How Can I Tell if I Have a Sexually-Transmitted Disease?
Many sexually-transmitted diseases cause few or no symptoms until they’ve progressed to more serious stages, which is why having regular STD testing is so important. Depending on the type of STD that’s present and how far it’s progressed, symptoms can include:
- sores around the genitals, anus, or mouth
- redness, swelling, or bumps around the genitals, anus, or mouth
- problems urinating or pain when urinating
- vaginal discharge
- burning or intense itching around the genitals or anus
- aching in the lower belly or pelvic region, sometimes accompanied by fever
How Can I Tell if I Should Be Tested for STDs?
Generally speaking, anyone who is sexually active should have STD testing performed once each year, and those who participate in risky sexual behavior such as having multiple partners or having unprotected sex should be tested more often – at least every three to six months, according to recommendations from the U.S. Department of Health. STD testing is also a good idea for women who are pregnant to identify diseases that could be passed on to the baby either during birth or while still in the uterus. Regular testing is important because many diseases cause few or no symptoms in their early stages when they may be most easily treated. Plus, having regular STD testing helps prevent the disease from being transmitted unwittingly from one person to another.
What Happens During STD Testing?
STD testing can be performed using different methods, including visual examination, pelvic exams, blood tests, and urine tests. In some cases, a small tissue sample may be taken for testing in a lab.
Are All STDs Treatable?
While all STDs can be treated and managed, not all diseases can be cured. For instance, HIV infection or genital warts caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) cannot be cured, but these and similar conditions can be managed with medications, routine office visits, minimally-invasive procedures, and other methods. Many other STDs can be effectively treated or cured with medications like antibiotics.
