What Is an STI?

An STI is a sexually transmitted pathogenic infection that can be passed unknowingly from one person to another. STIs are typically spread through sexual contact but may also be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy and birth or through shared needles.

Getting tested, care, and treatment is necessary for continued good health and to avoid complications.   

What Are the Symptoms of an STI?

STIs often don’t produce symptoms until they have progressed and caused health damage. However, depending on the pathogen present, the Mayo Clinic states STIs can cause:

• Sores or bumps on the genitals, oral or rectal areas
• Painful; burning urination
• Discharge from the penis
• Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Pain during sex
• Sore, swollen lymph nodes
• Lower abdominal pain
• Fever
• Rash over the trunk, hands, or feet

4 Reasons To Get Tested for STIs

Getting Tested is Easy & Quick

Most STI tests take only minutes to complete. You’ll receive your results right away and there are no needles involved. It’s quick, painless, and gives you important information about your sexual health that will impact you and your partner.

Most STIs can be Treated

Treatment can only begin once you know you have an STI, and most STIs can be treated even if they can’t be cured. The longer they go untreated, the more havoc they can wreak on your health. It’s better to know and be treated than to wonder and potentially spread the disease to a partner or someone else.

Many STIs Don’t Have Symptoms

You can’t tell someone has an STI just by looking at them, and you can’t rely on or wait for symptoms before wondering if you have an STI. Instead, it’s better to be proactive and learn as soon as possible whether you have an STI or not.

The Sooner You Know, The Sooner You Can Heal

Finding out you have an STI is scary. It can be uncomfortable and leave you with a lot of questions. For your own health both now and down the road, you should learn about possible STIs sooner rather than later and seek the treatment you need.

If you think you might have an STI or it’s been a while since you’ve been tested, contact us for a free appointment today.