Sexually transmitted diseases are one of the top ten frequently reported cases in the United States. Nearly 10 billion dollars is spent on STDs, posing as a significant economic and health burden for America’s people. If left untreated, these diseases could cause serious health implications or even death.
Contemporary Women’s Care offers STD testing in Winter Park and treatment for women of all ages.
Risk factors
· Unprotected sex: Vaginal and anal penetrations, without a latex condom, expose both partners to the risk of being infected with an STD. While most people do not think of oral sex as a risk factor, gonorrhea and herpes are transmitted through this means.
· A history of an STD: If you have been infected with one STD, chances of being infected with another STD are higher.
· Misuse of alcohol: Mixing substance use and alcohol can increase the risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted disease. Alcohol inhibits one’s judgment, making them prone to making unsafe decisions.
· Being forced to engage in sexual intercourse: Victims of rape or sexual assault should seek medical attention as soon as possible to be screened and begin treatment. Dealing with the issue is not easy, and emotional support is needed.
· Using injecting drugs: People who inject themselves with drugs are most likely to share needles. This increases their risk of being infected with HIV or other diseases, such as Hepatitis B.
· Sexual intercourse with multiple partners: The risk of getting infected with an STD increases with the number of sexual partners. One should be faithful to one partner to decrease the chances of infection.
· Men who use erectile dysfunction drugs: Men who ask for medications such as Viagra from their doctor should ensure they practice safe sex as their rates are relatively higher.
Health consequences
· Cancer: Certain types of sexually transmitted pathogens are likely to cause cancer. Research has shown that women who have human papillomavirus cervix infections can develop cervical cancer 10 times more than those without the infection.
· Reproductive health problems: Most STDs are likely to cause pelvic inflammatory disease. Some with this condition experience ectopic pregnancies.
· Heart problems: Syphilis, when left untreated for long, could lead to cardiovascular or neurological diseases.
· Infection to newborns: Untreated hepatitis B, herpes, and syphilis may be passed on to the baby leading to premature birth, stillbirth, or even death at the time of delivery. The child could also develop congenital disabilities.
· Infertility: If left untreated, STDs have led to infertility for women. Men can also become sterile due to gonorrhea and chlamydia infections.
· Increased HIV transmission risk: If exposed, it becomes easier to be infected with HIV if a woman is infected with chlamydia or gonorrhea.
· Death: Untreated HIV and syphilis may lead to death at the end.
STDs are as severe as any other health conditions. They threaten your health and sexual life, or even life itself. That is why it is essential to take the necessary precautions and go for regular testing. Request an appointment today with Contemporary Women’s Care and get non-judgmental STD testing and treatment.