Yes. Every year the CDC reports millions of STD infections. Anyone engaging in any kind of sexual activity is at risk for contracting or giving someone an STD. In some cases, an STD can even be passed from mother to child during pregnancy.
If you are sexually active, it’s a good practice to regurally get tested for STDs, as many can be asymptomatic.
What Is An STD?
STDs are caused by either bacteria, viruses, or parasites. According to the Mayo Clinic, they are passed from person to person during sexual encounters via blood, semen, vaginal or other bodily fluids. STD symptoms can vary in severity from mild to severe.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a very common STD for women, but it’s also very treatable. According to the CDC, gonorrhea is a bacteria infection that can affect the genitals, rectum, and throat.
Gonorrhea is passed by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone infected with the bacteria N. gonorrhoeae.
Many women infected with gonorrhea report having no symptoms at all. Those who do report symptoms include:
- Painful or burning sensation when peeing;
- Increased vaginal discharge; and
- Vaginal bleeding between period
HIV/AIDs
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes AIDs in those it infects. HIV can damage your immune system which can cause life-threatening complications. You can contract HIV/AIDs from having unprotective sexual encounters.
Like gonorrhea, HIV can cause very few to no symptoms. Symptoms reported include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Rash
- Sore throat and painful mouth sores
- Swollen lymph glands, mainly on the neck
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
What’s Next?
If you suspect you or your partner might be infected with an STD, it’s important to get tested right away.
CDC states: Many STDs don’t cause any symptoms that you would notice. The only way to know for sure if you have an STD is to get tested. You can get an STD from having sex with someone who has no symptoms. Just like you, that person might not even know he or she has an STD.
Here at Crisis Pregnancy, we offer very affordable STD screening and free treatment for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Many STDs are treatable, but if left untreated, can cause unwanted harm to your body.
Be empowered by the knowledge of knowing and give us a call today at 812-393-3938.