Sexual Health & STIs

STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are much more common than you might realize, and the reality is that people often have no signs or symptoms, which makes transmission easy. So how do you protect yourself?

Taking Care of Yourself and Others

At Modern Women’s Health, we can help educate you on STIs/STDs, how they’re spread, and what you can do to avoid getting them. Your sexual health is incredibly important, not only for you but for your partners. Part of being sexually active is also being responsible.

Practicing Sexual Health STIs and STDs: What’s the Difference? Symptoms of STDs FAQ Why Choose Us?

Modern Women's Health Gynecology & Aesthetics

Practicing Sexual Health

What are the best ways to practice sexual health? There are many, but the following is a good start.

Use condoms to reduce your chance of catching an STD
Undergo regular wellness visits with your gynecologist
Undergo regular STD testing
Get tested before starting a new relationship
Talk to your partners about safe sex
Get tested as soon as you notice signs of an STD
Get tested after unprotected sexual contact (after the incubation period)

STIs and STDs: What’s the Difference?

An STI is a sexually transmitted infection. It becomes a disease only when it begins to cause symptoms. Some STIs never develop into a disease, but testing is still incredibly important. The most common STIs are caused by bacteria, and antibiotics will usually cure them. However, if an STI is caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t work.

For virus-based STIs, you’ll need an antiviral to keep symptoms under control and lower the risk of transmitting.

STDs are sexually transmitted diseases that are caught through sexual acts, including oral sex. Examples of STDs are chlamydia, crabs (pubic lice), gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HPV, HIV, and trichomoniasis.

Symptoms of STDs

Some symptoms take weeks or even months to appear, and it’s also possible to have an STD without any symptoms at all. This is another reason why testing is important.

Vaginal or penile discharge
Burning during urination
Sores or lesions in the mouth, on the genitals, or anus
Swollen or painful lymph nodes of the groin and neck
Rashes or bumps
Fever
Headache
Pelvic pain
Rectal bleeding
Painful, swollen, tingling, or itchy testicles
Flu-like symptoms

FAQ

At what age should an individual begin getting tested?

How soon should I get tested after possibly contracting an STD?

What happens if I get tested and the result is positive?

At what age should an individual begin getting tested?

The CDC offers some helpful guidelines regarding STD testing:

HIV testing should occur at least once for anyone between the ages of 13-64
Chlamydia and gonorrhea screenings should be performed at least once each year for sexually active women under 25 years of age, and for older women who have new or multiple partners or other risk factors (including a partner who has been diagnosed with an STD)
Pregnant women should be screened for syphilis, hepatitis B, and HIV; at-risk women should also be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea, with repeat testing throughout pregnancy as needed to protect both the mother and the infant

How soon should I get tested after possibly contracting an STD?

The best thing to do if you’re worried about catching an STI or STD is to call your doctor and ask when you should come in for testing. The reason you shouldn’t just go straight there is because STIs have an incubation period, and if you get tested too early, the test won’t work. Your doctor will know when you should get tested.

What happens if I get tested and the result is positive?

If you receive a positive result after getting tested for an STI or STD, your doctor will prescribe a treatment or management plan for you. You’ll also need to let each of your sexual partner(s) know immediately so they can also be tested.

Why Choose Modern Women’s Health?

Our founder, board-certified gynecologist Dr. Lisa Jukes, is highly regarded in her professional community and has established one of the top gynecology and women’s practices in Texas. Modern Women’s Health is a sophisticated one-stop-shop for women with patient-centric medical treatment in a compassionate, confidential, and comfortable atmosphere. Our mission is to provide comprehensive health services for women and their families all in one place. Patients of any age can get the attention they want for their gynecological needs, aesthetic treatments, and general wellness concerns. We take a 360-degree approach to care, covering all aspects of our patients’ health — all the way from adolescence through menopause.

Sexual Health & STIs

Taking Care of Yourself and Others

Practicing Sexual Health

STIs and STDs: What’s the Difference?

Symptoms of STDs

FAQ

At what age should an individual begin getting tested?

How soon should I get tested after possibly contracting an STD?

What happens if I get tested and the result is positive?

Why Choose Modern Women’s Health?

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