According to the CDC, millions of Americans are diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs or STIs) every year. Like any infection, early treatment is essential for relieving uncomfortable symptoms and preventing potentially serious complications.
At Adult and Pediatric Urology, Alfred Shtainer, MD, FACS, provides his patients with comprehensive, confidential STD testing using the most advanced techniques for quick, accurate results. Here’s what you should do if you think you might have an STD.
STDs can cause an array of symptoms, and knowing what they are can help you decide if what you’re experiencing is from an STD or perhaps another problem. Symptoms to look for include:
Many STD symptoms are subtle, especially in their earliest stages. You should have your symptoms checked to prevent complications.
If you think you have an STD, schedule an office visit right away. During your visit, we’ll review your symptoms and perform lab tests, like blood testing or urinalysis.
If you have discharge or a weeping sore, we may take a sample of that fluid, as well. Be completely honest about your sexual health and activity, so we can recommend the most appropriate tests.
As nerve-racking as it may be, if you’re diagnosed with an STD, you should talk to your partner right away. STDs are highly contagious, and if you have an infection, there’s a good chance they have it, too. If your test results come back positive, tell them as soon as possible so they can be tested — and treated — right away.
STDs can be passed from one person to another even during treatment. If you’ve been diagnosed with an STD, it’s important to completely abstain from any type of sex — vaginal, anal, or oral — to avoid any activities where bodily fluids could be exchanged. That includes using sex toys that haven’t been sterilized.
Many STDs respond well to treatment, but the key to getting rid of the infection is to stick to your treatment plan, including using medication exactly as prescribed. Failing to do so means the infection can come back or you could pass it on to your partner.
Some diseases, like herpes, can’t be cured by medication. These infections require an ongoing management plan to keep symptoms in check.
After you complete your STD treatment, it’s a good idea to be tested again to make sure your treatment is successful. Being retested also provides you (and your partner) with important peace of mind.
Whether you have an STD or symptoms are due to another issue, adhering to safer sex practices is the best way to prevent infection in the future. Regular screening is also important. In fact, the CDC recommends STD screening for people who are sexually active.
STDs can cause serious — sometimes life-threatening — complications without prompt treatment. If you think you have an STD or if you want to be screened for your own peace of mind, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Shtainer and the team at Adult and Pediatric Urology in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, New York, today.
