5 Encouraging Facts About STDs

If you have an STD, you have a sexually transmitted disease. These conditions are also known as sexually transmitted infections or STIs.

There are numerous STDs, but they all spread through sexual interactions involving the mouth, vagina, penis, or anus. They’re also highly contagious, and it’s possible to pass them on without knowing it.

Some STDs can also compromise your reproductive and overall health without treatment.

Dr. Rekha Kesavan and the Comprehensive Primary Care team offer preventive healthcare services. These exams protect you from illnesses and diseases that can impact your health and longevity, including STDs.

STDs can seem scary, but they don’t have to be. 

Here are five encouraging facts you should know about sexually transmitted diseases.

1. STDs are common

First, there’s a lot of shame associated with STDs, which can keep people from seeking medical care. However, these infections are incredibly common.

Estimates show that there are more than 25 million STDs in the United States each year. In 2021, the CDC reported approximately 2.5 million cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis alone.

STDs are so common that anyone sexually active can get an STD. In fact, 1 in 2 people contract an infection by age 25. However, certain factors can increase your chances of infection.

Our team can offer personalized guidance to protect your sexual health in a judgment-free and supportive setting.

2. STDs can trigger symptoms

Developing symptoms may not seem like a good thing, but it can help tip you off to a problem so you can schedule an appointment ASAP.

Common signs of an STD include:

• Painful or burning urination
• Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Discharge from the penis
• Lower abdominal, pelvic, or testicular pain
• Pain or discomfort during sexual activity
• Bumps or sores in, on, or around the genitals, rectal area, or mouth
• Rash, especially on the hands, feet, or torso

It’s important not to ignore the symptoms of an STD. Without treatment, they can cause serious complications, ranging from infertility and chronic pain to shortened lifespan and infant death.

3. Routine screenings can detect STDs

Unfortunately, most STDs don’t cause symptoms — which means you can have them until serious issues arise or it spreads to a sexual partner.

Fortunately, routine screenings can detect STDs, whether you have symptoms or not.

Our team recommends annual testing. However, we could suggest more frequent screenings if you have a new sexual partner, multiple partners, or unprotected sex.

4. All infections are treatable

An STD diagnosis can be alarming. However, treatment strategies exist for all infections, even if they can’t be cured.

As mentioned, there are numerous STDs. Like all infections, they develop from microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, or parasites. 

STDs caused by bacteria or parasites often get cured with antibiotic medications — for instance, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

However, viral infections like herpes and HIV require management strategies involving antiviral drugs. These medications help control the virus, which can lower the risk of recurrence and potential spread to others.

5. There are ways to prevent STDs

Now for the good news — STDs are common, but you can reduce your chances of infection.

To protect your sexual health, our team suggests:

• Using barriers — like condoms, dental dams, or latex gloves — during oral, vaginal, and anal sexual activity
• Having fewer sex partners
• Talking with partners about sexual history
• Learning to recognize the signs of an STD

Finally, getting regular STD testing can help protect you and others.

Have you had an STD screening lately? Schedule a consultation with one of our Comprehensive Primary Care experts in Suwanee or Lawrenceville, Georgia, today.