Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Your Body
Any time a person engages in sex or intimate physical contact with a partner, there is a chance of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Condoms and other barrier methods may help reduce the risk of contracting an STD, but these methods are only risk reduction, not risk elimination. Many STDs show no signs or symptoms; this is why it is important to be tested regularly.
Could I Have an STD?
If a person has engaged in sex or intimate physical contact, they are at risk for a sexually transmitted disease. Many STDs are curable if they are caught early and have no long-term effects. But if left untreated many STDs can cause damage, which is sometimes permanent. This is why testing and early detection is important. Even if you had sex but have no signs or symptoms, you could still have an STD and you can still transmit it to your partner(s). If your partner says they have been tested, there is no way to verify what they say. The only way to ensure you don’t contract an STD is by not having sex or engaging in intimate physical contact with a partner(s).
How Do I Prevent an STD?
If you are engaging in sex or intimate physical contact, you are at risk for a sexually transmitted disease. Condoms and other barrier methods are risk reduction, not risk elimination. If you are engaging in sex, abstinence is the only way to ensure against contracting an STD. This means not engaging in vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
What If I Tested Positive for an STD?
Some STDs are curable with antibiotics or other treatment methods. Talk to your doctor and begin a treatment plan. Do not engage in sex or intimate physical contact because it is transmittable. There is help, hope, and healing after an STD. Call us today to talk with a peer consultant confidentially, without shame or judgment.
Who Should Be Tested for a Sexually Transmitted Disease?
Anyone, no matter your age, who is engaged or has been engaged in sex or intimate physical contact with a partner(s) should be tested.
Is It Possible My Partner Lied to Me About Having an STD?
People can and do lie about their STD status or sexual history. Getting to know your partner before engaging in sexual activity will not prevent them from lying to you about their sexual health. You are at risk any time you engage in sex or intimate physical contact with a partner(s).
My Partner Told Me They Have an STD. Should I Be Tested?
If you have engaged in sex or intimate physical contact with someone who is infected with an STD you should seek testing immediately and stop all sexual contact.
We are here to offer help and hope. We can refer you to STD testing in your area and give you guidance and support no matter your test result. Getting tested for STDs is easy and harmless; call us today for confidential help and support.
What are the signs of an STD/STI?
If you have sex — oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse and genital touching — you can get an STD, also called a sexually transmitted infection (STI). STD symptoms are not always obvious. If you think you might have an STD, you should talk to your doctor. Before you visit the doctor, you can look out for these symptoms of common STDs. Chlamydia - Painful urination - Lower abdominal pain - Vaginal discharge in women - Discharge from the penis in men - Pain during sexual intercourse in women - Bleeding between periods in women - Testicular pain in men Gonorrhea - Thick, cloudy, or bloody discharge from the penis or vagina - Pain or burning sensation when urinating - Heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods - Painful, swollen testicles - Painful bowel movements - Anal itching.
If you would like to learn more about sexual integrity give us a call!
Some examples of successful Sexual Integrity Education topics include:
- healthy boundaries
- preparing for the future
- STD/STI education
- ways to stay safe
- intimacy steps
- love vs infatuation
- linebacker suggestions (what to say in uncomfortable situations)
- steps to sexual progression (to know how far is too far)
- tips for starting over
...and the list goes on.
STD Testing – What’s Right for You? Mayo Clinic Website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/in-depth/std-testing/art-20046019. Published August 1, 2017. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Data and Statistics. Center for Disease Control and Prevention Website: https://www.cdc.gov/std/stats/default.htm. Published October 2, 2019. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
https://www.cdc.gov/std/general/default.htm
