STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases), and the decision for getting tested has long been a sensitive issue for both partners and requires a careful approach. It is the responsibility of practices such as Manhattan Medical Arts, to make this process easy, comfortable, and streamlined. Discretion is another vital part of the testing process, which enables people to opt for testing services.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases are quite complicated infections to deal with, as several of these even after being contracted, do not display any sort of symptoms to help with their identification. So it is highly recommended to opt for STD testing services, particularly for healthy people who are aged between 15-65 and are sexually active – specifically in the cases where you might be unaware of the sexual history of your partner.
What is STD?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can be explained as infections that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites, and are capable of being passed on from one person to another when sexual contact is established. The sexual contacts that can cause such infections are mostly vaginal, oral, or anal sex – However, in a few cases, these infections can also be transferred through another intimate physical contact, which is because some STDs, such as herpes and HPV, can spread from one to another by skin-to-skin contact.
Not all sexually transmitted diseases will cause you to have symptoms, or in some cases, they might cause minimal symptoms; which means that there is a possibility for you to contract an infection and be unaware of it unless you get yourself tested. And you can also end up passing on the infection within this duration.
The STDs that do reflect physical symptoms may include:
- Penis or vagina experiencing discharge
- Sores formed on the genital area
- Urination with pain and itchiness
- Blisters or sores in or around the mouth
- Irregular vaginal odor
- Anal itching, soreness, or bleeding
- Fever
Types of STDs
There is a long list of distinct sexually transmitted diseases, which, while being curable, can be a cause for concern and distress for us if not treated timely and properly. Listed below are a few of the most common STDs:
STD Prevention & Treatment
STD Prevention
While STDs, if contracted, can easily be treated for their symptoms, prevention of these infections is without a doubt the better option. STD prevention includes the use of condoms; the appropriate use of latex condoms has proven to be immensely effective. While they may not completely eliminate the risk of contracting or passing on an STD, they are very helpful in minimizing the risk.
Although it’s not very common, in cases where people are allergic to latex-manufactured condoms, they can opt for an alternative, i.e., polyurethane condoms.
With the objective of avoiding the contraction of STDs, the one and only reliable way are to refrain from anal, vaginal, or oral sex when at risk of STDs from either of the partners. If you want to know more detail about preventative care please refer to the nearest general physician in NYC
STD Testing
In order to move towards the treatment, you first need to go through the screening process to identify the particular STD you’ve contracted, since each STD is identified via its own test. The decision of which test to opt for can be taken by getting a consultation from medical experts.
The STD tests may include:
- Urine test: Requires you to pee into a cup.
- Cheek Swab: The inside of your cheek is rubbed with a soft swab, testing for HIV.
- Blood Test: Our staff takes a small amount of blood from your arm or finger prick.
- Physical Exam: Your genital area is checked thoroughly for any sores, rashes, irritation, warts, or discharges.
- Testing Sores: A fluid sample is collected from the sores or blisters that you might have, using a soft swab.
- Testing Discharge: Samples are collected of your discharge or cells from the vagina, penis, cervix, urethra, throat, or anus.
Treatment
Once the STD has been identified, the physicians will then guide you toward the consequent treatment. Treatments for STDs are commonly carried out with the use of one of the two ways mentioned below:
1-Antibiotics: Antibiotics are the most commonly used treatment, as they are capable of curing multiple STDs, inclusive of gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis.
2- Antiviral Drugs: Antiviral drugs are prescribed in case of Herpes and/or HIV.
If you recognize any of the symptoms we outlined above in yourself or in a loved one, you must call 911 immediately. Even if you’re unsure as to whether the symptoms qualify as an STD, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek emergency care. If you are pregnant and affected by such viruses, please visit the nearest women’s health care center for immediate treatment
– Disclaimer –
This blog is for informational & educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation. For any health related concerns, please consult with your physician, or call 911.
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About The Author
Dr. Syra Hanif M.D.Board Certified Primary Care Physician
Dr. Syra Hanif is a board-certified Primary Care Physician (PCP) dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered healthcare.
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