A sometimes embarrassing topic, but crucial for your healthcare, is Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD). Just as important as getting your blood pressure checked regularly, or getting an annual physical, is having a yearly test for STDs.
Who needs STD testing?
If you are sexually active, especially if you have multiple partners, it is important to have a test done every year. If you are a man who has had sex with another man, it is also crucial to be checked frequently. Other risk factors include starting sex at a young age and using drugs.
“STDs can be asymptomatic—or existing without any noticeable signs or symptoms—so you could be infected and not even know it,” said Advance ER physician Dr. Alex Lee. “That’s why yearly testing is so important. Treatments can be more successful if we catch the infection early on.”
What kinds of tests check for STDs?
- Blood test
- Swab of genital sores or blisters
- Pap smear for women
- Swab of penis for men
- Urine test
What are the symptoms for STDs?
The symptoms may not show up for some time, so it is important to be tested whether or not you are displaying any signs. Here is a list of some of the most common symptoms of STDs:
- Sores, blisters, bumps
- Flesh-colored rash
- Burning, itching
- Painful urination
- Pain during intercourse
- Bleeding during intercourse
- Bleeding between periods or extra-heavy periods
- Lower abdominal pain
- Unusual discharge in women or men
- Testicular pain or swelling
- Painful bowel movements
- Anal itching
- Vaginal itching and irritation
- Itching or irritation in penis
- Fever, fatigue, rash anywhere, headache, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, diarrhea
- Muscle and joint pain, jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain on right side under ribs
What kinds of STDs are the most common?
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
- Genital herpes
- Genital warts
- HPV (human papillomavirus)
- HIV
- Hepatitis
What’s the cure for STDs?
There is no cure for many kinds of STDs, however, some can be treated successfully with antibiotics. “It’s important to be treated for STDs since many of them respond well to treatment. Also, if left untreated, you could be susceptible to additional STDs as well as infertility, cancer and other concerns,” said Dr. Lee. “Don’t let embarrassment or apathy get in the way of getting top quality healthcare at Advance ER.”
Here are some common treatments for STDs:
- Antibiotics – gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, trichomoniasis
- Antiviral medications – genital herpes, HIV
- Complex treatment plan and on-going monitoring – HPV, HIV, Hepatitis
How can Advance ER help me?
Confidential exams, No Wait care, and in-house testing are just a few reasons to come to Advance ER for your healthcare. Our on-site labs are available 24/7 and our tests feature rapid results. Don’t wait and worry any longer. Advance ER can help you take control of your healthcare.
“We’re here for you, when you need us,” said Dr. Lee. “You can trust in our professionalism and confidentiality. We really do want what’s best for you.”
You should come to Advance ER right away for help if you:
- Are in pain
- Have unmanageable symptoms
- Are displaying symptoms of STDs
- Were forced to participate in sexual activity against your will
- Know your partner has been diagnosed with an STD, or is showing symptoms of an STD
Advance ER: the right care in the right place at the right time.
Meet Dr. Alex Lee:
Alex Lee, M.D., is board-certified in Emergency Medicine. He received his medical degree from Tulane University in New Orleans and he completed his residency in Emergency Medicine at LSU/Charity Medical Center. He has been practicing in Dallas for almost a decade and he welcomes patients of all ages. Dr. Lee is fluent in both English and Korean.
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