Different Types of STDs & Available Treatment Options
Georgia is among the top 10 states to have the highest STD rates in the country. If you’re having unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners, make sure you know the different types of STDs and their symptoms:
STD: Chlamydia
Your genital tract is very sensitive to bacteria. If bacteria caused by chlamydia enters your genital tract, an infection will occur. Frustratingly, the symptoms for chlamydia are not easy to detect which means most sufferers don’t even realize they have the STD for several months.
Several signs of chlamydia include pain while urinating, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, pain during sex, and random bleeding between periods.
STD: Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is one of the most contagious STDs that afflict people. This type of STD is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) which makes its way into your body by entering small cuts in your skin. While some people suffer recurrent episodes of herpes, others only experience it once and never contract it again.
The most common signs of genital herpes include small red bumps, open sores, blisters, pain, and itchiness in or around the genital area.
STD: Gonorrhea
Like chlamydia, gonorrhea is a bacterial infection in your genital tract. But did you know that it can spread to places like your mouth, eyes, and anus? Many people will experience symptoms 1 – 2 weeks after being exposed to gonorrhea, others may go months without symptoms.
Symptoms to watch for include bloody discharge from penis or vagina, swollen testicles, painful bowel movements, and anal itching.
How Women’s Clinic of Atlanta Can Help
There are other STDs that are prevalent in Georgia – Hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, HPV, and Syphilis to name a few. To fight this raging STD war, it’s important to be checked every six months for STDs, if you are entering a new sexual relationship, or if you have multiple sexual partners.
At Women’s Clinic of Atlanta, we have low-cost STD testing and treatment options! Schedule an appointment at our Decatur location (404-377-6640) or at our Alpharetta location (404-937-3334). As always, our medical professionals are here to give you the care you need!