Just Got Diagnosed With an STD? Here’s How You Can Deal With It

You’re not alone if your sexual history or symptoms indicate you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD). According to the CDC, around 2.4 million STD cases were reported in the US in 2020, lower than the 2.6 million in 2019.

An STD or STI is a serious medical condition that can develop after having unprotected sex, including vaginal, oral, or anal sex. If you have been diagnosed with the condition, it is recommended to get yourself checked by a venereologist who can guide you about the appropriate treatment. 

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All STDs are treated differently according to the type of infections. Some STDs like chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics, while STIs like herpes need antiviral medication to relieve pain. 

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Symptoms of STDs

Not all STDs have symptoms; you might have an infection and not know about it. Moreover, its symptoms vary greatly, but mostly if you have an infection, you might experience the following: 

• Burning sensation or discharge from the vagina or penis 
• Frequent urination 
• Itching, bleeding or soreness near the genital area 
• Severe abdominal pain 
• Fever 
• Sore or rashes around the genital area 
• Swollen testicles 
• Abnormal periods 

With the prevalence of virtual clinics, it has become easier to manage your symptoms through remote monitoring by telemedicine doctors.

Diagnosis

If you’re developing symptoms of an STD, your doctor will prepare you for a pelvic exam to look for the infection. If you experience rash or discharge, consult an online doctor as soon as possible to avoid severe complications. 

Apart from the pelvic exam, some laboratory tests can help you identify the cause and type of STI you have been infected with. 

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• Blood tests can identify signs of HIV or the last stages of syphilis. 
• Urine samples can help confirm some types of STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea
• Fluid samples are required when you have open genital sores; fluid from the sores can identify the type of STI.  

Screening for STIs

Screening is testing for a disease in someone who doesn’t have symptoms. STI screening is usually not a part of routine health care checkups. It is recommended for: 

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Pregnant Women: All moms-to-be are expected to screen for STIs, especially HIV, hepatitis C and B, and chlamydia, at their first visit to the doctor after conceiving. STDs can be dangerous for pregnant women and can lead to ectopic pregnancy. 

Sexually Active Woman Under the Age of 25: All sexually active women, especially those under 25, should be tested for STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea. It’s important because they can get an infection from their sex partner who has a history of STD or have been going through treatment.  

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People Who Have a New Partner: Men or women, if you have a new partner, you should go for screening before having intercourse. You can get tested for various STIs, except herpes, until you experience some symptoms. 

Types of STDs and How They Are Treated

Over 30 different bacteria and parasites are transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal sex, causing STDs. Some common STDs and their treatment you must be aware of include:

AIDs/HIV 

HIV breaks down your immune system and increases the risk of other viruses. If HIV levels are not controlled, it can cause AIDS, where your body is vulnerable to other severe infections. There is no cure for AIDS; treatment focuses on medications to maintain HIV levels. 

Antiretroviral drugs are used to keep HIV in check; however, the appropriate time to start the treatment is still debated. Some doctors suggest the drug should be given early upon diagnosis, while others believe it’s better to wait as the drugs have side effects. 

Gonorrhea and Chlamydia

They are caused by a bacterial infection and are often without symptoms. If your tests are positive for gonorrhea or chlamydia, your doctor will ask you to start a course of antibiotics. Your partner will also have to follow the treatment regardless of the symptoms they may experience. Failure to treat chlamydia or gonorrhea can permanently damage your reproductive organs and cause complications in conceiving. 

Genital Warts 

A widespread disease caused by certain kinds of HPV. These are skin-colored or white bumps on the genital area which might go away independently. If not, surgery or laser treatment is often recommended to remove HPV genital warts. 

Scabies 

These are tiny parasites causing itching and redness that often worsen at night. It can spread through direct skin contact or using an infected person’s clothes, sheets, or towel. Scabies doesn’t go away on its own; there are a lot of lotions and creams to treat the affected area. 

Speak to a Doctor Online for an Instant Check-Up

If you are suffering from any sexually transmitted infection or any medical condition like vaginal yeast infection, erectile dysfunction, etc., you can consult virtual doctors at TelMDCare. TelMDCare is a virtual healthcare platform providing quality healthcare across multiple states in the United States. They can help you treat a range of medical conditions. 

Delaying a consultation may worsen your health condition. Therefore, you must schedule an appointment right now to get a quick check-up.

Connect with us and speak to a doctor online.

About the Author

The author is a well-known venereologist who has been serving for 15 years. He loves to travel and write about different health issues, particularly venereal diseases of both genders. The author is a staff member at TelMDCare.

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