What is an STD?
An STD (sexually transmitted disease) is an infection in which both men and women are susceptible (vulnerable) to that can be passed through sex or sexual contact.
Studies by the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) have shown that STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are some of the most common in Georgia. The CDC has also seen an increase in cases of all three in the Peach State. However, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can be cured with the right antibiotics and treatments.
How an STD is spread:
- An STD is spread through contact of reproductive organs during sex or oral sex.
- Some STDs like HIV and hepatitis B can be spread by contact with infected blood.
- STD germs need to live in warm, moist areas. This is why they infect specifically the mouth and sex organs.
What should I do?
Get Checked:
Obviously, you can’t just hope that an STD will just go away because it won’t. However, most county health departments have STD clinics whose purpose is to help treat STDs. If you don’t know where to get help or where to get access to helpful information and testing, you can call your family planning clinic (Options Now). You may feel embarrassed or shame about having an STD. You may also find it difficult to go to your health care provider or nearest clinic. Remember, it is best to seek treatment to prevent your case from worsening or spreading.
If the above options for STD testing do not appeal to you, you can also visit Options Now for a free and confidential STD test.
Get Treated:
- Many STDs can be treated and cured. Though others cannot be cured, they must still be treated. All STDs must be taken seriously.
- Many STDs can be treated with antibiotics. Fully follow the instructions of your health care provider. No not prioritize some medications over other. All administered medications must be used.
- You must also make your sexual partner(s) aware. You are also responsible for disclosing this information. Without treatment, they can get sick or spread the STD. It is also possible for them to get the STD again.
What to Watch For:
Many people have an STD with no symptoms. However, as symptoms appear, you may notice:
| Women | Men | Women & Men |
| An unusual discharge or smell from your vagina. | A drip or discharge from your penis. | Sores, bumps or blisters near your sex organs, rectum or mouth. |
| Pain in your pelvic area- the area between your belly button and sex organs. | Burning and pain when you urinate (pee) or have a bowel movement. | |
| Burning or itching around your vagina. | Need to urinate often. | |
| Bleeding from your vagina that is not your regular period. | Itching around your sex organs. | |
| Pain deep inside your vagina when you have sex. | Swelling or redness in your throat. | |
| Flu-like feelings, with fever, chills, and aches. | ||
| Swelling in your groin-area around your sex organs. |
For Free and Confidential STD Testing, Contact Us!
Referenes:
“Information about STD’s.” Georgia Department of Public Health, https://dph.georgia.gov/STDs/information-about-stds. Accessed February 11, 2020.