Is there a chance you could have contracted an STD? Most sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) require treatment and will not go away on their own. If you are sexually active, you should be tested for STDs.
What Are STDs?
STDs are infections easily transmitted through sexual contact with an infected partner. Birth control does not protect against STDs, and condoms cannot provide absolute protection against STDs.
Some STDs can also be passed through contaminated items coming into contact with blood, as in needle sharing, and from mother to baby either while the baby is in the uterus or when it passes through the birth canal.
Some STDs can be asymptomatic. This means some STDs can be present in your body for a long time without symptoms. Even without symptoms from an STD, passing it to your partner is still possible.
Most STDs Are Treatable
There are two main types of STDs: bacterial and viral.
Bacterial STDs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, are treated using antibiotics.
Viral STDs like herpes or the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cannot be cured but can be treated. This means someone diagnosed with a viral STD will always have it, but treatment can make the symptoms less severe.
Risks of STDs
It can be dangerous to let an STD go untreated; this is why testing for STDs is so important. According to the Mayo Clinic, complications of STDs can include:
- Pelvic pain
- Pregnancy complications
- Eye inflammation
- Arthritis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Infertility
- Heart disease
- Certain cancers, such as HPV-associated cervical and rectal cancers and oral cancers
Get Tested
Vida Medical Clinic offers free STD testing. Take control of your health by taking advantage of this no-cost service! Request an appointment here online or call 920-731-4354.
