Did you know that the most common symptom for an STI (sexually transmitted infection) or STD (sexually transmitted disease) is no symptoms whatsoever? That’s right. Many people who contract an STD do not experience any symptoms or only experience mild symptoms.

Sexually transmitted diseases adversely affect your health, whether you experience symptoms or not. So, how are you supposed to know if you have an STD?

Certain risk factors increase your chances of being exposed to an STD. If you are sexually active, you are at risk of contracting an STD and should be aware of the resources available to prevent, test for, and treat STDs.

What is the difference between an STI and an STD?

The terms STI (sexually transmitted infection) and STD (sexually transmitted disease) are both terms used to describe the same things; diseases and infections transmitted sexually through oral, anal, or vaginal sex or contact with other bodily fluids, and can be viral or bacterial.

Most STDs are easily treatable. If left untreated, STDs can cause severe health complications, including infertility for women.

Common Symptoms of STDs

If you experience symptoms as a result of an STD, they will probably include one or more of the following:

• Pain during sex
• Fever
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Bumps or sores on the genitals, oral, or rectal area
• Painful or burning urination
• Discharge from the penis
• Irregular or odorous vaginal discharge
• Irregular vaginal bleeding
• Sore, swollen lymph nodes, usually in the groin
• Rash on hands, feet, or trunk

When to Get Tested for an STD

You will want to get tested for STDs if you have recently had unprotected sex, have recently changed partners, or are considering scheduling an abortion. It is always in your best interest to get tested. The sooner you diagnose and treat an STD, the more likely you are to avoid the most adverse effects of the STD.

It is essential to test for sexually transmitted diseases if you are considering abortion since the presence of STDs can increase your risk of contracting Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), a severe medical condition caused by untreated STDs.

SELAH does not offer or provide referrals for abortion services. Alternatively, SELAH offers free pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and other support services to serve women and families facing an unexpected pregnancy. All services offered at SELAH are provided at no cost to the client.