How to know if you have an STD? You can use symptoms like genital sores to determine the presence of an STI. If you want accurate results, you can have a discreet STI test at reputable facilities like Arcpoint Labs of Omaha.
This post shares the STD symptoms that can tell you when it is time to get tested and seek treatment.
Common STD/STI Symptoms
So, how do you know if you have an STD? Like any other infection, STIs cause many unpleasant symptoms that can compromise your quality of life. The main signs that may indicate a possible STI are:
STD/STI Symptoms in Men
Often, men with an STI experience a burning sensation when urinating. The discomfort comes along with an urge to keep urinating frequently. Additional STD symptoms that men experience are:
- Discharge from the penis
- Blisters on the anus or mouth
- Painful urination
- Swelling around the genital area
- Painful sexual intercourse
STD/STI Symptoms in Women
For women, an unusual vaginal discharge is the most apparent STD symptom. The discharge is typiically thick and may have a distinctive odor. In addition to the discharge, women with an STI may experience the following symptoms:
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Itchy genitals
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Pain in the lower back
- Blisters on the vulva
- Rectal pain
Understanding STI Symptoms & Treatment
Some STDs are caused by bacteria, while others are from viruses. Therefore, each infection presents differently and requires different treatment options.
For example, viral STIs like genital herpes are best treated with antiviral medications. In contrast, doctors treat bacterial STIs, such as chlamydia, with antibiotics.
Here is a sneak peek of common STIs, their symptoms, and possible treatments:
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes often presents with painful blisters in the genital area. The blisters can also appear in your mouth or anus.
Other common symptoms of genital herpes include painful urination and a discharge. Your doctor can manage genital herpes with antiviral medicines.
Chlamydia
Unlike many STIs, Chlamydia is asymptomatic for many patients. Nevertheless, you can experience pain and an unusual discharge when urinating if you are not asymptomatic. Since the STI is bacterial, your doctor can treat chlamydia with azithromycin and any other suitable antibiotic.
Syphilis
Syphilis comes along with many symptoms. The most common is a painless sore in your genitals. Painless sores can also appear in your anus or mouth. In addition to the sore, you may experience fever and rash. Doctors treat this bacterial STI with penicillin.
HIV
The earliest symptoms of HIV include headache, herpes zoster, and fever. The earliest signs of this chronic disease include headache, ulcers, and fever.
Although HIV has no cure, patients can live a healthy life managing the STD with antiretroviral therapy.
HEPATITIS B (HBV)
The viral STI, HBV, is associated with several symptoms. The most common signs of hepatitis B include abdominal pain and dark urine. Furthermore, the patients complain of joint pain, lost appetite, fatigue, and jaundice. Health practitioners treat viral STIs with antivirals like lamivudine and entecavir.
Getting Diagnosed For STIs
How to know if you have an STD? A laboratory test is the preferred diagnostic procedure for an STI. This test provides accurate results, helping you make informed treatment decisions.
If you are in Omaha, ARCpoint Labs is the right place to seek STD diagnosis services. Our tests are discreet, meaning unauthorized people will never have access to your results; our tests are 90%-95% accurate.
Effective & Reliable STD/STI Testing in Omaha
ARCpoint Labs is the leading provider of health and wellness tests. Waiting times at our facility are as little as 10 to 20 minutes, so you do not waste time waiting in the queue. At ARCpoint, you can get tests for all STDs, including syphilis, gonorrhea, and genital herpes.
Contact us to book your STD tests or discover how to know if you have an STD.