STD is a term used to describe the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. HIV, genital herpes, and genital warts are common STDs. When a sexual partner has an STD, it can be passed on during sex. If you have symptoms of an STD but do not know what it is, you should see a doctor for testing and diagnosis.
The doctor can recommend the best course of action. Even if you don’t feel embarrassed by your situation, your doctor may be concerned about other issues like whether you were recently exposed to another infection, whether your symptoms may be related to something else entirely, such as another condition or medication, or whether the diagnosis and treatment should differ based on your age or any other factors.
Common Symptoms of STDs
There are many types of sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs), but they all have common symptoms that you should look out for. Many STDs cause no symptoms and can be left untreated for years without causing any major harm. However, untreated STDs can eventually lead to more serious complications, so it is very important to know how to recognize the signs of an STD so you can get tested as soon as possible.
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
- A rash around the groin area (in men) or on the vulva (in women)
- Swelling in one or both testicles
- Sores on or around the mouth or genitals
- Itching or tingling in the groin area
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting and swollen lymph nodes
- Pain during urination
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Pain during intercourse
Best Treatment Options for STDs
Antibiotics- Antibiotics are the most common way to treat an STD. However, not all STDs are easily treated with antibiotics, and some may require alternative treatments, especially those that have developed resistance to antibiotics. Gonorrhea is the most common infection that is usually treated with antibiotics. However, overuse of antibiotics has led to a large number of gonorrhea strains being resistant to treatment with them. If left untreated, it can cause serious health problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease and even infertility in women.
Antibiotic cream or laser therapy- Some STD treatment options, especially for Gonorrhea, do not involve antibiotics, including using an antibiotic cream or a procedure called laser therapy for burning off the infected tissue. Some people may also choose not to treat their infection if they feel fine and have no symptoms.
Use of Vaccines- If you think your regular vaccination schedule is too boring and doesn’t prepare you much for life’s unexpected twists, wait until you hear this. A vaccine called Gardasil has been developed to prevent people from getting infected with the human papillomavirus or HPV virus, which causes genital warts and cervical cancer in women.
Key Takeaway
When dealing with STDs, it’s important for you to seek the advice of a medical professional. They can help you determine the best way to prevent STDs in the future, and they can help you get tested if that’s something you’re interested in. There are also tests available to screen for various types of STDs, including HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and Gonorrhea. If you have questions about how to get tested or treated, consult your doctor or a clinic in your area.
