Cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among Americans have been on the rise in recent years, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the spread of STDs isn’t slowing down any time soon.
Primary Care Walk-In Clinic offers a range of STD screenings in-office. Our experienced medical team also provides resources to help you protect yourself from infections, including information about recognizing STD symptoms.
STDs are bacterial, viral, or fungal infections that spread from person to person through sexual contact, including oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Some infections can also be spread through close, personal contact with an infected person without intercourse.
Many STDs are treatable, especially when diagnosed early. Some infections can lead to serious complications, including infertility and certain reproductive cancers, if left unmanaged.
While STDs are common among sexually active teens and adults, many people aren’t aware they have an infection until their symptoms become progressive.
More than 20 types of STDs can affect both males and females. Four of the most common types and their symptoms include:
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that may not cause any symptoms initially. Women and men can experience burning during urination or rectal pain and bleeding as the infection worsens.
Women may also have a strong-smelling vaginal discharge. Men may also notice penile discharge, swelling, and pain in one or both testicles.
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that can cause pain with urination and penile discharge in men. Women may also have pain with urination, vaginal discharge, and bleeding between periods.
Untreated gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and difficulties getting pregnant.
Another type of bacterial STD is syphilis. The infection causes small painless sores, swelling in the lymph nodes, and a skin rash.
These symptoms can go away on their own and return, making it difficult to notice them for years.
Genital herpes is a viral infection that causes sores to develop on your genitals, rectum, thighs, or buttocks.
Sores can blister and become painful during herpes outbreaks. They typically appear near the area where the virus entered your body. You can spread genital herpes even when no sores are present.
Ideally, you should schedule routine STD screenings even if you don’t have symptoms if you have a new partner or multiple sexual partners and aren’t sure they are infection-free.
You should also get an STD screening at Primary Walk-In Medical Clinic after having unprotected sex with anyone.
If you notice genital sores or other unusual symptoms that may relate to an STD, get tested right away. With early intervention, bacterial infections can be cleared with antibiotics. For viral infections, you may need prescription antivirals.
Our experienced medical team can also provide guidance to lower your risk for additional STDs, including wearing condoms every time you have sex and knowing the health history of your partners.
Call the Primary Care Walk-In Medical Clinic in Fountain Hills, Gilbert, or Scottsdale, Arizona, to schedule an STD screening, book an appointment online, or visit the clinic as a walk-in today.
