It’s 2019—women are breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings like never before. With each woman that steps forward as the first to pave the way for later generations, we are opening doors and challenging social limitations. Yet when it comes to women’s health—specifically, women’s sexual health—there’s still shame and stigma surrounding the subject. When it comes to STD testing in Sunrise, people are especially weary, afraid of judgement and ridicule. However, your health is far more important than the opinions of others. If you are sexually active, here are five symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease you should never ignore.
Rashes or Blisters in the Genital Area
Because of the nature of penetrative sex, the most common early symptoms of an STD are typically topical. The skin, especially that of the genital area, is vulnerable to infections which may cause rash, bumps, or blisters. These can occur on the pubic mound, vulva, labia, or within the vaginal opening, and typically cause itchiness or discomfort.
Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
As a self-cleaning orifice, some vaginal discharge is to be expected on a day to day basis. However, if you notice changes in color or texture, STD testing in Sunrise may be necessary. Green or yellow discharge that is thicker than usual can indicate a variety of infections including Chlamydia. It may also be a symptom of vaginosis or a yeast infection.As with rashes or blisters, itching or discomfort in combination with these changes in discharge should not be ignored.
Burning or Painful Urination
This potential symptom of a sexually transmitted infection should not be ignored by women or men. As one of the most common sex-related health issues, urinary tract infections should not go untreated. Doing so can lead to kidney infections and serious health risks such as sepsis.
Burning sensations during urination can also be a sign of open sores associated with herpes, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. While chlamydia and gonorrhea can be treated and cured, herpes is a lifelong infection that can be suppressed using medication. STD testing in Sunrise is necessary to confirm an infection and guide the next stages of treatment.
New Spotting Between Cycles
While some spotting between menstruation may be typical for some women, if you do not typically experience spotting and it suddenly begins, you should visit All Female Health Care as soon as possible. If it occurs immediately after penetrative intercourse, it may be indicative of internal tearing, which increases one’s vulnerability to STIs. Spotting that occurs a few days or a week following intercourse, it may be a sign of internal ulcers or blisters which are not possible to self-diagnose.
Oral Symptoms
Oral or anal sex are not the only forms of sexual intercourse that leave one vulnerable to contracting an STD. Any type of sexual contact with another person can transmit an infection. This includes kissing, French kissing, and oral sex. Mono, or infectious mononucleosis, is common among teenagers and young adults because the virus responsible is transferred through the saliva. While this is often referred to as the kissing disease, it can also be contracted by sharing drinks with an infected party. Thankfully, mono is easy to treat and typically curable within a few weeks.
Oral herpes, on the other hand, is a life-long infection that can be passed through kissing or oral sex. It can be passed by partners of any sex who have genital or oral herpes. Though less likely, herpes can still be transferred even when one’s partner is not actively experiencing a breakout.
At All Female Health Care, our focus is on helping women protect themselves and their sexual health. STD testing in Sunrise puts the power back in your hands. All sexually active women should get regularly tested, especially when engaging with a new partner. We offer confidential testing options to help you make informed decisions about your sex life.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
