What Is A STD?

An STD, or sexually transmitted disease is an infection which is spread by sexual activity. An STD will generally involve the sexual organs or genital areas of the person who has the disease. Unfortunately many who are infected with an STD are not aware of it, which means the disease continues to spread to new people.

STD Testing

The symptoms of an STD are easily mistaken for another illness or even a simple case of the flu, and it is possible to not have any symptoms at all, so the only way to know for certain if you have an STD is to be tested. Many tests can be done with a simple urine sample, although your doctor may request a skin swab or blood sample for certain sexually transmitted diseases.

STD Treatments

Treatments vary depending on the types of sexually transmitted diseases. Many can be treated with a prescription that is taken orally, or a medicated cream that is applied to the affected area. If you have an STD that can be treated with a prescription, make sure to finish the entire series. Other treatments may involve shots, or in more serious cases, even surgery. While you are still under treatment you should not have sex with anyone until your doctor says it is OK.

How to Avoid Getting An STD

Abstinence is the only guaranteed method of prevention, but if you want to be sexually active there are other things you can do to protect yourself. First, always use a condom for any type of sexual activity, including oral and anal sex, and use it from the start to finish. It is also wise be very selective in the number of people that you have sex with Having sex with someone who has had many previous partners puts you at a high risk of getting an STD, so ask about their sexual history when deciding whether or not to be intimate with someone.