GeneralHow to Diagnose STDs

Whether you’ve had a few new symptoms pop up or you’re trying to be proactive with your health, having an STD panel is the responsible thing a sexually active adult can do. Diagnosis is essential to prevent long-term side effects or health implications, particularly with the many STDs that don’t show symptoms until later stages. Here’s how most STDs are diagnosed, along with preventative steps you can take to avoid them.

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are sneaky STDs as you likely won’t have symptoms or problems. Symptomatic individuals often have such mild symptoms that they don’t even notice them or believe they’re something else.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to severe infections and infertility if left untreated. This STD is diagnosed through a swab of the genital region, with lab interpretation required. It’s easy to cure with medication if caught early.

Unfortunately, the only way to prevent these STDs is to abstain from sex. Outside of that, always make sure to use barrier methods like condoms to reduce the risk of transmission. Chlamydia and gonorrhea spread through vaginal fluid, semen, and pre-cum, making barriers the most effective prevention.

HIV and Hepatitis B

HIV and hepatitis B have no cure, although there are preventative steps you can take to minimize the likelihood of contracting them. These STDs are often symptomless until the disease progresses to later stages. Those at-risk for HIV can take PrEP medications to reduce the risk of HIV. It’s important to discuss the side effects of PrEP with your doctor, although most are minor and temporary. Additional protective measures include condom use with every sexual experience, along with limiting the number of partners.

Hepatitis B is preventable through vaccination. Aside from immunization, using barrier methods during sexual activity can prevent infection. Avoid sharing personal items that may contain blood, like toothbrushes or razors.

HPV

HPV has more than 200 different strains, with approximately 40 that can infect your genital area. Genital HPV infections are widespread, with most adults having an infection at least once. Many people don’t have symptoms, increasing the spread. Two types of HPV cause most cases of genital warts. These are considered low-risk HPV. At least a dozen types can occasionally lead to cancer, with two strains leading to the majority of all cases. These are high-risk HPV.

There is no cure for HPV, but most cases resolve within two years. HPV can spread through skin-to-skin contact, regardless of penetration or bodily fluids.

Doctors diagnose HPV through PAP tests, visual examination, and biopsies. The best way to avoid getting HPV is through abstinence. Outside of that approach, always use condoms or dental dams and get regular pap tests.

Molluscum Contagiosum

This infection causes small bumps on the skin through a pox virus that lives in the outer layer of your skin. The STD passes through sexual contact, although you can transmit through non-sexual touching, sharing clothing and towels, and rubbing against infected skin.

It’s possible to spread the infection to other parts of your body by touching or scratching the bumps. These bumps can be as small as the head of a pin or as large as an eraser. The spots may appear individually or in groups, often with a tiny dent or dimple in the middle.

These bumps are often diagnosed through visual inspection at a doctor’s office, although some clinics may recommend a biopsy to be sure. Most often, these bumps will disappear within six months of the infection. Individuals wanting treatment for the spots can have them frozen, lanced, or given medication to apply directly to the bumps. Once the virus is gone, it leaves the body – it won’t come back without reinfection.

Unfortunately, condoms don’t protect individuals from molluscum contagiosum. While this STD easily spreads on contact, it’s easy to treat and doesn’t cause serious health issues. The virus is often on body parts that condoms don’t cover.

Trichomoniasis (known as trich)

Known as the most common and curable STD, millions of people get trich every year. This STD starts with a parasite that spreads easily during sex. The parasite carries sexual fluids (including sperm, pre cum, and vaginal fluid).

Most people with trichomoniasis don’t have any symptoms, meaning they might not know they have it. Individuals often have vaginitis (when the vagina or vulva is irritated). Diagnosis occurs with swabs of the area or through urine samples. To prevent, always ensure condoms are used.

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