Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Your Body
A sexually transmitted disease, or STD, can be contracted any time you engage in sex or a sex-like activity with a partner. Condoms and other barrier methods can reduce the risk, but they don’t eliminate the risk of contracting an STD. Many STDs are symptomless; this is why it is a good idea to get tested regularly if you have multiple partners.
Could I Have an STD?
If you have engaged in sex or sex-like activity there is a risk you could have contracted a sexually transmitted disease. Many STDs are curable if caught early and many have no long-term effects. Left untreated, many STDs can cause damage, sometimes this damage is permanent. This is why testing and early detection is so important. Even if you have no symptoms, you could still have an STD if you have had sex and you could transmit it to your partner(s). There is no way to verify whether or not someone has been tested. Not having sex or engaging in a sex-like activity with a partner(s) is the only way to ensure you don’t contract an STD.
How Do I Prevent an STD?
Engaging in sex or sex-like activity puts you at risk for a sexually transmitted disease. Condoms and other barrier methods only reduce the risk, not eliminate it completely. Abstinence is the only way to ensure against contracting an STD. This means not engaging in vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
What if I Tested Positive for an STD?
Some STDs can be cured by antibiotics or other treatment methods. You should talk to your doctor and begin a treatment plan. Do not engage in sex or sex-like activity to avoid spreading the disease. Call us today to talk to a peer counselor to find help, hope and healing after an STD diagnosis.
Who Should be Tested for a Sexually Transmitted Disease?
No matter your age, anyone who is engaged or has been engaged in sex or sex-like activity with a partner(s) should be tested for an STD.
Is it Possible My Partner Lied to Me About Having an STD?
People can and do lie about their sexual history and STD status. Getting to know someone before engaging in sexual activity does not prevent them from lying to you about their sexual health. Any time you engage in sex or a sex-like activity with a partner(s) you are at risk.
My Partner Told Me They Have an STD. Should I Be Tested?
If you have engaged in sex or sex-like activity with someone who is infected with an STD, you should immediately seek testing and stop all sexual contact with anyone until you have the results of the test. There are 110 million men and women infected with STDs in the United States. That is 1/3 of our population. We are here to offer help, hope and support. We can help you find a location to have the STD testing done and to give guidance and support no matter what the test result is. Getting tested is easy and the best source for giving you the maximum amount of information. Call us to receive confidential help and support.