STD Answers

If you’re sexually active, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends STD testing at least once a year. There are occasions when an STD test may be needed more often. An example may be if you recently changed partners.

STD Testing and High Risk Behaviors

Protect against STDs

High risk behaviors may play a part in how often STD testing is needed. High risk behavior includes unprotected sex and not in a monogamous relationship, sexual encounters with new partners or multiple partners, and if you are pregnant at any age an STD test at the beginning of pregnancy is recommended.

If you ever show signs and symptoms of any STDs please get tested right away. Remember there are STDs that may not show symptoms at all, so an STD test is an important part of protecting your sexual health.

Use protection when ever practicing in any sexual contact. Make sure you know how to use your protection properly to ensure you are truly protecting you and your partner. Talk to your partners about STDs and STD testing. Don’t be afraid to talk about it; I can’t express that enough.

I came across an article that I thought was perfect for a blog about STD testing. Written by Sarka-Jonae Miller at helium.com, this article talks about STDs that can be passed through oral sex.

Protect Yourself

Some reports indicate people may not realize that oral sex can transmit STDs as easily as vaginal or anal sexual contact. With the popularity of oral sex increasing dramatically over the past decade, the need for an STD test associated with oral sex is just as important as STD tests for vaginal or anal sex. According to the article, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that 90% of males, and 88% of females, ages 25-44 participate in oral sex with a partner of the opposite sex.

Here are a few STDs that can be passed through oral sex that are discussed in this article.

HPV- Human papillomavirus (HPV), which is associated with different types of cancer, can be passed through oral sex. 60-70% of tonsil cancers in the United States are caused by HPV. This disease tends to stay where it first enters the body. If passed through oral sex you can increase the risk of head and neck cancers. Most HPV cases clear themselves within two years. Using a condom or dental dam during oral sexual contact may help decrease your chances of HPV through oral sexual contact.

Genital Warts- Genital warts is a virus caused by HPV. It is transferred through skin to skin contact, which means…oral sex. Sometimes Genital Warts are hard to detect. They can be flat and flesh colored. You never know if your partner has Genital Warts. They can be infected for months or even years before symptoms occur…if they ever do.

Herpes- Herpes is a common STD that can be transmitted orally. Oral herpes affects 80% of Americans, according to Planned Parenthood. Cold sores and fever blisters may emerge on the lips and around the mouth. Kissing, touching, and sexual contact can transmit this STD, and it can take years for symptoms to appear. If you do have herpes, you can decrease the chance of passing it on by taking the medication as directed and avoid sexual contact of any kind during an outbreak.

Chlamydia – Chlamydia is one of the most common bacterial STD out there. Genital contact, including oral sex, can result in an infection. Chlamydia may not show symptoms and can cause infertility if left untreated.

Gonorrhea – Like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea is a very common STD that may not show symptoms but can cause infertility if left untreated.

Syphilis – Syphilis can cause ulcers of the mouth, anus, penis, vagina, vulva, and cervix. These ulcers may be painless, however, if left untreated can be harmful to organs and potentially fatal.

Trichomoniasis – Trichomoniasis often has no symptoms but can also be passed through oral sex.

STD Testing

Taking precautions such as using protection and STD testing on a regular basis (more often if needed) may help prevent these infections, or their consequences if left untreated. Taking care of your sexual health is more important than ever. No one but you can do this, so talk about STDs and protect yourself.

If Chlamydia and gonorrhea are left untreated there may be serious health problems, some short term and some long term. STD testing on a regular basis, if sexually active, may help prevent these health concerns.

STD Testing may help prevent health issues

Don't be afraid to talk about STDs with your partner

In woman, untreated Chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which is the spread of the infection to the uterus or fallopian tubes. This occurs in 40% of women with untreated Chlamydia, while gonorrhea is one of the main causes of PID.  PID can cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and the surrounding tissue. This damage can lead to pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside of the uterus) which can be fatal. If infected with Chlamydia or gonorrhea women are five times more likely to become infected with HIV if exposed to it. Using protection, talking about STDs with your partner, and having an STD test on an annual basis are some ways to help protect yourself. STD testing may be needed more often if needed. If you ever think you could have been infected, please have an STD test done.

Protect against STDs

Complications in men may include sterility. These STDs can spread to the epididymis (the tube that carries sperm from the testis). This can also cause pain and fever. In rare cases Chlamydia can also cause arthritis that may be accompanied by skin lesions and inflammation of the eye and urethra.

STD tests are a good idea

Both of these STDs may not show symptoms which can lead to the spread without the person knowing they are infected, or that they are spreading it to their partner. Both of these infections can also be passed to unborn children during pregnancy and child delivery. STD testing at the beginning of pregnancy, and during if needed, is critical in the prevention of spreading STDs to your child.

STD testing at the beginning of a pregnancy is a sensible decision to help protect mother and child from the affects of STDs. Is it possible to become infected with an STD during pregnancy? Yes…this is possible. Pregnancy does not prevent STDs.

STD Testing

There are STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and genital herpes that are typical in expecting mothers. These are common STDs with reputations for being passed around frequently. More serious STDs, such as HIV, are less common but do occur. In the United States on an annual basis 100,000 pregnant women are infected with Chlamydia. More than 800,000 have herpes II, 13,200 with gonorrhea, and 6,400 with HIV.

STD testing should take place right away if you ever believe you have been infected with any STD, particularly if you are pregnant. STDs may have the same affect on pregnant women as those who are not. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, infertility, cervical cancer, persistent hepatitis, and other cancers and medical issues. An STD test may help prevent these from taking place.

STDs can be passed to the child during pregnancy and child birth. An unborn child can be affected by STDs such as syphilis because it’s capable of accessing the placenta and making its way into the uterus. Other STDs, such as Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and hepatitis B can affect the child during child birth. HIV can affect the child at anytime, even after birth through nursing.

Some health problems that are caused by STDs in infants are eye infections, pneumonia, stillbirth, lower birth weight, acute hepatitis, neurological damage, loss of sight, infection in the blood flow, deafness, chronic liver disease, and meningitis. Prenatal care and STD testing during pregnancy may help prevent these health problems and may protect mother and child.

Talk to your friends about STDs

It’s now been 30 years since the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has identified AIDS. Talking about STDs and STD testing continues to be a taboo. It shouldn’t be. STD awareness and prevention is based on talking about STDs and your sexual history with your sexual partners. How would you start the conversation?

We recently had a “Talk about STDs” video contest that produced many fabulous entries about how people would start the conversation. An STD test and protection are important parts of maintaining your sexual health, but talking about STDs could save your life.

How would you start the conversation about STDs and STD testing?

How would I start the conversation? I would ask if they have ever dated anyone with an STD, and when they had their last STD test and what the outcome was. Before starting a sexual relationship it’s important for both partners to have STD testing completed. This will protect you!

To help prevent the massive ongoing spread of STDs we need everyone to talk about STDs, have STD tests done annually if you are sexually active, and more often if ever in a higher risk situation such as unprotected sex and/or multiple partners.

Educate yourself and those you love about STDs

Educate yourself and those you care about. Many STDs are passed on due to improper use of condoms. Learn how to use your protection properly, and don’t forget dental dams for oral sex on females. Don’t forget, STDs can be passed through oral sex as well.

Being involved in a monogamous relationship, after you have both been tested, can help prevent STDs. If you are not in a monogamous relationship and you are sexually active, protect yourself, educate yourself, and get STD tested! Take care of your sexual health…you are the only one that can.

1. What is the most common STD reported in America today?
2. Can you have an STD and not know it?
3. Can you pass an STD on to your child if pregnant?
4. Name an STD that can’t be cured.
5. How can you protect yourself against STDs?

Test your knowledge

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for being infected with an STD. STD testing is available when you believe you could have been infected, however, taking precautions may help to protect your sexual health. It’s also recommended to have an STD test done once a year if you are sexually active, even if you don’t experience symptoms.

The most common STD

The most common STD reported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) after STD tests are conducted is Chlamydia. Chlamydia is known as a “silent” disease because it may not show any symptoms at all, so those infected may not realize they are passing it on to others.

Having STDs and not knowing it

You can have an STD and not know it. Gonorrhea is another “silent” disease that may not show symptoms at all. Some STDs may not show symptoms for long periods of time. Again, you can pass it to your partner and not know it.

STD testing and pregnancy

STDs can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy. Having an STD test done at the beginning of the pregnancy can help reduce the risks.

STDs that can not be cured

HIV and herpes simplex virus infections are examples of STDs that cannot be cured, but they can be managed, and you can prevent the spread of these infections with awareness.

Protect yourself against STDs with STD tests

Protect yourself from STDs by using proper protection. This includes condoms and dental dams for vaginal, anal, and oral sex. STDs are often passed on due to improper use of contraceptives. Know how to use your protection. Drugs and alcohol have the tendency to make you lose your good sense…be careful. Have STD testing done on you and your partner before starting a sexual relationship. This will confirm you are both clean and can continue a clean sexual health. And most important…talk about STDs!