Maybe you’ve been experiencing some unpleasant symptoms that you think might be from an STD, and you’re wondering if you should wait it out or seek out help. 

Because it is unlikely that an STD will go away on its own and could lead to serious health complications, it is critical to seek treatment as soon as possible. 

Continue reading to learn more about the signs and symptoms of STDs, the related health risks, treatment options, and STDs in pregnancy. 

Signs and Symptoms of STDs

You may have an STD if you’re engaging in any form of sexual activity and experiencing the following symptoms:

  • Sores or bumps on the genitalia, oral, or rectal area
  • Unusual discharge from the vagina or penis
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding
  • Pain with sex
  • Pain during urination
  • Lower abdominal pain
  • Fever
  • Rash on the trunk, hands, or feet
  • Sore or swollen lymph nodes, typically in the groin, but can be widespread

If you think you have an STD, early testing and treatment is the best way to improve your symptoms and stop the spread. 

Some STDs can also be asymptomatic, meaning they don’t show signs, so if you’re sexually active, regular testing for STDs is essential. 

When STDs progress and are left untreated, they can lead to serious health complications, like heart disease, cancer, infertility, and pelvic inflammatory disease. 

Treatment 

You may be tempted to avoid seeking treatment because you’re embarrassed and don’t want anyone to find out. However, early detection and treatment often allow individuals to find a cure or significantly improve their symptoms and quality of life. 

Bacterial STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can be cured with antibiotics. Viral STDs like herpes, HPV (human papillomavirus), and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) cannot be cured but can be treated with antiviral medications.  

STDs in Pregnancy

Early testing in pregnancy is critical for your health and the health of your pregnancy. 

Depending on the STD, you may pass the infection to your baby through the placenta during pregnancy or delivery through the birth canal. 

Seeking treatment for STDs in pregnancy can decrease the chances of transmission and avoid unwanted health outcomes. 

When babies contract STDs, they may experience the following: 

  • Infection in baby’s blood
  • Low birth weight 
  • Eye infection
  • Pneumonia
  • Brain damage
  • Deafness
  • Blindness
  • Lack of coordinated movement
  • Meningitis
  • Acute hepatitis
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Stillbirth

Get Help Today

New Life Clinic offers a judgment-free environment in which you can seek support on your health journey. 

Whether you think you may have an STD, you’re pregnant, or both, we want to help. 

We offer free STD testing, lab-quality pregnancy tests, and ultrasound scans, and our medical team can help you determine your next steps.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment.