Even if there are signs and symptoms, they can easily be ignored or confused for other health issues. The only way to be sure that you are safe is to get yourself tested on a regular basis.
Sexually transmitted diseases STDs and sexually transmitted infections STIs are ailments passed from one person to another through sexual activities, such as penetration and oral sex.
They are very common, with symptom-free diseases like chlamydia being the most common. Thankfully, STDs are also now easier to treat than ever before. Diseases like chlamydia can be cured with a simple course of antibiotics, and science has made amazing advances in treating individuals with incurable infections like HIV.
Early diagnosis is the best way to ensure that you remain as healthy as possible regardless of the result. If left untreated, these diseases can cause a whole host of issues including infertility, blindness, organ damage, and even death. With nearly 20 million new STIs occurring each year across the country, it is vital that all sexually active individuals get tested.
Individuals who engage in sexual activity of any type, including oral, should pay attention for the following symptoms:. Even if you do not have an STD, you may still have something medically wrong that requires treatment, such as a yeast infection or UTI. Getting yourself tested is the only way to determine what is wrong and how to treat it. Doctors often use urine or blood samples to test for common diseases like:. In some cases, swabs may be used.
