Help! I Think I Have an STD

If you are having unprotected sex there is a chance you will  acquire a sexually-transmitted disease (STD) at some point. So if you’re concerned you have one, know that you’re far from alone. 

Thankfully STDs are treatable. And the sooner you address one, the better. 

Our expert team of medical providers at Arundel Medical Group, Inc., located in Glen Burnie, Maryland, includes providers who regularly diagnose and treat STDs.

If you’re concerned that you may have a sexually-transmitted condition, here’s what you should know.

STD basics

An STD happens when a harmful bacteria, parasite, or virus enters your body during sex, causing an infection that leads to disease. 

A sexually-transmitted infection (STI) often develops without evolving into a full-fledged, symptomatic disease. When the condition does cause symptoms or damage within your body, it’s considered an STD. 

In either case, treatment is essential for protecting you from complications, given that asymptomatic STIs can lead to issues such as fertility challenges. You can also spread it to others. 

Some of the most common STDs include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Herpes
• HIV/AIDS
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis

While anyone sexually active can develop an STD, factors that raise your risk include having unprotected sex, multiple partners, and impaired judgment from substance abuse. Being sexually assaulted or raped can also cause an STD.

Understanding the Signs of STDs

While STDs vary in specifics and affect people differently, your symptoms may include:

• Bumps or sores on your genitals
• Lower abdominal pain
• Pain during penetrative sex
• Painful urination
• Unusual discharge or bleeding
• Swollen lymph nodes, particularly in your groin

Learning that a sexual partner has an STI or STD is another sign you may be infected.

What to do if you think you have an STD

If you suspect you may have an STD, schedule an appointment for an STD screening. 

STD tests are quick and straightforward. It might involve a urine test, a gentle tissue swab from within your mouth or throat, or a blood test. Our team may also look at your genitals to check for a rash or sores and take a swab from that area as well. 

While some STDs can be diagnosed during an exam, others require a few days or more based on lab results. 

STD treatment

Once you’ve been diagnosed with an STD, our team at Arundel Medical Group will recommend an appropriate treatment. Depending on the type of infection, it may involve single-dose antibiotics or antiviral medication.

While some STDs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can be cured, others require ongoing or recurrent therapy. For herpes flare-ups, daily suppressive therapy may keep your symptoms from returning. Antiviral drugs can also keep HIV infections from progressing. 

To learn more about STDs or get the diagnosis or treatment you need, call our office or request an appointment via this website today.