STD symptoms aren’t as common as you might think. Yes, there are common symptoms that show up when you get an STD, but many people who have an STD don’t even know they have one!

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah goes on to provide further information about STDs below, so keep reading.

Who Is at Risk of Getting an STD?

Anyone who is sexually active with more than one person poses a risk of getting an STD. The risk increases, though, with more sexual partners and fewer monogamous relationships.

Those who are sexually active should be tested at least once a year, but those who are sexually active with multiple partners should be tested at least every three to six months. Many STDs don’t show symptoms, so getting regularly tested is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. We’ve listed some potential long-term health problems that STDs can cause below.

Long-Term Health Problems Caused By STDs

• Male and female sterility
• Blindness
• Damage to major organs
• Cervical cancer
• Cancer of the vagina, penis, anus or throat
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can damage a woman’s fallopian tubes, leading to pelvic pain and sterility.
• Pain during urination or intercourse

How Can I Know If I Have an STD?

Undergoing STD testing at our AFC center is the best way to know whether you have an STD.

While many STDs don’t show symptoms, some do. If you experience any of the symptoms that we’ve listed below, you likely have an STD.

Common STD Symptoms

• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
• Sores or warts on the genital area
• Painful or frequent urination
• Itching and redness in the genital area
• Blisters or sores in or around the mouth
• Abnormal vaginal odor
• Anal itching, soreness or bleeding
• Abdominal pain
• Fever

It can be uncomfortable to talk about STDs, but it doesn’t mean that they’re any less common. If you have further questions or need to be tested, don’t hesitate to reach out to our AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah team.