Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are very common, but many men and women who have them don’t experience any symptoms. The professional OB/GYN team at The Women's Center offers STD testing and counseling at eight convenient locations in Orlando, St. Cloud, Altamonte Springs, Oviedo, Ocoee, Celebration, and Winter Park, Florida. To learn how to protect yourself from STDs, call or book an appointment online.
Sexually transmitted disease (STD) and sexually transmitted infection (STI) are two names that refer to the same thing — an infectious disease spread by sexual contact. STDs are the most common contagious diseases in the United States, with about 20 million new cases occurring each year.
A person infected with an STD can pass the disease to others by direct contact through the skin, genitals, mouth, anus, or bodily fluids. STDs are contagious even when the infected person doesn’t have any signs or symptoms.
There are dozens of STDs, the most common of which is human papillomavirus (HPV). An estimated 79 million Americans are infected with HPV. This disease may lead to more serious conditions, such as genital warts or cervical cancer.
Other common STDs include:
Some of these diseases, such as hepatitis, can spread without sexual activity if you come into contact with an infected person’s blood.
Anyone can get an STD from having unprotected sex, even if it’s only with one person or your first time. There are many things you can do to protect yourself from getting an STD, such as:
If you’re sexually active, the friendly and knowledgeable team at The Women’s Center is happy to review safe sex practices and answer any questions you may have about STDs.
Many STDs don’t cause signs or symptoms, so the only way to know for sure if you have one is to get tested. The team at The Women’s Center offers STD testing upon request. For extra protection, you should have your partner get tested as well and continue using latex condoms.
If you do have an STD, your provider at The Women’s Center works with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. Most STDs are easy to treat, but some, such as genital herpes or HIV, don’t have a cure. However, treatment exists to help you manage the symptoms of these STDs.
To learn more about STDs, call The Women’s Center or book an appointment online.
