Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Although sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) might be uncomfortable to talk about, it's important to be open with your doctor about your risk of contracting STDs. Left untreated, some can cause infertility, chronic pain, cancer and even death. Even if you escape the worst side effects, a partner who contracts an STD from you might not have the same luck. Many diseases have no symptoms in their early stages, so it's important to get tested if you might be at risk.

The board-certified primary care providers at Beaufort Memorial provide compassionate care for patients with STDs. Find a primary care provider accepting new patients.

Types of STDs

STDs affect both men and women and can be spread through oral, vaginal or anal sex. Some common STDs include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Herpes
• Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Syphilis

When symptoms do appear, they can include unusual discharge, burning during urination, unusual rashes or open sores. If you have any concerns, talk to your primary care provider, who can evaluate any signs of STDs and recommend testing, if necessary.

Who Should Get Tested for STDs?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that sexually active people under age 25 and people who have multiple sexual partners get tested annually. Regardless of age, you should be tested if your partner has an STD. Even if you think you're too old for testing, you're not, in recent years, there has been an uptick in older adults contracting and spreading STDs.

STD Treatment and Prevention

Many people avoid going to a doctor because they are scared to get tested for an STD. But treatment for some STDs is as simple as a round of antibiotics. Other chronic conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, herpes and HPV, can be managed with medications.

To prevent an STD:

• Always use a condom during sexual intercourse. Other forms of birth control, such as the pill, do not prevent STDs.
• Make sure children and teens are up to date on the HPV vaccine, which can prevent cervical, anal, penile and throat cancers caused by HPV. If you did not receive the HPV vaccine as a child, discuss with your primary care provider whether you need one.
• Talk to your provider about whether pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is right for you. PrEP can help prevent HIV infections in people at very high risk.