Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) rarely go away on their own and can cause serious health complications when left untreated.
If you are sexually active, your health needs to be tested regularly for STDs, and early diagnosis and treatment can improve health outcomes.
Continue reading to learn more about the potential health complications of STDs, the necessary treatment, and the impact STDs can have on pregnancy.
What Are STDs?
STDs can be passed from one person to another through blood, semen, vaginal, and other bodily fluids.
Symptoms of STDs include:
- Unusual or foul-smelling discharge from genitals
- Sores or bumps on the genitals, oral area, or rectal area
- Pain or burning with urination
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Pain with sex
- Sore or swollen lymph nodes in the groin
- Lower abdominal pain
- Rash on trunk, hands, or feet
- Fever
However, STDs can be asymptomatic, meaning you may have no symptoms at all. So, if you are participating in any form of sexual activity, testing for STDs is critical.
In many cases, the sooner you are tested and receive treatment for an STD, the better.
When left untreated, STDs can lead to health complications like pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, heart disease, and cancer.
Treatment
Some STDs can be cured with treatment, while others cannot. However, seeking treatment even for STDs that are not curable can lead to better health outcomes.
Common bacterial STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can be cured with antibiotics. In contrast, viral STDs like herpes and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) cannot be cured but can be managed with antiviral medication to prevent further complications.
STDs and Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, early diagnosis of STDs is critical.
When a fetus contracts an STD, it can lead to serious health complications and may even be life-threatening.
Some STDs can be passed to the fetus during pregnancy. Others can be passed during delivery, and seeking appropriate treatment can decrease the chances of transmission of the STD through the placenta and during delivery.
Get the Help You Need
Whether you think you might be pregnant, need to be tested for STDs, or both, Chester County Connect Care is here to help.
We offer free lab-quality pregnancy tests, ultrasound scans, and STD referrals to help you learn more about your health and pregnancy.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment.