What are STDs?

“STD” stands for “Sexually Transmitted Disease.” Sometimes this is also abbreviated as “STI,” which stand for “Sexually Transmitted Infection.”

STDs can be transmitted through oral, anal and/or vaginal sexual activity. Some STDs can be transmitted through skin to skin contact. This means the infection can be transmitted without any sexual penetration and without the presence of sexual fluids.

How many STDs are there?

Currently, there are more than 26 STDs that have been identified. About half (13) of these are fairly common.

Who should be tested for STDs?

Anyone who has/had: symptoms of an STD infection, more than one sexual partner, a partner who had more than one sexual partner, engaged in sexual activity without knowing the sexual history of a partner should consider being screened for STDs.

What are the symptoms of STDs?

The most common symptoms of STDs include: discharge, burning or pain when urinating, and itching around the genitals. Other symptoms may include sores or blisters on the genitals. If you have any of these symptoms, it would be a good idea to contact your medical provider, or our STD Clinic, to schedule an STD screening.

If I don’t have any of these symptoms, should I still be concerned?

Often, people who are infected with STDs have no signs or symptoms of infection.

If you have an STD, even if you have no signs or symptoms, you can still pass it on to your sex partner(s).

Also, left untreated, STDs can lead to more serious health problems including: sterility, infertility, organ damage and death.

If I had some of these symptoms, but they went away, should I still be concerned?

STDs do not go away unless they are treated. If you had symptoms in the past, and were never treated, it would be a good idea to talk with your medical provider, or contact our STD clinic, about your experience.

If my annual Pap test is negative, should I still be concerned?

The Pap test is looking for changes in the cervix that may be the result of being infected with HPV.

The Pap test will not tell you if you are infected with other STDs.

Unless you speak with your provider, about being screened for STDs, do not assume these tests are being done.

Can STDs be cured?

STDs that are caused by bacteria, protozoa, fungi and parasites can be treated and cured.

The STDs that are caused by viruses can be treated, but usually cannot be cured. This means that there are medications that can control the virus, but they do not make the virus go away; and the medications can help to make the symptoms go away, but the symptoms may come back again. It also means, someone who has the virus can still pass it on to their sex partner(s).

Where can I be tested for STDs?

You can contact our STD Clinic (or any state funded site) to schedule a free STD screening. You can also contact your medical provider to request an appointment for a full STD screen.

How can I prevent STD infections?

Abstinence (choosing to not have sex) is the 100% effective method of preventing STD infection.

Mutual monogamy (having only one sex partner, who is not infected, and who is only having sex with you) is the next best method of STD prevention.

If neither of these choices are realistic for you, you may want to contact our Prevention Services Department to discuss strategies for reducing your risk of STD infection.

QUESTIONS?

For further information about our STD screening and treatment services, contact our STD Clinic Manager, Gail Kerschner, RN at (610)375-6523, extension 105 or gkerschner@cocountywellnessservices.org.

 

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All services are confidential and provided free of charge.