Symptoms are tricky to interpret. Does your headache mean you’re dehydrated, stressed, or dealing with poor vision? It’s tempting to ignore symptoms and just hope they disappear, but the following five symptoms definitely need your attention since they could signal an STD.

Continual Vaginal Itching

Itches happen from time to time, but it isn’t normal to feel ongoing itching inside your vagina. If your itching becomes incessant and overwhelming, it could indicate a yeast infection… or it could indicate an STD like chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, or trichomoniasis. It is even more likely to be an STD if the itching is paired with any of the symptoms below. (more…)

Often known as “The Clap,” Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that affects about 78 million people around the world each year. Though this STD can be treated, it is a serious condition that can lead to complications if ignored.

Procrastination only makes matters worse, so it’s essential to test for gonorrhea as soon as you suspect you might have contracted the disease.

What Is Gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium called neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can affect both men and women in the genitals, rectum, and throat as a result of any form of unprotected sexual activity.

Gonorrhea is especially unique because it can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy. It’s even possible to experience gonorrhea and chlamydia simultaneously. (more…)

Some health problems are glaring and obvious, like a broken leg or bloody nose. Others, like some common STDs, show very few signs that they have invaded your body. While it’s easy to assume that STDs only affect people who are reckless in their decision making, the truth is that any sexually active person is at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. So how can you determine if you do have an STD?

Signs of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

Chlamydia is the most common STD in America, and it can be spread through any type of sex. This means that condoms cannot prevent this disease.  The most noticeable symptoms of chlamydia include abnormal discharge that has an odor, painful periods for women, itching and burning, and abdominal pain with fever. Fortunately, chlamydia is a bacteria that can be treated easily with antibiotics. (more…)

As one of the most visible STDs, herpes is also one of the most notorious. This long-term condition can affect the face, external genitalia, and anal region. There is no cure for herpes, but it can be effectively managed with the right treatments.

There Are Two Types of Herpes

Herpes exists in two different forms. Oral herpes, also known as HSV-1, affects more than 50 percent of people in the United States. Genital herpes, or HV-2, affects about 16 percent of people in the country. People aged 14 to 49 are more likely to have herpes.

Sexual activity makes it possible for one type of herpes to transfer and cause the other type of herpes. For example, receiving oral sex from a person with oral herpes can lead to genital herpes. (more…)

It’s easy to pretend that STDs will never impact your life, but the truth is that STDs are fairly common in our country. Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs every year, and contracting just one STD increases your risk of contracting another. Check out these three facts about STDs that will help you realize they are a threat meant to be taken seriously.

STDs Don’t Discriminate

Sexually transmitted diseases don’t care if you have a high-powered job or a family that you love. They also don’t care about your age, race, or body type. As long as you are sexually active, you are at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Even people with only one or two sexual partners can contract an STD without knowing it. (more…)