I Think I Have an STD: What Should I Do?

Thinking you may have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) can leave you feeling scared or maybe just uncertain about what to do about it. 

Thankfully, getting tested for STDs is pretty straightforward, and our compassionate team at Schaumburg Immediate Care in Schaumburg, Illinois, offers discrete testing in a non-judgemental environment. 

In this month’s blog, we discuss what you need to know about STDs, including how they’re transmitted and what it looks like to get tested. 

What exactly is an STD?

A sexually transmitted disease — also sometimes referred to as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) — is an infection caused by a virus, bacterium, or parasite. It’s spread through sexual contact via bodily fluids during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, although some can be contracted through the sharing of needles or childbirth.

There are many different kinds of STDs, with some of the most common including:

• Chlamydia 
• Gonorrhea 
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Herpes 
• Trichomoniasis 
• Hepatitis B
• HIV

Some of these STDs can go away on their own, but others can lead to subsequent health issues such as cancer, AIDS, or issues with infertility if they’re left untreated.

Is it an STD?

Although some STDs don’t present with any symptoms, a good majority do. These are some common signs that you could be dealing with an STD:

• Sores or bumps around your mouth or genitals 
• Itching and swelling around your penis or vagina
• Painful sex
• Burning or pain while urinating 
• Discharge from your penis or vaginal discharge that’s discolored or has a foul odor

Other bodily symptoms could include a rash, fever, chills, diarrhea, and unexplained weight loss.

If you suspect that you do have an STD, it’s important to get tested in a timely fashion so you can treat it properly and avoid spreading it to others.

What is the STD testing process like?

Different STDs require different kinds of tests, so the types you’ll undergo depend mainly on your symptoms. Common methods for STD testing include urine tests, blood tests, testing fluid samples from genital sores, and swabbing your cheek or genital areas.

Once we’ve discovered what STD you have, we can start administering treatment right away. If the STD is the result of bacteria, we can prescribe antibiotics, and if it’s a virus, we’ll give you antiviral medications. 

As part of the STD testing and treatment process, you’ll need to inform your partner about your STD so they can also get tested and treated. 

To get started with STD testing, schedule an appointment with our caring and expert team by calling our office or booking online today.