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| Miss Know It All |
What to Look For
If you have a persistent itch, discharge or
discomforting rash, blisters, lesions, or unusual lumps, blood in the urine or
pain when urinating, an unexplained rash or persistent sore throat, you may
have an STI. Remember, not all STIs
turn into a disease. Some STIs are curable, while others are manageable.
However, you will not know what treatment is needed, if indeed you do have one
unless you get it checked out by a doctor. Because some STIs show no symptoms
at all, it is best to make it a habit to be regularly screened, especially if
you are part of a high-risk patient group, which includes:
- Individuals who have multiple sex partners
- Men who have sex with other men (MSM)
- People who do not use condoms consistently
Types of STIs
STIs come from different sources and require
a variety of treatments:
Bacterial infections - include Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and
other STIs, which stem from bacterial infections, and are easily cleared up by
antibiotics.
Viruses - viruses that
cause genital herpes (HSV), genital warts (HPV), and hepatitis A, B, and C can
be managed with various antiviral treatments and preventative care for partners,
such as antiviral and vaccinations. A retrovirus causes the well-known human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which weakens the immune system. Though HIV no
longer automatically leads to AIDS, it still requires strict management from an
infectious disease specialist.
Insects and germs - pubic lice (crabs) and scabies are
infestations of tiny insects that live in the more textured body hairs of the
pubis or within the skin itself, where they then lay eggs. They can only be
spread through intimate, skin-to-skin contact, and can often be easily treated
with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Finally, trichomonas
vaginalis (TV) is the result of a microscopic germ. TV presents a fishy odor
and yellowish or greenish discharge and is successfully treated with
antibiotics.
Who is at risk?
If you have pain, bleeding, itching,
discharge, burning during urination, or sores anywhere near the genital or the anal
region, you may have contracted an STI. While it may be tempting to ignore or
deny your symptoms out of fear or embarrassment, the best response is to be
tested, immediately.
You may have a urinary tract infection (UTI)
or a case of food poisoning. If you have oral, anal, or genital sex without
protection, have multiple sexual partners, or know a partner who has an STI, then
you are at risk. If you use unwashed sex toys, you may be accidentally
infected.
If you suspect you have an STI, or if you
simply want to know your status before having sex with a new partner, make an
appointment to have the appropriate testing/screening done. #
Source: CityMD Urgent Care
