What Do STDs And STIs Stand For, And What Exactly Are They?

At TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, we understand the importance of comprehensive knowledge when it comes to sexual health. Here, we provide you with essential information about STDs and STIs to empower you with awareness and promote responsible decision-making.

STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, encompass infections that are transmitted between individuals through various sexual activities, including vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse. On the other hand, STIs, which stand for sexually transmitted infections, are primarily spread through unprotected sexual contact. It’s worth noting that STIs can also be transmitted during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or through exposure to infected blood.

At our facility, we recognize that STDs and STIs can have serious implications for your health if left untreated. While many individuals may not experience any symptoms, it’s crucial to understand that these conditions can lead to severe complications. Both STDs and STIs share common origins, often starting as infections caused by bacteria and potentially progressing into more advanced diseases if not promptly addressed.

By seeking medical attention at TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, you gain access to experienced healthcare professionals who are dedicated to your well-being. Our team is equipped to provide accurate diagnoses, necessary treatments, and preventive measures to ensure your sexual health remains a priority. We are committed to offering comprehensive care and support to help you make informed decisions regarding your sexual well-being.

Types of STDs and Everything You Need to Know

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common types of STDs and is caused by a bacterial infection that can be easily cured with antibiotics. This is one of the most prominent types of STDs, and many people will not even know they are infected, as most usually do not show any symptoms. The infection can be carried through semen, pre-cum, and vaginal fluids and can infect the penis, vagina, cervix, anus, urethra, eyes, and throat. It is rare to get it by touching your eye with infected fluids that could be on your hand, but still possible, and it is more common to get it through vaginal or anal sex. It can also be transferred to a baby during birth if the mother happens to have it. Almost 3 million people in the U.S. get it every year and most commonly people between the ages of 14 and 24.

Symptoms of Chlamydia

• Pain or burning while peeing.
• Pain during sex
• Lower belly pain
• Abnormal vaginal discharge (may be yellowish and have a strong smell)
• Swollen or tender testicles
• Pain, discharge, and/or bleeding around the anus
• Redness, skin discoloration, itching, or discharge from or around the eye
• Soreness in the throat

Genital Warts

Genital warts are pretty common and are caused by certain types of the HPV virus (human papillomavirus). They are treatable and not dangerous, in fact, the kind of HPV that causes cancer is not the kind that gives you warts. You contract them from having skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, typically during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. HPV is the most common STD, and you may not develop genital warts for weeks, months, or even years after having sexual contact with another individual. You may have the HPV virus and not even develop warts or get them one time and then never again— everyone is different. You could have the virus, not know it or have any warts, and then still give it to people unknowingly.

Symptoms of Genital Warts

The warts are whitish or skin-colored bumps that resemble tiny pieces of cauliflower. They could show up on your vulva, vagina, penis, anus, or scrotum, sometimes just one or in a group, as well as large or small warts. Most of the time, they will not hurt, but they might be itchy. They can sometimes go away on their own, but they also can stay and grow larger or increase in number. There are other types of things that can contribute to bumps, so if you feel like you could have genital warts, it is important to go and get tested.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a pretty common STD that can be treated with antibiotics, and similarly to chlamydia, most people do not show any symptoms. This can be spread to the penis, vagina, cervix, anus, urethra, throat, and eyes, which is rare. The infection is carried in the vaginal fluids, semen, and pre-cum, and can be spread through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. This also can be spread from a mother to a child through pregnancy.

Symptoms of Gonorrhea

• Pain or burning feeling when you pee
• Abnormal discharge from the vaginal that may be yellowish or bloody
• Bleeding between periods

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a type of infection that can lead to liver disease and can be spread during sex. There is a vaccine for this that you can receive that will help prevent you from contracting it. This is more serious because, unlike the previous STDs that are listed above, hepatitis B cannot be cured. It is super contagious and is transmitted from contact with semen, blood, and vaginal fluids. Some examples of ways you can get it to include sharing a toothbrush or a razor that has blood on it, sharing needles for drugs, tattoos, or piercings, getting accidentally stuck with a needle, and the more common way by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It is not spread through saliva, so sharing food or drink with someone infected will not transfer it to you.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B

• Feeling really tired
• Pain in your belly
• Losing your appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain in your joints
• Headache
• Fever
• Hives
• Dark-colored urine (pee)
• Pale, clay-colored bowel movements (poop)
• Jaundice – when your eyes and skin get yellow

Herpes

HIV & Aids

Molluscum Contagiosum

Public Lice

Scabies

Syphilis

Trichomoniasis

Getting any type of STD or STI, unknowingly, can lead to more serious health issues and even infertility in the future. Many people do not show any signs, so you could be spreading it to other people and not even knowing it. It is important to regularly be tested at least once a year, especially if you are a sexually active person. The sooner you know that you have something, the faster you can cure it. In addition to being regularly tested, make sure that you are using protection such as condoms or dental dams to help prevent contracting these as much as possible. Remember, you cannot contract these through casual contact, such as sharing a toilet seat, shaking hands, sharing clothes, or hugging.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as specific medical advice or practices endorsed by TGH Urgent Care. It is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical advice. If you are currently experiencing a medical emergency, it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention. We recommend visiting one of our nearest walk-in clinics, and to streamline your visit, we encourage you to utilize our convenient OnmyWay system, designed to save you time in line.

Sources:

• plannedparenthood.com
•  urologyhealth.org