Sexually-Transmitted Infections

STDs / STIs

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect millions of Americans each year. In fact, the CDC estimates that 20 million people will get infected with an STD in the following year. The most common STDs include herpes, HPV, and Chlamydia. Find out how to prevent getting an STD and what to do if you already have contracted one. 

What Are the Different STDs?

There are more than 30 STDs and STIs in the world. Eight are infections and four out of eight infections have a cure. The most common STDs include

• Chlamydia
• Genital Warts
• Gonorrhea
• Hepatitis B
• Herpes
• HIV 
• AIDS
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Molluscum Contagiosum
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis
• Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)
• Mycoplasma Genitalium
• Pubic Lice 
• Scabies
• Chancroid
• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Common Causes of STDs

STD stands for sexually-transmitted diseases, which means that all the above diseases are transmitted through sexual intercourse; however, that doesn’t mean you can’t get some of the above diseases through other means of transmission. Some of the other common means of transmission include:

• Inutero
• Through the birthing canal
• Oral sex
• Sexual activity
• Breastfeeding
• Sharing needles
• Unsanitized tattooing equipment
• Unsanitized manicure/pedicure equipment
• Close contact with an infected person 

Note that not all of the above diseases can be transmitted through all means of transmission. For example, AIDs and HIV cannot be transmitted through close contact; this disease is contracted through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or during pregnancy or birth. 

STD Symptoms

STD symptoms vary by disease. Some of the most common early symptoms of STDs include:

• Itching
• Sores
• Bumps 
• Painful urinating
• Unusual discharge 
• Bleeding
• Pain during intercourse
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Pelvic pain
• Fever
• Rash
• Genital warts

STD Diagnosis

If you think you have an STD, you should contact a doctor immediately. The good news is that you don’t need to head to your doctor’s office or urgent care clinic. You can see an STD or STI (sexually transmitted infection) doctor from the comfort of your own home. 

Online doctors can assess your symptoms via phone, video, or text chat and prescribe medications or recommend a specialist. You may also be asked to go to a lab (or order an at-home testing kit) to confirm your diagnosis. 

Common STD and STI diagnosis procedures include:

• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Fluid samples

Popular at-home STD and STI testing kit providers include:

• My Lab Box
• Let’s Get Checked
• Health Testing Centers
• EverlyWell
• STD Check

Preventing STDs

Avoiding STDs is often easier than treating them. If you want to avoid getting an STD we recommend:

• Practicing safe sex
• Asking your sexual partners to get tested regularly
• Never sharing needles
• Bringing your own tools to get a manicure or pedicure
• Never share razors or other equipment that can draw blood
• Getting a sexual health checkup every year 
• Pre-exposure prophylaxis treatments

STD Treatments

If you test positive for an STD, the treatment often depends on the type of STD you’ve contracted. Some of the most common STD treatments include:

• Antibiotics
• Antifungals
• Topical medications
• Disease management techniques
• Anti-retroviral therapy

If you need treatment or testing for an STD or STI, we recommend contacting an online doctor that specializes in sexual health. When it comes to STDs, it’s better to catch them as early as possible.