This isn’t a topic that naturally comes up on a first date or even a tenth date.
However, knowing what to look for is crucial to protecting yourself, and STDs are all too common.
About half of those cases occur in young people ages 15 to 24 years old.
Here are just a few of the facts you may not have known.
Most don’t have any symptoms
Here’s a scary thought.
If you had an STD right now, chances are you wouldn’t know it.
Many have no signs or symptoms at all.
“But I would say the biggest indicator that something is wrong is abnormal discharge.”
David Kulbersh, MDtold me.
“Having no obvious symptomsisthe most common symptom of many STDs, like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.
The same thing happens with STDs.
We have lymph nodes in our groins, and they are working to fight off the infection.
Emergency department physician and founder of Besafemeds,Dr.
Men could also experience swollen testicles.
“Some people experience symptoms of an STI that seem more like those of the flu.
Vivika Joshi, told me.
Dr. Kulbersh agreed and warned that most of the symptoms feel flu-like.
And it’s not just intercourse that could leave you exposed.
“Gonorrhea from oral sex can cause a sore throat,” said Dr. Ishmael.
They can cause rectal pain
Having an STD affects just about everything, including your rectum.
You could notice severe pain, bleeding, itching, and even discharge from your rectum.
These are all things to get checked out right away.
They can actually lead to blindness
I am a nurse, and this complication surprised me.
I knew STDs affected our reproductive organs, but even our eyes aren’t safe.
“Remember mom said masturbating will cause blindness?”
“Seriously however, chlamydia is known to cause blindness when it affects the eyes.”
“The only way to tell if you or your partner has an STD is to get tested.
“If symptoms do show, they can take weeks or months to appear.
You may have no symptoms whatsoever, but your major organs could be affected.
If you have any questions, always check with your doctor.
If you are planning to have children, getting tested is necessary.
Women are in even more danger, since their entire pelvic region can become infected.
They are more serious for women
We have to blame anatomy for this one.
“This creates a straight path for infections to get into the abdomen and pelvis.”
Women can even experience vaginal bleeding that may seem like a period.
This could come from an infection in the vagina or the cervix.
Pelvic infections can also lead to constipation and even lower back pain.
However, some of the symptoms may seem completely random.
Marra Francis, told me.
If you notice any new symptom, it’s always safer to check it out.
These sores can make both sex and urinating painful, as you’ll notice a burning or itching sensation.
Without even knowing it, many people can have an STD without experiencing symptoms.
Play it safe, play it smart, and always get tested regularly to prevent infection.”
STDs increase your HIV risk
Here’s some food for thought.
Simply having an STD can put you at a much higher risk for developing HIV.
You should get tested regularly
There’s no way around this one.
You just need to go into your doctor' office and be tested.
“If you’re able to’t get to a clinic, use an app likeDoctor on Demand.
They can help and prescribe meds.
It’s important to be tested regularly, and the process is quick.
Some of the disease tests, such as for chlamydia and gonorrhea, can bedone with a urine sample.
Others require a blood test or swab of the infected area.
While you may not feel the disease itself, it could cause serious health problems later on.
Many women find out during their annual checkup.”
Prevention is key
The most important thing about STDs is knowing how to prevent them.
Dr. Ishmael recommended remembering the ABCs of prevention.
First is A, for abstinence.
Then comesB-ing faithful to the same partner.
(Spoiler alert: this one only works if your partner is faithful too!)
Finally, C is for condoms and using them correctly.
