Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) or Sexually Transmitted Infections(STIs) are diseases spread from one person to another. There are more than twenty types of these diseases with different symptoms. While STDs are unpleasant to talk about, knowing the signs and discussing concerns with a doctor are essential to you and your partner's health.
AFC Hillsdale provides discreet and confidential STD testing every day. You don't need an appointment to be seen by one of our providers. Visit our walk-in center to get tested today.
Symptoms
STDs occur when viruses or bacteria are spread from person to person. Infection can occur through any type of sex and exchange of bodily fluids. Identifying the symptoms can help prevent further spread and allow patients to inform their doctors better. There may be no noticeable symptoms for some STDs, but other common symptoms for women include:
- Frequent urination
- Pain around the pelvis
- Dischareg fromthe vagin
- Odor from the vagina
- Itching or burning vagina
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Bumps, blisters, or sores in the mouth, anus, or vagina
- Pain or burning when using the bathroom
- Deep inner pain during sex
Diagnosis
A physician can diagnose STDs through various methods. The physician may examine the area to check for visual signs of an STD and then order a sample as a result. Testing for an STD can be done through a swab used on the mouth, vagina, or anus to procure a sample to be examined. Blood and urine can also be used to identify the presence of an STD. Blood and urine tests may not reveal an STD if it has not been long enough since the patient contracted it. Testing will reveal the bacteria or virus present in the fluid, blood, or urine. After testing, the doctor will provide information and a prescription for treatment.
Treatment
Some STDs can be treated with medicine to either cure the disease or manage it long term. The treatment and results vary with the disease, and it is important to reach out for treatment sooner than later if an infection is suspected.
- Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection that can be treated with antibiotics.
- Genital warts are caused by human papillomavirus(HPV) can be treated with ointments and removed with surgery, but there is no current cure. They can be avoided by getting the HPV vaccine, as genital warts are caused by HPV.
- Chlamydia is a very common bacterial infection and can be cured with antibiotics.
- Gonorrhea is a genital infection and can be cured with antibiotics.
- Hepatitis B is an infection that, although transmitted, sexually affects the liver. There is no known cure, but there are vaccines to prevent infection, and there are also medicines for lifelong management of the virus.
- Syphilis is a life-threatening infection if left untreated. Fortunately, penicillin can cure a patient's syphilis infection.
- Genital Herpes is a common infection with no known cure but can be treated with antiviral medicine.
- AIDS or autoimmune deficiency syndrome is an incurable and possibly life-threatening infection. There are available antiviral medicines to help manage this virus that attacks the immune system.
Get Tested
If you have multiple partners or believe that you have come in contact with someone with an STD, it is recommended to get tested. Testing can be done at the primary care physician's office or other clinics where available.
