The ABCs of STDs

What are STDs?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. They are caused by bacteria, parasites, and viruses. They affect both men and women.

There are many types of STIs, but the common ones are:

• Chlamydia

• Genital herpes

• Gonorrhea

• HIV/AIDS

• HPV

• Syphilis

• Trichomoniasis

If you live in Lubbock, TX, you've likely heard of "Raider Rash." This is not an actual STD, but rather a catch-all term for common STDs in the Lubbock area. Get tested today so you know exactly what infection you may have and treatment options.

Common STD Symptoms:

• Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area

• Painful or burning urination

• Discharge from the penis

• Unusual or odd-smelling vaginal discharge

• Unusual vaginal bleeding

• Pain during sex

• Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin but sometimes more widespread

• Lower abdominal pain

• Fever

• Rash over the trunk, hands or feet

STD Statistics:

• One in two sexually active persons will contract an STD by age 25.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 20 million new infections occur every year in this country, half of those among young people aged 15–24.

• Even though young people account for half of new cases, a recent survey showed only about 12% were tested for STDs in the last year.

• CDC estimates that undiagnosed STIs cause 24,000 women to become infertile each year.

• The total estimated cost of STDs annually in the U.S. is about $16 billion.

Why get tested?

It's really important to get tested if you think you have an STI. If you find out that your partner has an STD, it's important for you both to get tested and treated. Antibiotics are readily available, and some bacterial STDs can be treated with these and clear up quickly. Other STDs can lead to serious health problems if you don't treat them—and having one STI can increase your risk of contracting another, possibly more serious, infection. And it's best to find out right away if you have a sexually transmitted disease, so you can avoid giving it to other people.

What to expect during an STD test :

The nurses at Parkridge are competent and caring medical professionals—and understand your need for a confidential medical exam. They will help you feel more comfortable during this process. During an STD appointment you will provide a brief sexual health history—this helps our medical team know how best to help you. You will provide a urine specimen for testing and have a cervical exam. If you've never had a Pap smear or other pelvic exam, this cervical exam might feel uncomfortable, but the nurse will talk you through each step. When the results of your exam are available, the nurse will provide any necessary treatment and/or referrals.

Questions? Call today!

Call: 806.794.8555 today to get information about your free STD testing appointment in Lubbock. No hassle, no judgment. Just free and confidential. 

Resources

Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/symptoms-causes/syc-20351240 Accessed on: June 29, 2020. 

STI Statistics. American Sexual Health Association. Available at: http://www.ashasexualhealth.org/stdsstis/statistics/ Accessed on: June 29, 2020.

Sexual Transmitted Diseases. Medline Plus. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/sexuallytransmitteddiseases.html Accessed on: June 29, 2020.