Are STDs Contagious?
Are you worried you have an STI or STD that you’ve contracted from your partner? STIs are contagious infections that can cause diseases (STDs) in the body. If you are sexually active, you are at risk for STDs.
There are three main types of STDs: viral, bacterial, and parasitic. Viral STDs cannot usually be cured, but treatments are available to help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission.
What Are the Symptoms?
While some STDs are symptomatic, some are not. It’s essential that if you do have symptoms, you get tested right away. The following may point to a possible infection:
- Fever
- Lower abdominal pain
- Painful, burning urination
- Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Sore, swollen lymph nodes
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
Are STDs Treatable?
Some of the most common bacterial STDs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can be fully treated and cured with antibiotics. However, viral STDs can be more complicated and could require ongoing treatment.
One common viral STD, known as HPV (human papillomavirus), can go away on its own within two years, but if it doesn’t, there is no treatment to rid the body of the virus. There are treatments for the symptoms, such as genital warts.
If you receive a positive STD result at our medical center, we can give you more information about your treatment options.
Why STD Testing Matters
Not getting regular STD testing poses serious risks to yourself and your partner. And if you’re pregnant, an STD can spread to your baby during pregnancy or childbirth.
Untreated STDs in pregnant women can cause complications like miscarriage and premature birth. Depending on the STD, infants can experience complications such as blindness, deafness, pneumonia, and other serious health issues.
Those with untreated STDs are also at risk for developing complications, such as:
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Eye inflammation
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Infertility
- Certain cancers
No-Cost STD Testing
At Women’s Care Medical Center, our medical staff may offer limited, no-cost STD testing for qualifying patients with a positive pregnancy test. We may also provide treatment at no cost if your test is positive for chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Once a month, we offer STD testing on-site with our medical doctors, who can give you a more comprehensive STD test and physical exam.
Schedule a no-cost appointment today to get started and find the answers you need to move forward—your health matters.
Pregnancy Testing
Even if you’ve taken a home pregnancy test, you should verify the results. We provide confidential, no-cost pregnancy testing to help you receive the answers you need.
Ultrasounds
A positive pregnancy test isn’t enough information to make an informed decision. An ultrasound scan can determine how far along you are, the pregnancy’s location, and if it’s viable.
STD Testing
Before making a decision about your unplanned pregnancy, it’s important to know if you have an STD. Take control of your health, get tested today, and receive the peace of mind you deserve!
Pregnancy Testing
Even if you’ve taken a home pregnancy test, you should verify the results. We provide confidential, no-cost pregnancy testing to help you receive the answers you need.
Ultrasounds
A positive pregnancy test isn’t enough information to make an informed decision. An ultrasound scan can determine how far along you are, the pregnancy’s location, and if it’s viable.
STD Testing
Before making a decision about your unplanned pregnancy, it’s important to know if you have an STD. Take control of your health, get tested today, and receive the peace of mind you deserve!
