It can be difficult to live with an STD, but many of these types of infections are curable, and they’re also quite common. According to the CDC, one in five people in America currently have an STD.

If you are sexually active, getting regularly STD-tested is extremely important, and our AFC Urgent Care Southcenter team explains why below.

What Are STDs, And Can They Be Cured?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections or STIs, are very common.

These infections typically transmitted by having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has an infection, and there are two types of sexually transmitted diseases—bacterial and viral. Bacterial diseases (like chlamydia) can be cured with antibiotics, while viral diseases (like HIV) can only be treated, not cured. Although many STDs don’t show symptoms, some do, and we’ve listed the common ones below.

Common Signs of STDs

• Sores or bumps on and around the genitals, thighs or glutes
• Uncommon discharge from the vagina or penis
• Burning when you urinate and/or having to frequently urinate
• Itching, pain, irritation and/or swelling in the penis, vagina, vulva or anus
• Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, body aches, swollen glands and fatigue

Why Is Getting STD-Tested So Important?

According to the CDC, you should get STD-tested at least once a year if you are sexually active. 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, you should be tested every three to six months.

But, why? STD-testing is important because many STDs don’t even show symptoms, which means you could have one without even knowing it! Getting regularly tested helps to keep you and your partner’s overall and sexual health intact.

Ways to Prevent STDs

• Practice abstinence. The surest way to avoid getting STDs is to not have sex.
• Use condoms. Condoms lessen the risk of infection for all STDs, but you can still get certain STDs, like herpes or HPV, from contact with your partner’s skin even when using one.
• Have fewer partners. First, make sure you know that neither of you has an STD, then have sex with one person who is only having sex with you. This will dramatically lower your STD risk.

Our AFC Urgent Care Southcenter team provides STD-testing and treatment with utmost care and respect. Don’t hesitate to visit us today.