What are STDs?
STDs are sexually transmitted diseases. Sometimes, people call them sexually transmitted infections, or STIs. STDs exist everywhere there are humans, and people can contract them through any form of sexual intercourse, including:
Also, you can contract STDs by exchanging bodily fluids in other ways, particularly by sharing needles.
Some of the most common types of STDs are:
- Chlamydia
- Genital herpes
- Gonorrhea
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Syphilis
Various types of hepatitis (A, B, and C)
STDs present with widely varying symptoms and varying degrees of seriousness. For example, some STDs cause only itching and discomfort, while others can lead to cancer or infertility.
Do I need an STD screening?
If you’re sexually active, you need to consider regular STD screening. You should also schedule STD testing if you fall into one or more of these groups:
- Sexually active women under the age of 25
- Sexually active LGBTQ men
- People with multiple sex partners
Note that if you’ve had an STD in the past, you’re more likely to contract one again. Even if you don’t have any symptoms of an STD, you could be a carrier and risk passing it on.
Sometimes STD symptoms don’t present themselves until the infection is advanced and more difficult to treat. Regular screenings can help you catch STDs early and treat them before they get out of hand.
What happens during an STD screening?
When you see Dr. Khan and her team for an STD screening, they begin by asking you questions related to:
- Your STD history
- Your symptoms
- Your birth control method
- Your protection methods, or lack thereof
- Your number of past and present sex partners
- Your sexual preferences
Next, your provider performs the appropriate tests and sends them off to the in-house lab for processing. Some results come back quickly, while others may take several days to process. While you’re waiting to hear back from the practice, abstain from all sexual activity.
If you receive a positive diagnosis for one or more STDs, don’t panic. With the right medication, you can manage or cure your STD. To support you in your journey, the practice offers personalized treatment plans.
The idea of STD testing is uncomfortable, but your health and the health of your current and future potential partners is important. If you’d like to schedule an STD testing with the team at Millennium Park Medical Associates of Chicago, call or use the online booking tool today.
