STD

What you needs to know about sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections which are passed through sexual intercourse or sexual contact; most often, an STD is passed during unprotected sex. These infections and diseases include HIV and AIDS, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and pubic lice. Almost half of all sexually transmitted diseases are contracted by people between the ages of 15 and 24.

Symptoms of STDS

People who have caught an STD are sometimes completely unaware that they have a disease; STD symptoms can be non-existent, or so mild that the sufferer doesn’t realize they are infected. A number of STDs, including chlamydia, are “silent;” up to 70 percent of all chlamydia cases are completely asymptomatic.

Women need to be mindful that common conditions, such as a yeast infection, can feature some of the same symptoms seen in common STDs. You should have any such symptoms checked out by a doctor and avoid self-diagnosis.

Women are also more likely to suffer serious consequences after being infected by STDs. Common STD symptoms that you should watch for include pain during duration, itchiness or burning in the genitals, lumps or swelling in the pubic area, abnormal discharges and genital sores or lesions.

STD Testing and Cures

Before taking an STD test, it is important to get a sexual health risk assessment, performed by a registered nurse. If you’re visiting a testing clinic because one of your partners has a confirmed STD, ensure that the clinic performs a test specific to that STD, as some only test for a narrow range of conditions.

Some STD testing is limited to particular high-risk groups, which is why the risk assessment is necessary. A sexual health clinic will also offer STD information and advice, as well as tips on how to protect yourself.

Some sexually transmitted diseases are curable – bacterial infections such as gonorrhea and syphilis are treated with antibiotics, though this does not always result in a complete cure. People being treated for STDs need to return for a re-test around 12 weeks after treatment. Some STDS cannot be cured at all; viruses such as herpes and hepatitis are not curable, although their symptoms can be managed, and HIV/AIDS cannot currently be conquered. The best way to avoid STDs is to practice safe sex or abstinence.