April is Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Awareness Month, a time to remember the importance of testing for and treating diseases like syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea. This year’s theme is “Get Yourself Tested”. Especially after the past couple of years, as the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed people getting their routine health screenings and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) testing.
If an STD goes untreated, it can lead to severe health consequences. As a woman, untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea puts you at risk for pelvic inflammatory disease and even infertility. Staying healthy is essential, so saying yes to unprotected sex should also include saying yes to testing!
Preventing STDs
If you are sexually active, vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent contracting hepatitis B and HPV. Wearing latex condoms is also highly effective in lowering the transmission of STDs. It’s also important to get tested to know if you have an STD and to prevent its transmission. Since there aren’t always symptoms, you could unknowingly spread an infection to your partner.
Testing for Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Our doctor, Dr. John Abroon, advises sexually active patients to get tested for (STDs) at least once or twice a year. This can go a long way to preventing serious illness, infertility, and even death for those who have an STD. Once symptoms of sexually transmitted disease presents itself, it has already advanced to a later stage. You might have an STD if you notice any of these symptoms and should seek immediate medical treatment:
- Testicular pain or swelling or itching
- White, green, or yellow discharge from the penis
- Unusual vaginal flow or discolored fluid
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Genital warts or open sores
- Auto-immune issues
Call To Schedule
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek medical testing immediately. We can schedule an appointment with Dr. Abroon for STD testing in New York, New York. We can test for a variety of major sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, genital herpes, HPV, as well as others. Call today!