I Got an STD. What Should I Do?

If you think you keep ejaculating without orgasm, that's not semen, it's a gonorrhea puss. It may look white now, but soon it will turn yellow, then green. Get treated today.

Sexually transmitted diseases are a common health concern for sexually active people. Unfortunately, many people feel ashamed or embarrassed to talk about STDs and seek help when they need it. If you find yourself in this situation, know that you're not alone and there is no reason to be ashamed.

In fact, seeking medical attention for an STD is the responsible thing to do for your own health and the health of your partners. So if you think you may have contracted an STD, keep reading to learn what steps you should take next.

What is an STD?

An STD is a sexually transmitted disease that can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact. This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex, as well as any other type of genital contact. STDs are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi that infect the body.

Symptoms of an STD vary depending on the specific infection. Some common symptoms include itching or burning during urination, abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina, sores or bumps on the genitals or anus, and flu-like symptoms such as fever and fatigue.

Of course, not everyone with an STD experience symptoms right away - some may not have any symptoms at all but still carry and transmit the infection to others. Because of this reason, you really need to get tested regularly for STDs even if you feel fine.

Common STDs

Here are some common STDs and their associated symptoms:

1. Chlamydia:

   • Symptoms (in women): Abnormal vaginal discharge, painful urination, lower abdominal pain, pain during sexual intercourse, bleeding between periods.
   • Symptoms (in men): Discharge from the penis, burning sensation during urination, testicular pain or swelling.

2. Gonorrhea:

   • Symptoms (in women): Increased vaginal discharge, painful urination, vaginal bleeding between periods, pelvic pain.
   • Symptoms (in men): Thick, cloudy or bloody discharge from the penis, painful urination, testicular pain or swelling.

3. Syphilis:

   • Primary stage: A painless sore or ulcer (called a chancre) at the site of infection, usually on the genitals, anus, or mouth.
   • Secondary stage: Skin rash, often on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue.
   • Latent and tertiary stages: No symptoms during latent stage. Tertiary stage can lead to severe complications, such as neurological problems, heart damage, and organ damage.

4. Genital herpes:

   • Primary outbreak: Painful sores or blisters on or around the genitals, rectum, or mouth, flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches).
   • Recurrent outbreaks: Less severe symptoms than the primary outbreak, including tingling, itching, or burning sensations before the appearance of sores.

5. Human papillomavirus (HPV):

   • Many strains of HPV do not cause noticeable symptoms.
   • Some high-risk strains can lead to cervical, anal, or throat cancer in the long term.
   • Low-risk strains can cause genital warts, which appear as small, flesh-colored bumps or cauliflower-like clusters on or around the genitals or anus.

6. HIV/AIDS:

   • Initial infection (acute HIV): Fever, fatigue, sore throat, muscle aches, rash, swollen lymph nodes.
   • Asymptomatic stage: HIV may not cause any noticeable symptoms for several years.
   • Late-stage (AIDS): Weak immune system, recurrent infections, weight loss, night sweats, fatigue, persistent diarrhea.

Who Should I See If I Think I Have an STD?

If you suspect that you have an STD, really, get up now and contact a 24-hour helpline immediatel. Who should you see? They'll advise you. Here are some healthcare professionals that you'll be advised to see:

• Primary Care Physician (PCP): Your regular doctor or primary care physician. They can evaluate your symptoms, perform necessary tests, provide a diagnosis, and offer treatment or refer you to a specialist if needed.
• Gynecologist/Obstetrician: If you are a woman and suspect a vaginal or reproductive system-related STD, you may want to schedule an appointment with a gynecologist. They specialize in women's health and can conduct examinations, perform tests, and provide appropriate treatment.
• Urologist: For men experiencing symptoms or suspecting STDs that affect the male reproductive system, such as gonorrhea or genital herpes, consulting a urologist is recommended. Urologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the urinary and reproductive systems in both males and females.
• Sexual Health Clinics: These clinics specifically focus on sexual health and are often well-equipped to diagnose and treat STDs. They provide confidential testing, counseling, and treatment services for various sexually transmitted infections. Some clinics may offer walk-in appointments or online booking options.
• Planned Parenthood: Planned Parenthood clinics offer a range of reproductive and sexual healthcare services, including testing and treatment for STDs. They can provide confidential care, information, and support.

What Happens During an STD Evaluation?

First, you'll be asked about your sexual history and any symptoms you may have noticed. Be honest with them, or you'll only be wasting your time as well as theirs. They need to accurately diagnose and treat any potential STDs.

Next, your healthcare professional may perform a physical exam, which could include checking for visible signs of infection or taking samples from areas that are commonly affected by STDs. No need to feel uncomfortable or embarrassing - they are trained professionals who have seen it all before.

In some cases, they may order lab tests to check for particular infections. These tests could involve blood work or urine samples.

If you do receive a positive diagnosis for an STD, the professional will discuss treatment options with you. Depending on the type of infection and how far along it is, treatment could involve medication or other interventions.

Remember that getting an STD evaluation is nothing to be ashamed of - in fact, it's a responsible step towards protecting yourself and others from potentially serious health risks.

How Are STDs Treated?

While some STDs can be cured with appropriate treatment, others can be managed but not completely eliminated. Here is a general overview of how different STDs are commonly treated:

1. Bacterial Infections (e.g., Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis):

   • Antibiotics: Bacterial STDs are typically treated with antibiotics. The specific antibiotic and duration of treatment depend on the type and severity of the infection. It's important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve.

2. Viral Infections (e.g., Genital Herpes, HIV, HPV):

   • Antiviral Medications: Viral STDs cannot be completely cured but can be managed with antiviral medications. These medications can help reduce symptoms, prevent outbreaks, or slow down the progression of the disease.
   • HIV/AIDS: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is used to control HIV infection and manage the virus. ART involves a combination of different antiretroviral drugs.

3. Parasitic Infections (e.g., Trichomoniasis):

   • Antiparasitic Medications: Parasitic STDs like trichomoniasis are treated with antiparasitic medications. Both sexual partners should be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection.

4. Human Papillomavirus (HPV):

   • No specific treatment for the virus itself: Most HPV infections clear on their own without treatment. Treatment focuses on managing the symptoms or complications caused by HPV, such as genital warts or abnormal cell changes (precancerous lesions) that can lead to cancer. This may involve medications, topical treatments, cryotherapy, or other procedures.

If Untreated...

If you don't treat a sexually transmitted infection (STI) for a long time, it can cause problems. Here's what can happen:

It can keep spreading

If you have an untreated STI, you can pass it on to other people through sexual contact. This puts your partners at risk and can make the infection more common in the community.

The symptoms can get worse

Some STIs, like herpes or syphilis, can cause more severe symptoms over time if you don't treat them. This can make you feel more uncomfortable and in more pain.

Infertility or reproductive health issues

Certain STIs, like chlamydia or gonorrhea, can cause serious problems with your ability to have children if you don't get treated. In women, these infections can lead to issues like infertility (not being able to get pregnant), chronic pain in the pelvis, and pregnancies that happen outside the womb. In men, untreated STIs can lead to infertility too.

It can increase your risk of getting HIV

Some STIs, like herpes, syphilis, or gonorrhea, can make it easier for you to get HIV or to transmit it to others. If you already have HIV, these infections can make it more likely for you to pass it on.

It can cause long-term health problems

Certain STIs, like untreated syphilis or certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), can lead to serious health issues if you don't treat them. Syphilis can affect different parts of your body, including your heart, brain, and nervous system. Some types of HPV can cause genital warts and increase the risk of certain cancers, like cervical or anal cancer.

Can STDs Be Prevented?

Of course they can. You probably already know them all, but here are the preventive measures, particularly applicable to gay individuals:

Condom Use:

This is a difficult one because condoms do take away a certain level of intimacy. Most gay men who enjoy casual sex do it raw. You can put them off right away by insisting to have a condom.

But we also know that consistent and correct use of condoms can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting STDs during sexual activity. Latex or polyurethane condoms are effective barriers against many STDs, including HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Water-based lubricants should be used with latex condoms to prevent breakage.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP):

PrEP is a preventive medication regimen that involves taking antiretroviral drugs (such as Truvada or Descovy) regularly to reduce the risk of HIV infection. PrEP is highly effective when taken as prescribed, but it does not protect against other STDs. It is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine if PrEP is suitable and to get regular monitoring and testing.

Vaccination:

Vaccination is available to prevent certain STDs. The HPV vaccine, for example, protects against several high-risk strains of human papillomavirus that can cause anal, penile, and throat cancers. Hepatitis A and B vaccines are also recommended for sexually active gay men.

Regular Testing:

Testing is a way to prevent others from infected from you. Testing can include urine tests, blood tests, swabs, and anal or oral samples, depending on the STD being tested for.

Avoiding risky behaviors such as having unprotected sex with strangers or sharing needles for drug use can significantly reduce the risk of contracting an STD. Remember that prevention starts with knowledge and taking responsibility for one's own health.

Get treated asap, and tomorrow you'll feel better!