STDs, unfortunately, come with a stigma, but they are really nothing to be embarrassed by or ashamed of. They are some of the most common conditions, and with how much science has advanced over the years, they are entirely treatable.
What are STDs?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. They are typically spread through body fluids during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Some STIs are spread simply through skin-to-skin contact, while others, like syphilis, can spread while giving birth to a baby if the mother is already infected.
A sexually transmitted disease develops because of an STI, although the two terms are often used interchangeably.
There are dozens of types of STIs/STDs, including:
- Chlamydia
- Genital herpes
- Gonorrhea
- HIV (which can lead to AIDS)
- HPV
- Pubic lice
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
- Hepatitis B
- Molluscum Contagiosum
- Scabies
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
What Causes STDs
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. A sexually transmitted infection may pass from person to person in blood, semen, or vaginal and other bodily fluids. Shared needles are also a common cause of the spread of STIs.
Let’s take a closer look at what the exact causes are for specific STIs:
- Bacteria: Gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia are examples of STDs that are caused by bacteria.
- Parasites: Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite.
- Viruses: Human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes, and HIV are caused by viruses.
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What to Expect from an STD
The type of symptoms you experience with an STD depends on the type you’re dealing with. Some don’t produce any symptoms at all, which is why screenings are so important so you can catch an STD before it becomes more serious. Some of the symptoms you’ll want to look out for include:
- Itching or redness in the genital area
- Burning sensation
- Discharge from the penis
- Sores or bumps on the genitals or around the mouth or anus.
- Painful urination or intercourse
- Abnormal vaginal odor
- Unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding
- Sore, swollen lymph nodes in the groin
- Lower abdominal pain
- Fever or rash
- Night sweats
STD Prevention
There are many ways you can avoid or lower your risk of contracting an STD, including the following:
- Avoiding sex or sexual activity: While not always practical, avoiding sex is the most effective way to prevent getting an STD.
- Stay with one uninfected partner: Staying in a long-term relationship in which both people have sex only with each other and neither partner is infected is another way to avoid an STD.
- Get tested: Before having sex with a new partner, it’s recommended that each of you get tested for an STI.
- Use condoms and dental dams: Using a new condom or dental dam with every sex act can help prevent getting an STI or spreading one.
- Get vaccinated: Getting an HPV, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B vaccine before having sex can prevent you from getting these STDs.
STD Treatment Options
New advancements in medicine have made it much easier and more effective to treat a variety of STDs. Where once some STDs meant very serious health complications, now, there are quite a few options to treat or at least manage symptoms to ensure you can live a full life.
If you suspect an STI, we’ll start by running a test to find the causes of your symptoms. Some of the tests we most commonly use include:
- Blood tests. Blood tests can confirm the diagnosis of HIV or later stages of syphilis.
- Urine samples. Some STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis can be confirmed with a urine sample.
- Swab samples: By swabbing the inside of the mouth or cervix or taking a sample of any discharge or sores, we can often diagnose chlamydia and gonorrhea
As for treatment, it depends on what the STI is. The type of STI we find will determine the right treatment option. Some common treatments include:
Antibiotics: If an STI is caused by a bacteria or parasite, antibiotics are usually all that’s needed. This is the route we take for STIs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. For the first seven days of treatment, you’ll want to avoid any sexual activity. Typically, after you finish your round of antibiotics, you are cured of the STI, but it doesn’t mean you can’t contract an STI again.
Antiviral drugs: If you have HIV or any other STD that is caused by a virus, antiviral drugs are used to keep the viral infection from getting any worse. Antiviral medicines can keep HIV infection in check for many years, but you will still carry the virus and can still spread it. But the risk is significantly lower.
Schedule A Consultation
STDs are some of the most common conditions, with over half of the people in the US having one at one point in their lifetime. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, and you can eliminate them with proper treatment.
If you suspect you have an STD and live in the Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, or Downers Grove, IL areas, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wolowick or Dr. Mitchell at MAIA. We will walk you through each step of the testing process and ensure you receive a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Call our Downers Grove, IL office at 630-320-6703 or complete our online contact form.
