Anybody who’s sexually active can contract an STD, even if they use protection.
Since STD symptoms vary in severity and onset time, it isn’t always easy to tell the difference between a sexually transmitted disease and a run-of-the-mill bacterial infection. Read more to learn about common STDs and their symptoms, or contact Core Medicine of Idaho today to request an appointment.
An Overview of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
A sexually transmitted disease, or STD, is a generic term used to describe infections and other medical conditions transmitted through sexual activity.
Sexual activity isn’t strictly limited to intercourse. It can also include any other activity involving your:
- Mouth
- Anus
- Vagina
- Penis
- Fingers
STDs are often associated with sexual intimacy, but some infections can spread through kissing, sharing a bottle, and other types of skin-to-skin contact.
Risk Factors for STDs
Every sexually active person could contract an STD, but certain risk factors increase the probability of infection. These risk factors include:
- Having unprotected sex
- Having many sexual partners
- Having a history of STDs
- Sharing needles or using non-prescription injectable drugs
In some rare cases, pregnant mothers can also transfer untreated sexually transmitted diseases to their infants, both during and before delivery. STDs in young children can cause serious medical complications, up to and including death.
The Most Common Types of STDs
Sexually transmitted diseases can be caused by many different types of bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. The most common STDs include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Chlamydia
- Genital herpes
- Gonorrhea
- Hepatitis B
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
Some STDs, like HIV/AIDS, can be managed but not cured. However, many others can be successfully and quickly treated, at least when diagnosed early.
5 STD Symptoms to Watch Out For
Sexually transmitted diseases tend to cause noticeable discomfort around the genitals. Some of the most common STD symptoms include:
- Painful or frequent urination.
- Burning or itching while urinating.
- Discharge from your penis or vagina, which may or may not have a noticeably unpleasant odor.
- Vaginal bleeding when you’re not on your period.
- Bumps, warts, or rashes near your penis, vagina, anus, or mouth.
Although the most frequently-reported STD symptoms involve pain or discomfort around the genitals, different types of sexually transmitted diseases affect different people in very different ways. Some STDs can also trigger more generalized feelings of discomfort and malaise. If you have an infection, you may also notice:
- A rash on your skin
- Unexpected or unwanted weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Muscle aches and pains
- Jaundice, or the yellowing of your skin and eyes
Not everyone who contracts an STD will display symptoms, even if they have an active and transmissible infection.
Protect Your Health by Being Proactive: Visit Core Medicine of Idaho Today
Sexually transmitted diseases are extraordinarily common, affecting one out of every five Americans. However, the prevalence of STDs doesn’t mean that their symptoms should ever be ignored. Even if you’re in good health and confident that an infection will resolve on its own, you could inadvertently expose your loved ones to disease.
Furthermore, some STDs can pose a serious long-term risk to your health and well-being. Syphilis, for instance, can start with a rash, wart-like sores, or an inexplicable rash. It is easily treatable in its early stages, but can cause irreversible brain and organ damage if ignored.
You don’t have to take chances with your health. Core Medicine of Idaho could help you make sense of your symptoms. Our Caldwell urgent care services offers:
- Convenient and affordable access to highly experienced medical providers
- On-site laboratory testing facilities
- An on-site pharmacy stocked with the medication needed to treat most STDs
- Little to no waiting times
If you’re on the fence about a possible STD, Core Medicine of Idaho could help you get the answers you need and the care that you deserve.