HealthyMD

what are stds?

STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) can be bacterial or viral, and are transmitted from person to person through sexual activity—including anal, vaginal, and oral mucosal contact—making them some of the most common infectious diseases. Some common symptoms of STDs are sores or bumps in the genitals or rectal area, painful or burning urination, discharge of the penis, and unusual vaginal discharge. However, some STDs have no symptoms.

If you think you may have or have been exposed to an STD, we urge you to get tested.

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What are the symptoms?

STDs can have a range of symptoms, including:
  • pain during sex
  • unusual or odorous vaginal discharge
  • discharge from the penis
  • painful or burning urination
  • sores or bumps on the genitals or rectal area
Some STDs can have no symptoms.

HOW TO HELP PREVENT STDS:

DOXYPEP

DoxyPEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) is a reactive, preventative medication for bacterial STDs. Taking it the morning after an unprotected sexual encounter can reduce the risk of contracting syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea by 65% on average.

HOW STDS ARE TREATED:

ANTIBIOTICS

Antibiotics are successful treatment options for bacteria-caused infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. However, antibiotics do not work to treat viral infections like HIV. Remember to consult a healthcare professional to find a treatment plan that works for you.

TALK TO A PROFESSIONAL

We know STDs can be difficult to talk about, but we also know it’s important to have those conversations. With your privacy and comfort top of mind, our trusted healthcare professionals are here to guide you every step of the way. HealthyMD provides comprehensive free healthcare services in the community through our in-clinic and mobile clinic locations.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

You can get tested for STDs at healthcare facilities like clinics, hospitals, or specialized sexual health centers. At HealthyMD, we provide FREE and fast testing for sexually transmitted infections/diseases. It is confidential and the results are known same day. Click here to visit one of our locations across the state of Florida or Georgia. All walk-ins are welcome.

Many STDs are treatable with medication. At HealthyMD, our healthcare providers will complete your free test and evaluation as well as discuss treatment options and follow-up appointments to ensure the infection is cleared. Here are several more actionable steps you should take to manage your health and prevent transmission to others:

  1. Complete any prescribed medication regimen, even if symptoms disappear, to ensure the infection is fully treated.
  2. Notify anyone you’ve had sexual contact with so they can also get tested and receive treatment if necessary. This helps to prevent the spread of the disease.
  3. Practice safe sex by using condoms or abstain from sexual activity while you are being treated to prevent passing the infection to others.
  4. Attend all follow-up appointments to ensure the infection is cleared or is being managed effectively if it’s a chronic condition.
  5. Consider mental health care to help you manage your emotional and mental health if diagnosed with an STD. HealthyMD provides free mental health services to all our patients.

There are two types of sexually transmitted infections: viral infections, which can’t be cured by antibiotics but can be treated with antiviral medications, and bacterial infections which are generally easier to treat and often curable. Viral sexually transmitted infections include HIV/AIDS and Herpes; bacterial sexually transmitted infections include Syphilis, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia.

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