Sexually transmitted infections are not only a condition of the sexually active. A woman with an STI is likely to pass it to her unborn child at childbirth; this could be life-threatening to the newborn. Because of this possibility, your doctor will advise you to test and treat potential infections early before you start showing symptoms. Contemporary Women’s Care boasts an all-female team of professionals with expertise in STD testing in Winter Park. The experts will help you stay on top of your health by offering confidential and non-judgmental STD testing.

What are the types of STDs you are likely to have as a sexually active individual?

There are several types of STDs, each with its unique symptoms and dangers. They include:

• Chlamydia
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Syphilis
• HIV
• Gonorrhea
• Trichomoniasis
• Herpes

If you test positive for an STI during your pregnancy, your doctor might recommend several treatment options. In such a case, he might suggest you give birth through a caesarian section to minimize your transmission risks during childbirth.

How will you know that you could be infected with an STD?

While some STDs may have various symptoms, others thrive in your body without showing any signs. That is why you may never suspect you have an infection until you develop complications or you contact your care provider for a diagnosis. Depending on the organism responsible for the disease, you could start to experience signs a few days after exposure or wait years before seeing the first sign. In case of symptoms, you will probably have indicators like:

• Painful sexual intercourse
• Burning sensation during urination
• Bumps or sores on your genitals or rectal area
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Smelly vaginal discharge
• Swollen lymph nodes, especially in your groin
• Unusual rashes on your hands, trunk, or feet
• Fever
• Lower abdominal pain

How can you prevent yourself from contracting an STD?

You are at risk of exposure to STDs if you are sexually active and having unprotected sex with multiple partners. To avoid or minimize your chances of contracting sexually transmitted infections, you should:

• Abstain. Abstinence is the only sure way of preventing an infection.
• Maintaining a single sexual partner. If you cannot abstain, your doctor will advise you to stick to a monogamous sexual relationship with no infections from either party.
• Avoid the temptation of engaging in vaginal or anal sex with a new sexual partner until both of you go for testing.
• Contact your doctor for the necessary vaccinations. Going to your doctor for an early vaccination before exposure to particular types of STIs can help prevent infection.
• Correct use of dental dams and condoms. Ensure you and your partner are using a new dental dam or latex condom before every oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
• Effective use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Your doctor will only prescribe PrEP when you are at a high risk of contracting HIV to minimize your infection chances.

STDs are serious and can lead to severe complications when you fail to contact your doctor for professional health. When you pass it to your unborn child, it could be life-threatening. Do not hesitate to book an appointment or contact the professionals at Contemporary Women’s Care for more information on STDs and their transmission.