I Think I Have an STD: What Should I Do?

North Naples Gynecology and Obstetrics Blog I Think I Have an STD: What Should I Do?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) affect your current and future health, especially when untreated. That’s why it’s essential to recognize the symptoms and get tested before spreading the disease.

OB/GYN Dr. Dean Hildahl and his expert team at North Naples Gynecology and Obstetrics in Naples, Florida, diagnose and treat STDs to protect your health and give you peace of mind.

STD symptoms

 You might not always show signs of an STD, but people frequently develop symptoms, such as: 

You may also experience flu-like symptoms, including swollen glands, fever, and fatigue.

STD testing

If you think you have an STD, testing is the only way to know for sure. At your visit, Dr. Hildahl reviews your sexual history and current symptoms. Since you may be asymptomatic, we use lab tests to help pinpoint the problem. We employ:

Testing may also include vaginal or throat swabs and cervical tissue samples. 

Dr. Hildahl recommends annual gonorrhea and chlamydia tests for sexually active women, with or without symptoms. If you’re pregnant, you should take syphilis, hepatitis B, and HIV tests during your pregnancy to prevent transmission to your unborn child. 

STIs and STDs 

More than 1 million people ages 15-49 across the globe get curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) daily. A sexually transmitted infection (STI) often precedes an STD, which refers to the disease the infection causes.  

The most prevalent STDs include:

Most STIs remain asymptomatic, so testing is crucial to slow the spread of these infections.

Treatment for STDs

If your STD test is positive, Dr. Hildahl tailors treatment to your specific disease for the best outcome. Options may include:

Antibiotics

A single dose cures many STDs caused by parasites or bacteria, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. We recommend refraining from sexual encounters for at least a week after you finish the antibiotics and any lesions have disappeared. 

Antivirals

These drugs help keep viral infections, such as herpes or HIV, at bay. Since they don’t completely diminish the virus, you must also take other precautions.

Dr. Hildahl advises you on future testing and how to avoid spreading the disease to your partner.

Avoid complications

The sooner you treat an STD, the better your chances of good health now and in the future. Complications from STDs include: 

Certain cervical and rectal cancers may be related to previous HPV infections.

If you believe you’re dealing with an STD, the first thing to do is breathe. We can help you through it with pain-free testing and solutions. To discuss your concerns or book your next gynecological exam, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hildahl by phone or online today.

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