What are STDs?
STD stands for sexually transmitted disease. In other words, an infection that you catch from having sexual contact with a person who already has the condition. It’s not always apparent that a partner has an STD because some types don’t exhibit symptoms, or symptoms may not be present all the time. The most widespread STDs are:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Genital herpes
- Hepatitis B
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
STDs are a problem because some of them have a serious effect on your health and fertility, and several STDs have life-threatening consequences. STDs are some of the most common types of infections in the United States, second only to respiratory infections such as colds and flu.
Can I catch an STD if I don’t have intercourse?
You don’t need to have sexual intercourse to catch an STD. The infections are due to bacteria or viruses that very often live both in bodily fluids and on the carrier’s skin, so contact with the genitals, mouth, or rectum is enough to pass on the infection.
You can reduce your chances of catching an STD by practicing safe sex and always using a latex condom. Be selective in your choice of partners. The more partners you have, or that your current partner has had, the higher your chance of contracting an STD.
Avoiding some sexual practices also reduces your risk of catching an STD. For instance, anal sex carries a higher risk for infection as the rectal tissues are more prone to tearing.
You should speak to your doctor at Red Rock OB/GYN about immunizations against STDs and make sure you’re up-to-date with current recommendations. Vaccinations are available to protect you against hepatitis B and the more dangerous forms of HPV, which can cause cervical cancer.
What treatments are available for STDs?
STDs are bacterial or viral. While bacterial infections are curable with antibiotics, viral infections are incurable. If you have a viral STD, such as HIV or HPV, you can’t get rid of the infection but there are treatments available to relieve the symptoms.
If you suspect you have an STD or had exposure to one, your OB/GYN performs urine or blood tests or takes a sample of cells. These tests confirm whether you have an infection and enable your doctor to prescribe the most effective treatment.
The sooner you start treatment, the more positive the prognosis and the less likely you are to suffer complications such as infertility or infection of your unborn child.
For compassionate and discreet diagnosis and treatment of STDs, call Red Rock OB/GYN today or book an appointment online.
