STD Symptoms and STD Testing: Frequently Asked Questions

STD refers to a disease spread through sexual activity such as vaginal intercourse, oral sex, anal sex, or even intimate skin-to-skin contact. STDs include Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes, HPV, and HIV.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over half of all new sexually transmitted disease (STD) infections occur among those aged 15 to 24. Most infections have no symptoms and go misdiagnosed and untreated for long periods of time, causing major health problems, especially in women.

Knowing your STD status is essential for preventing STD transmission. If you know you’re sick, you can take steps to protect yourself and your partners. Many STDs are easy to detect and treat. If you or your partner is infected, you and your partner may need to be treated together to prevent re-infection.

Because some STDs have few or no symptoms, determining if you have one without extensive testing can be challenging. You’re at risk of developing an STD if you’ve had any sexual contact in your life, especially unprotected contact, and should be tested on a regular basis.

One of the primary reasons people put off STD/STI testing is the shame and embarrassment they experience when they run into familiar faces at the health clinic. We appreciate your apprehension about involving others in any problems or challenges you may be having with your sexual health, and we are devoted to aiding you in having your sexual health tested anonymously.

Our Preferred Service Providers can help you get privately tested at one of the 4,000+ labs across the country. To offer your complete anonymity, they partner with these private laboratories.

When you’re ready, the procedure for using a private STD testing service is straightforward and quick.

If you book an appointment at one of these locations, you may relax and be tested without worrying about running into friends or relatives.

The STD test will only take 15 to 20 minutes, giving you plenty of time to finish the remainder of your tasks for the day. All you have to do now is select a lab to be anonymously tested for all STDs and STIs.

If you are sexually active, you should be tested at least once a year, even if you are in a monogamous relationship. If you had numerous partners, you should get tested before starting a new relationship. If you don’t get tested before having sex, the next best time is 10 days after having intercourse with a new partner. After exposure, an infection can take up to ten days to show up in an STD test.

Make an appointment as soon as possible if you’re experiencing symptoms. Only testing can determine whether or if you have an STD. Only a doctor can detect if you have an STD because some STD symptoms are similar to those of other disorders.

No. Some men with gonorrhea have no symptoms or indicators. Women’s gonorrhea symptoms are usually moderate, and the majority of infected women have no symptoms. Chlamydia is known as a “silent” disease since 75 percent of infected women and 50 percent of infected men exhibit no symptoms. The only way to know for sure is to test for STDs.

There is no way to know for sure without being tested. Many STDs have no visible symptoms or indicators. Sexual activity can include vaginal intercourse, anal sex, and/or oral sex. When doctors or nurses ask this question, they’re really asking if you’ve done anything since your last visit that could have exposed you to an STD or made you pregnant. Your annual physical should include STD testing. Consult a doctor if you suspect you’ve been exposed to an STD and request a test.

Many STDs have no symptoms at all, or have so minor signs that you are unaware of them. If you have any of the symptoms described below, you should get medical help as soon as possible since they could suggest that you have an STD.

None White or yellow discharge or strange fluid that comes out of the vaginal or penis (not semen).
A rash with no known cause.
There is a burning sensation when urinating (peeing) or going to the restroom.
Bumps, sores, blisters, or warts on the vaginal area in women, including the outer and inner lips, the vagina, and the clitoris. In men, this includes the penis and testicles.

Herpes genital is a very prevalent infection. Approximately 40 to 50 million people in the United States have genital herpes, with 776,000 new cases reported each year. Around 60% of sexually active people are infected with the herpes virus.

Absolutely! We cannot share any information with anyone without your express permission, including your parents or guardians. That means we can’t tell your parents, teachers, or employer you’ve been tested or the results.

Your sex partners are strongly encouraged to attend. If you have an STD, you could put your partner at risk. Furthermore, if you are treated but your partner is not, you may get the STD from them. If you’re scared about telling your sex partner about your STD, we can help. Our knowledgeable staff can help you notify or anonymously inform your sex partner that they have been exposed to an STD. This means they won’t share any information that could lead to your identification. For more information on how to anonymously tell your sex partners about the likelihood of an STD, see to www.inSPOT.org.

Most bacterial infections, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis, can be treated with antibiotics. After any case, you should be tested again in three months to check that you have recovered from the bacterial infection and have not re-infected. Herpes, HIV, and genital warts are all caused by viruses, and while there are treatments to treat them, there is presently no cure.

You should screen for and treat other STDs, and you should encourage your partners to do so as well. HIV testing should be done at least once for all adults and adolescents aged 13 to 64, with high-risk groups testing more regularly. STDs have the potential to harm one’s health in the long run. They can also increase your chances of contracting HIV or spreading it to others. It’s crucial to have an open and honest discussion with your doctor about whether or not you should get tested for STDs. If you tell your healthcare provider about your sexual history, they will be able to offer you with the best care possible.

One out of every four young adults has an STD, to put it simply. Because many infected persons are unaware of their infection, the number could be substantially higher.

Definitely not. Many STDs go undiagnosed for years because they have no symptoms. While it’s possible that your spouse gave it to you, it’s also possible that he or she had it before you met. To avoid re-infection, it’s critical that you get both tested and treated at the same time.

There are several steps you may take to reduce your chances of developing an STD.

Keep your word to your partner. You should only have sex with someone you can trust. You won’t get an STD from them, and they won’t get one from you, if you exclusively have sexual contact with people who aren’t afflicted.
Condoms should be used whenever possible. When used properly every time you have sex, latex or polyurethane condoms can give great protection against a variety of STDs.
Reduce the quantity of people you’re dating. The more people you have intercourse with, the more likely you are to have an STD. Go with new companions to be tested.

Do not mix sex with drugs or alcohol. You may be unable to make sound sexual decisions if you are inebriated or high.
Never share needles or use IV drugs on the street. Many STDs are transmitted through the bloodstream.
Abstinence from sexual activity is the most efficient way to avoid catching an STD.

To begin, it’s important to recognize that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are quite common and can be dangerous. An STD is estimated to affect 68 million people in the United States. In other words, nearly one in every five Americans is currently afflicted with an STD.

The good news is that STDs are preventable. Abstinence is, of course, the only way to avoid developing an STD that is 100 percent certain. Using barrier protection measures (such as condoms or dental dams) to practice safe sex can also be very effective.

Because STDs can cause serious health concerns if left untreated, prevention is essential. Women with STDs may experience chronic pelvic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and/or a difficult pregnancy.

Yes. You can obtain bacterial infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis even if you’ve been treated for them before. That is why having your partners tested and treated is so important.

You do not need your parent or guardian’s permission to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or HIV in Georgia. When booking an appointment as a minor (under the age of 18), it’s vital to inquire regarding confidentiality.

If left untreated, syphilis can lead to deafness and death in its later stages.

The main stage of syphilis is the appearance of a painless sore (chancre) where the infection entered the body (usually the vagina or anus). Non-itchy rashes appear on various parts of the body during the second stage. There may be a latent, or hidden, stage of syphilis after the primary and secondary symptoms have faded. Syphilis can cause internal organ damage if left untreated, resulting in symptoms such as deafness, blindness, paralysis, and dementia. Organ damage is dangerous, and death is possible.

Sexually transmitted illnesses can cause painful urination, painful intercourse, and lumps, blisters, or warts around the mouth, anus, or vagina, even if other people show no signs or symptoms.

STDs are indicated by swelling or redness near the penis or vagina, acute itching near the penis or vagina, penile or vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding other than monthly bleeding, skin rash, weight loss, loose stools, night sweats, aches and pains, fever, and chills.

1.2 million people. More than 1.2 million people in the United States are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Approximately 660,000 people have died as a result of the illness.

True! Condoms are incredibly effective at preventing HIV transmission when used correctly and consistently. If condoms are the only form of protection, there is a risk of HIV transmission even when they are used properly. Condoms can also help prevent illnesses spread by bodily secretions, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. Skin-to-skin STDs like syphilis, genital herpes, and the human papillomavirus are ineffective (genital warts).

False! Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted illness that cannot be transmitted through the use of toilet seats or other surfaces such as doorknobs. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria that causes gonorrhea, can only survive for a few minutes outside the body. In humid regions like the vaginal and cervix, Neisseria gonorrheae thrives. If the gonorrhea-causing bacteria gets into the Fallopian tubes, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, a painful condition (PID).

Everything comes down to your sexual preferences.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that any sexually active girl under the age of 25 have at least annual gonorrhea and chlamydia testing because this age group accounts for the majority of occurrences in the United States. There are no specific requirements beyond the age of 25, but if you are having intercourse outside of a trusted, monogamous relationship or are experiencing symptoms, you should get evaluated. If you’re starting a relationship with a new sexual partner, both of you should get checked out to make sure you’re in good health before doing anything sexual.

It’s also critical to recognize that testing and screening are divided into two categories: swabs and blood tests. Swabs will look for things like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HPV, among other things. Blood tests are required for STDs such as HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis. If you want a thorough picture of your health, blood and swab testing are both recommended.

Vaginal discharge can be produced by a number of things. A non-sexually transmitted infection (such as a yeast infection) or even hormonal changes can cause discolored or increased discharge. It’s critical to consider your recent sexual activity to determine whether this symptom is related to an STD, and it’s always best to get medical advice if you’re concerned.

No! Birth control, whether in pill, patch, or IUD form, is solely effective in preventing pregnancy. STD transmission is unaffected by birth control. Some STDs can be prevented with barrier contraceptives (condoms/dental dams), although they aren’t always successful.

Possibly. Pelvic pain is frequently unrelated to a sexually transmitted infection. Pelvic pain during sex is common, and it can be caused by a number of conditions including endometriosis, cysts, or stress. Intercourse might be uncomfortable depending on your anatomy, such as how your uterus is positioned in your pelvic cavity. If you have gonorrhea or a chlamydia infection, or if you have an active herpes outbreak, intercourse might be painful. We want you to enjoy your sex, so please contact your doctor if you’re experiencing any discomfort. We’ll work with you to figure out what’s happening.

If you shave or wax, you may be more prone to ingrown hairs. It could be an ingrown hair if you’ve recently shaved and see a little protrusion that isn’t unpleasant. Herpes outbreaks are frequently brutally painful, with larger sores growing inside the vulva and around the vaginal opening. Following breakouts are usually less in size, although they are still uncomfortable. Herpes lesions grow and bleed clear fluid over time. If you’re worried, come visit us!

We recommend contacting your doctor if you’re interested in getting screened or fear you’ve been exposed to an STD. Your doctor can discuss your options in a safe, confidential, and judgment-free setting.

At times, you may not want to wait for the results of a traditional HIV test. In as little as a few minutes, a fast HIV test using blood from a finger prick or an oral swab can provide you with results[3]. While the results are usually accurate, remember that the oral swab only detects HIV and not any other sexually transmitted illnesses. This medication is usually recommended only if you are concerned about HIV exposure and don’t want to wait for regular test results.