STD Q & A

How do I know if I have an STD?

STDs are quite prevalent, and can be transmitted from person to person through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Most of the time, you’ll know you have an STD by your symptoms, although some people don’t experience any immediate signs of infection. If you think you may have been exposed to an STD, you can get tested even before outward symptoms occur.

Many STDs are easily treated, so the sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you’ll be rid of the disease. Common STD symptoms include:

• Painful urination
• Blisters or sores around your mouth or genitals
• Growths around your genitals or anus
• Small bumps on your skin
• Pubic lice
• Itching around your genitals
• Vaginitis
• Flu-like symptoms, including fever and body aches

These symptoms can be signs of herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, or a number of other STDs. Fortunately, most of these conditions aren’t life-threatening and can be cured. HIV/AIDS and herpes are two STDs that have no cure, but with medications and lifestyle adjustments you can minimize outbreaks and live a healthy life.

When should I get tested for an STD?

Whenever you have unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal sex, or believe you’ve been exposed to someone with an STD, you should get tested within 24-48 hours. Dr. Bazel recommends making an appointment to be tested as soon as possible, even if you don’t yet notice any symptoms. You should not have sex with anyone until you’ve been tested to avoid spreading the disease to others, since it’s possible to transmit STDs even if you don’t have outward symptoms.

How can I prevent STDs?

One of the most effective ways to prevent STDs is to not have sex until you’re sure both you and your partner are free of STDs. When you’re in a long-term monogamous relationship and you and your partner test negative for any STDs, you’re safe. As long as you are only engaging in sex with each other, you can avoid contracting an STD in the future.

If you do have multiple partners, or you’re not sure if your current partner is free of STDs, it’s important to protect yourselves by using condoms or not engaging in sex until symptoms are gone. Condoms reduce the risk of transmitting STDs between partners, but can’t always provide total protection.

If you need to get tested for STDs, use the online scheduling tool or call one of Dr. Bazel’s locations to make an appointment today.