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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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WHAT IS A STD?

STD stands for Sexually Transmitted Disease, also referred to as an STI or Sexually Transmitted Infection. It is a disease or infection that is commonly transmitted in a sexual manner either through vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse. Some STDs can be transmitted in other ways, such as simple skin-to-skin or intimate contact.

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DO I HAVE A STD?

It is hard to say if you have a STD without proper testing because some STDs show very little or no symptoms. If you have had any sexual contact in your life, especially unprotected, you could be infected with a STD and should be tested regularly.

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WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A STD?

While most STDs show some kind of symptoms it’s very possible that symptoms may go unnoticed or might not exist at all. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms you should seek medical attention immediately because you may have an STD or other type of infection.

  • Dark or smelly urine - This could be a sign of a kidney infection or something serious, or Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, or a UTI.
  • A secretion or discharge from the genitals - This is a common symptom of Gonorrhea or Chlamydia.
  • A strange rash or spots on your body - A rash may be a sign of Scabies or Crabs and spots are a common sign of the second stage of Syphilis.
  • A burning sensation when urinating - This could be a sign of Chlamydia or Gonorrhea and should be evaluated by a medical provider immediately.
  • Bumps, legions, blisters, or warts on the genital area - While bumps can be normal, they may be something more serious, while warts and blisters could be symptoms of Herpes or HPV.
  • An unusual odor - Could be a sign of an infection similar to a UTI.
  • White spots in pubic hair or small bugs - White spots in pubic hair are a sign of Crabs and could be a sign of Scabies.

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IS THERE A CURE FOR STD?

Some STDs are curable if diagnosed at an early stage while others have no cure, but are treatable.

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HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE STD?

About 1 in 4 people have a STD. However, some STDs can be treated at home, such as Crabs, and are not seen or reported by medical providers.

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I HAVE A STD. DID MY PARTNER CHEAT ON ME?

Many STDs can stay hidden with no symptoms for years. Your partner may have contracted it before they were with you and it is now just becoming active in their and/or your body. For more information, click Here

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HOW CAN I AVOID CONTRACTING A STD?

Even with proper condom usage, it is still possible to contract a STD. The only effective way to stay clear from STDs is to refrain from any sexual contact, including oral sex.

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CAN I GET A STD FROM ORAL INTERCOURSE?

A common misconception is that you cannot get a STD from oral intercourse. Gonorrhea of the throat, Herpes, and HPV can easily be transmitted through oral intercourse. It may also be possible to spread other STDs such as HIV, Syphilis, Crabs, or Scabies.

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DO ALL STDs HAVE SYMPTOMS?

While many STD symptoms can be prevalent, symptoms may not show up for years or are so unnoticeable they go undetected. If you have had sexual relations with a partner, it is important to be tested for all STDs, even when you have no signs or symptoms.

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ARE CONDOMS EFFECTIVE AGAINST ALL STDs?

Condoms aren’t effective against all STDs. For more info on condoms and STD, click HERE.

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CAN I GET A STD EVEN THOUGH MY PARTNER HAS NO SYMPTOMS?

If your partner is infected with a STD, the chances of contracting it are slightly lower when there are no symptoms present such as in Herpes, but they are still contagious and transmission of the disease is possible.

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ARE COLD SORES REALLY HERPES?

Technically, yes. Cold sores on your mouth are a symptom of the Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1) and can be transmitted to the genitals as well as the mouth. However, most people refer to Herpes as Genital Herpes, which is caused by HSV-2.

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CAN I GET A STD FROM KISSING?

It is possible to contract certain STDs from kissing, such as Herpes.

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SHOULD I GET TESTED FOR A STD?

Everyone that has engaged in any kind of sexual activity should be tested for all STDs. People who continue to be sexually active should get tested on a regular basis to ensure protection of yourself and current/future partners.

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CAN I GET A STD MORE THAN ONCE?

If you have contracted and cleared up a bacterial infection with antibiotics, such as ​ Gonorrhea or Chlamydia, once you finish treatment you are at risk of contracting the infection again.

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CAN I GET A STD FROM A PUBLIC TOILET?

There have been no studies that show STDs can be transmitted by contact with public toilets.

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