If you’re sexually active, you should be regularly tested for STDs. Yes, we know it doesn’t sound or feel very glamorous to be regularly tested, but it’s important for your health.

Our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team provides some further helpful information about STDs below, so read on.

What Is An STD in the First Place?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections or STIs, are very common. Millions of new infections occur every year in the United States.

STDs are passed from one person to another through sexual activity, including vaginal, oral and anal sex. Additionally, many STDs don’t even cause symptoms, so it’s possible to have an STD without knowing it, which makes it even more important to get regular STD tests if you are sexually active. We’ve listed some of the most common STDs below.

Common STDs

• Chlamydia
• Herpes
• Gonorrhea
• Hepatitis B
• Syphilis
• HIV/AIDS
• Trichomoniasis

What Will Happen If I Get an STD?

Although some STDs don’t cause symptoms, it doesn’t mean that they are harmless. When left untreated, most STDs can lead to serious conditions.

They can cause infertility, urinary tract problems, and cancers of the vulva, cervix, vagina, penis and anus. Some STDs, including syphilis and AIDS, can cause death. Below, we’ve listed some effective ways to limit your risk of getting an STD so you can stay healthier for longer.

Ways to Lower STD Risk

• Practice abstinence. The surest way to avoid getting STDs is to not have sex.
• Use condoms. Condoms lessen the risk of infection for all STD, but 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.

STDs can be uncomfortable to talk about at times, but many people deal with them. If you have an STD or want to learn more about these types of diseases, don’t hesitate to reach out to our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team today.