner(s) about STDs, sexual health, and prevention prior to sexual activity. Open communication encourages trust and respect among partners and helps reduce the risks for STDs. Also, don’t be afraid to talk honestly with your healthcare provider about your sexual practices or to ask about STD tests.

• Protect Yourself

Condoms work really well in stopping most STDs from being passed from an infected partner to another when they are used consistently and correctly every time a person has oral, vaginal or anal sex. Consistently and correctly means that a person makes sure they use a condom every time they have oral, vaginal or anal sex and put it on and use it the right way.

• Get Tested

• Learn More About Vaccines

• Limit Number of Partners

• Avoid Alcohol and Drug Abuse