The number of positive STD cases is growing globally and is affecting our bodies more than ever. More than 1 million sexually transmitted diseases are acquired daily. STDs can impact our sexual health, cause fertility issues, and have consequences on our daily lifestyle too. If you are sexually active, it is imperative that you are aware of common symptoms paired with STDs and test yourself annually because many cases are asymptomatic.
Herpes
Herpes simplex virus (HSV), or often known as herpes, is the most common sexually transmitted infection we see at our clinic. There is both oral (HSV-1) and genital herpes (HSV-2). Both infections can be asymptomatic, but often it will cause painful blisters or ulcers at the infection site. The main concern with this infection is that it is lifelong and will have flare-ups. There are medications to help reduce the frequency of flare-ups and lessen symptoms, but we cannot fully eliminate the infection now.
As mentioned previously, oral herpes is often asymptomatic, but can cause painful blisters (known as cold sores), in or around the mouth. Someone with the infection will experience a tingling and itching sensation around their mouth before the sores become visible.
Genital herpes will also cause blisters or ulcers around the genitals or rectum. Symptoms can range from asymptomatic, mild, or severe. When someone contracts a new infection of HSV it is often paired with a fever, body aches and swollen lymph nodes, followed by painful blisters at the infection site. Thankfully, most patients agree that their first episode tends to be the most severe and symptoms lessen over time.
Herpes is spread through contact with an infected person with the virus. HSV-1 or oral herpes is spread through the saliva and cold sores of the infected person. Avoid sharing drinks, or makeup with someone with an active infection. People with HSV-1 infections are still at risk of getting infected with the HSV-2 virus. The main cause of HSV-2 or genital herpes transmission is from sex. Even if there are no blisters at the infection site the virus can still spread during sexual activity. In rare cases, both oral and genital herpes can be spread from mother to child causing neonatal herpes.
For more information on HSV, please visit the CDC website.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause infection in the genitals, rectum, and throat. It is the second most common infection behind herpes. Like herpes, many cases of gonorrhea will be asymptomatic. Symptoms of the infection in men include pain during urination, pain or swelling in one testicle and discharge for the tip of the penis. Symptoms of the infection in women include vaginal discharge, pain during urination, abdominal pain, and vaginal bleeding not associated with periods.
The infection is spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Again, like herpes, the infection can spread from mother to child during childbirth. Gonorrhea most commonly will affect babies’ eyes, leading to permanent damage or blindness.
There are several significant potential complications for both men and women with untreated cases of gonorrhea including:
- Infertility
- Infection spreading to your joints
- Increased risk of HIV/AIDS
Unlike herpes though, there are ways to treat gonorrhea. For adults, an antibiotic injection will be prescribed to treat the infection. Most symptoms should be gone within 7 days of receiving the injection. Keep in mind after treatment you are still at risk of contracting the infection again.
For more information on gonorrhea, please see the CDC fact sheet.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis (trich) is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a parasite. Both men and women can be infected but more commonly men tend to have no symptoms.
Symptoms of trich in women include:
- Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
- Redness, burning & itching in the genitals
- Pain during urination and sex
- Pain in the lower abdomen
As mentioned above men rarely show symptoms with trich but if they do, this is what they will experience:
- Itching sensation inside penis
- Burning sensation during urination or after ejaculation
- Discharge from penis
Like the other STDs we discussed, trichomoniasis can pass from mother to child during labor. Trich can also cause premature labor, and a low birth weight in babies.
If you have trichomoniasis your healthcare provider will prescribe antibiotics to help treat the infection. The treatment plan for trich is also considered safe for pregnant women.
For more details about trichomoniasis, please visit the CDC website.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is contracted by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who is infected. Men and women are both are risk of getting chlamydia from their partner. There are greater concerns for women who get infected because it can cause damage to their reproductive system. Along with difficulties getting pregnant it could also cause ectopic pregnancies. This is another STD that can pass from mother to child during childbirth.
Many cases of chlamydia may show no symptoms, which is why it is so essential to get tested regularly if you are sexually active, because asymptomatic women can still have permeant damage done to their reproductive system. Some symptoms women may notice include:
- Vaginal discharge
- Burning sensation when urinating
Symptoms for men include:
- Discharge from penis
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Pain in or swollen testicles
If your healthcare provider determines you have chlamydia, they will prescribe an antibiotic. The antibiotic will treat the infection but cannot repair any damage done by the disease. You are always at risk of getting re-infected even after treatment.
For more detailed information about chlamydia, please visit the CDC website.
STD Testing at Complete Health Partners
The common theme of all these sexually transmitted diseases is that in many cases people will not show symptoms. That is why if you are a sexually active adult, especially with more than 1 partner, it is imperative to be tested frequently to help prevent further spreading of the infections. To also help protect your personal health and fertility.
To help prevent the spread of STDs, you need to practice safe sex. Wear a condom every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex to protect you and your partner. Reduce your number of sex partners, the less people you have intercourse with the less likely you are to get infected. Consider abstinence, this is the only reliable way to know you do not have an infection.
At Complete Health Partners we offer testing and treatment for these STIs and more at our 2 urgent care locations. You can receive results from us in 24 – 72 hours. Book a same day and confidential appointment online to get treatment today.
Nashville Area Urgent Care Clinics
6749 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209
629.203.7858
9am – 7pm, 7 days a week
166 E. Main Street, Hendersonville, TN 37075
615.991.2855
9am – 7pm, 7 days a week