There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about STIs that can cause confusion and challenges to your sexual health. Did you know that STIs can cause serious damage to your body if left untreated? They can also be passed to your partner without your knowledge. You don’t even have to have symptoms to be contagious and can spread the disease at any time.
It’s easy to think you probably don’t have an STI because of a lack of symptoms or because you only have one partner, but it’s always best for your sexual health to be tested regularly. We offer testing and treatment for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, two of the most common and treatable STIs.
What are the symptoms of an STI?
STI symptoms vary depending on the infections, and some STIs don’t cause noticeable symptoms at all. The only way to really know if you have one is to get tested.
You can get an STI from having sex with someone who does not have any symptoms; they may not know they have one. Here are some of the most common STI symptoms:
- Unexplained rash or lesion in the genital area
- Discharge from the vagina, penis, anus, or throat
- Pain when you urinate or have sex
If you are experiencing any of those symptoms, or if it’s just been awhile since you’ve been tested, you should schedule an appointment today.
What should I do if I think I have an STI?
As uncomfortable as it may feel, it’s best to take this concern seriously for your own short- and long-term health. Here’s what you should do:
- Stop having sex immediately to avoid infecting your partner
- Schedule an appointment with Options for Women to be tested right away
- Notify your partner or anyone you’ve had sex with recently if you do test positive for an STI
It’s important to treat STIs seriously and right away. To learn more or schedule your free STI testing and treatment, contact us today.