All STDs are cause for concern, but they don’t all cause serious medical complications or symptoms.

Getting tested for STDs is one of the best things you can do for your sexual and overall health, and our AFC Urgent Care Louisville team explains why below.

How Will STDs Affect Me?

STDs affect men and women in different ways. In many cases, health problems caused by STDs are more severe among women than they are among men. If a pregnant woman has an STD, it can cause serious health problems for the baby. Some of these problems may be seen at birth, but others may not be discovered until months or years later.

Not all STDs show symptoms, and many of them are curable. We’ve listed the most common STD symptoms to be on the lookout for below.

Common STD Symptoms

• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
• Sores or warts on the genital area
• Painful or frequent urination
• Itching and redness in the genital area
• Blisters or sores in or around the mouth
• Abnormal vaginal odor
• Anal itching, soreness or bleeding
• Abdominal pain
• Fever

So Should I Get Tested for STDs?

Yes, if you are sexually active, the CDC recommends getting STD-tested at least once a year. If you have more than one partner, share needles or don’t always practice safe sex by using a condom each time you have intercourse, the CDC says that you should be tested every three to six months.

STD-testing sounds difficult, but it’s actually quite easy and painless. In addition to benefiting your sexual and overall health, we’ve listed some additional reasons to get STD-tested below.

More Reasons to Get STD-Tested

• Getting tested is quick and easy. Most STD tests are quickly performed and show results in only a few minutes. No needles are necessary as tests are performed by a swab in the mouth or urinating in a cup.
• Most STDs are treatable. The sooner you know your status, the sooner you can get treated.
  
• Many people are unaware that they have an STD. Many STDs have symptoms that aren’t visible or noticeable, or don’t develop symptoms for months or years. The only way to know your status is to get tested.

Have additional questions about STDs? Feel free to reach out to our team at AFC Urgent Care Louisville today!