Even though not all people will experience symptoms, STDs do not go away on their own and can become quite dangerous when not properly treated. Taking control of your health and getting tested is the only way to confirm your health and wellness.
What Is an STD?
STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), sometimes called STIs (sexually transmitted infections), are disease-causing infections passed from one person to another via sexual contact.
Sometimes these pathogens can be passed on to infants during pregnancy and childbirth or from persons sharing needles or contaminated blood transfusions.
What Are the Symptoms and Risks of an STD?
Symptoms may not be present, which causes many STDs to go unnoticed for long periods, easily passed from one unaware person to another.
If symptoms do present, they could vary depending on the pathogen responsible. The Mayo Clinic states some signs and symptoms that can occur are:
Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area
Painful or burning urination
Discharge from the penis
Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge
Unusual vaginal bleeding
Pain during sex
Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin but sometimes more widespread
Lower abdominal pain
Fever
A rash over the trunk, hands, or feet
Furthermore, some complications that can take place when STDs are left untreated may be:
Pelvic pain
Pregnancy complications
Eye inflammation
Arthritis
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Infertility
Heart disease
Certain cancers, such as HPV-associated cancers
Seeking immediate, appropriate treatment is vital for your health and safety.
Who is at risk?
Those who participate in sex – even with a condom, genital skin-to-skin contact can transmit HPV, herpes, and monkeypox
Men having sex with men as anal tearing can transmit STDs through blood
Those who have sexual contact with multiple people
Those dealing with rape, assault circumstances
Misuse of alcohol or recreational drugs can alter judgment
Those who participate in injecting drugs and needle sharing
Being between 15-24 years old
Young women, due to their age group and the nature of the female anatomy, infections can go unnoticed. Women are also especially vulnerable to STDs due to vaginal tissue being conducive to infection infiltration.
Can I Treat an STD From Home?
STDs are not treatable by home remedy methods. It is necessary to seek medical attention so that the proper medication and measures will be taken.
Different pathogens have different treatment methods. First, it will be necessary to understand what infection is present. Then, the proper medication and therapy can be selected and immediately started to prevent complications.
Where Can I Go?
If you are unsure if you’ve been exposed to an STD and wish to receive the reassurance you deserve, schedule a free and confidential appointment with us today.
Here at Mosaic Health, we can test and treat STIs, ensuring you remain healthy and in control of your health.