STD Awareness- Key to Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention and Good Health
STDs are highly infectious diseases affecting a large percentage of the sexually active population across the globe. Lack of knowledge and social stigma result in failure to detect and treat STDs. Untreated STIs like gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV lead to severe complications. Prevention, early detection, and timely treatment are three vital factors to control the rampant spread of sexually transmitted infections. Being aware of different aspects of sexually transmitted disease conditions is crucial for the prevention of these infections.
The subtle difference between STI and STD
Most people use the terms Sexually Transmitted Infection (STD) and Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) interchangeably. However, these have different meanings. An STI is an infection that progresses to an STD in the absence of proper treatment. Most sexually transmitted infection results from unsafe or unnatural sex. Sexually active individuals spread these infections through casual sex with multiple partners.
Unprotected sexual intercourse is the common cause of sexually transmitted infections. Delayed STD detection because of embarrassment or lack of STD awareness is the main reason for complications and transmission of these infections. Approaching an established STD urgent care clinic Washington, DC, helps detect the sexually transmitted infection in time and prevents its progress to an STD.
Main highlights of STIs
STIs are infections that affect genital regions, including the penis, vagina, or anus. These may involve reproductive organs in the absence of treatment. Some STIs can cause infertility in women. Highly contagious infections like STIs are preventable by avoiding contact. Using condoms or avoiding sexual contact with strangers helps prevent any sexually transmitted disease.
A sexually transmitted infection is treatable with antibiotics and antiviral medication. These infections require immediate medical intervention with the right treatment. However, one must approach a reputed STD clinic for same-day testing and consultation because delaying the treatment can have serious consequences.
An untreated sexually transmitted infection allows the bacteria or viruses to multiply, leading to more severe stages of the sexually transmitted disease. It complicates the treatment besides causing severe symptoms like nerve damage, loss of memory, and infertility. Established urgent care clinic Washington DC has an onsite laboratory for quick diagnosis of a sexually transmitted infection.
Diagnosis of STDs
A physician diagnoses a sexually transmitted disease by knowing the individual’s sexual history, conducting a physical examination, understanding symptoms, and lab testing. STD testing is crucial to know the presence of bacteria or viruses causing a sexually transmitted infection. It confirms the STD diagnosis. An STD test may be negative, as most symptoms of sexually transmitted infections are vague and misleading.
One may approach an STD testing facility without going to a doctor to avoid embarrassment. Most urgent care STD clinics allow discreet STD testing if someone suspects a sexually transmitted infection following a sexual encounter with a stranger. Most STD testing centers provide same-day testing facilities for a quick diagnosis. Consulting an onsite physician is helpful to start the treatment for faster recovery of the sexually transmitted disease.
The takeaway
Proper care of one’s sexual health is crucial for a healthy life and a smooth relationship with the partner. Avoiding sex with strangers and using barrier methods during intercourse are effective ways to prevent a sexually transmitted infection. Quick STD testing and relevant treatment are crucial to avoid future complications and transmission to partners.
