Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common and can be successfully treated if diagnosed early. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that over 19 million Americans get an STD every year.

STDs are passed between individuals through sexual activity including oral, vaginal and anal sex, breastfeeding from a mother to child, and intravenous drug use.

Since it is fairly easy to acquire an STD, it is important to get tested as soon as you think you may have been exposed. SignatureCare Emergency Center ERs throughout Texas can diagnose and treat all common STD.
 

Types of STDs

There are different types of STDs including:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Hepatitis A, B and C
• Genital herpes
• Oral herpes
• HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus
• Genital warts
• Syphilis
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• Trichomoniasis (trich)

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STD Symptoms You Should Know

Most people who have an STD don’t know it. That is because most sexually transmitted diseases do not show symptoms at their early stages.

Chlamydia, for instance, does not usually show symptoms so it is easy to have the disease and not know it.

If you are sexually active, you are at risk of getting an STD like gonorrhea. That makes it important that you get regular tests. Gonorrhea is easily cured with the right medication but it can cause serious health problems in both men and women if left untreated.

Effects of most other STDs like HIV and syphilis can be devastating. Syphilis is common among men who have sex with other men (MSM).

If you are pregnant and suspect that you may have syphilis, you should get tested regularly because infections can be harmful to your baby.

Below are the common symptoms of STDs

• Pink eye and swollen red eye(s)
• Throat and mouth infections
• Blisters and mouth sores
• Rash
• Swollen joints
• Flu-like symptoms
• Discharge from the penis or vagina
• Painful ejaculation and urination
• Burning sensation during urination
• Testicular pain or swelling
• Rash on penis or genital
• Bumps, warts, lesions or sores on or around penis
• Itching sensation on head of penis
• Rectal discharge, bleeding or pain
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Lower abdominal pain

Board-certified emergency room doctors at SignatureCare Emergency Center have the requisite experience to test, diagnose, and treat sexually transmitted infections.

Where to Get STD Tests

SignatureCare Emergency Center’s emergency rooms throughout Texas can test you for STDs. To get to the nearest emergency room, go to our ER locations page. Blood testing done based on physician’s determination and diagnosis.