What are STDs?
STDs, sexually transmitted diseases, are infections — bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic — passed through sexual contact. They affect many people every year, but the effects are often especially detrimental to women.
Types of STDs include:
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Hepatitis
- Genital herpes
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
How do I know I have an STD?
Many STDs don’t have visible or noticeable symptoms, so the only way to know if you have an STD is to get tested. Even without symptoms, you can still pass an STD to a sexual partner.
Common symptoms that may indicate you have an STD include:
- Painful urination
- Pain during intercourse
- Cloudy or bloody vaginal discharge
- Vaginal itching or burning
- Strange vaginal odor
- Development of vaginal warts or blisters
How do I get tested for STDs?
The caring and compassionate team of female professionals at My OB/GYN Specialists provide confidential and safe STD testing at the office. The type of testing you need may depend on your symptoms — if any — as well as your sexual history.
Common testing for STDs includes:
- Blood test
- Urinalysis
- Pelvic examination
- Cervical cell sampling
- Culture of a lesion
How are STDs treated?
Treatment varies for STDs and depends on the type of infection you have. If it’s a bacterial or parasitic infection, such as chlamydia or trichomoniasis, the team at My OB/GYN Specialists can treat and clear up your infection with antibiotics.
If it’s a viral infection, such as HIV or HPV, treatment revolves around managing your symptoms, as there is no cure for these and some other STDs.
What is a pelvic inflammatory disease?
Pelvic inflammatory disease is a condition that arises from untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease include:
- Pelvic pain
- Fever
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Bleeding in between your menstrual cycle
Pelvic inflammatory disease is curable and treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, however, it may lead to problems with your reproductive organs and cause infertility.
How can I prevent getting STDs?
You may be able to prevent getting an STD by:
- Abstaining from sexual intercourse
- Reducing your number of sexual partners
- Using condoms
The team at My OB/GYN Specialists also offers vaccinations for HPV to help prevent this viral infection.
For STD testing and treatment, call the office or book an appointment online.
