Am I Sexually Healthy?

Did you know one in two sexually active young people will get an STD by 25? Most do not have symptoms!

Sexual Health

Every time you have sex, you risk getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD), also called a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that “youth ages 15-24 accounted for almost half of the 26 million new sexually transmitted infections that occurred in the United States in 2018.”

The CDC recommends all sexually active persons be tested for STDs every three months.

What Are STDs?

STDs are sexually transmitted diseases (also known as sexually transmitted infections) that could be passed from person to person during hand to genital, mouth to genital, and genital to genital contact.

STDs can be transmitted through bodily fluids and skin-to-skin contact. It is possible to be contagious and not have symptoms of an infection. You can spread or contract these disease at any time.

Common STD Symptoms

It is more common than we realize to have an STD with no symptoms. But STDs can still cause severe damage and can be passed between your partner(s) and you without your knowledge.

Early detection is essential for effective treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are a few common symptoms to look for if you suspect you might have an STD.

Here are some symptoms they mention:

Painful or burning urination
A discharge from the vagina or penis
Itching or discomfort in the genital area
Pain during sex
Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area

STD Prevention

The most effective means for preventing the spread of STDs is to avoid all sexual contact. It still remains the only 100%, full-proof method of staying safe. That is, however, near impossible to sustain forever. So the next best thing is to choose a long-term, exclusive partnership with someone you love and has a clean health record. These one-on-one relationships provide you and your partner the safest way to experience sex.

If you choose, however, to extend your sexual experiences beyond monogamous relationships, at least take the time to use condoms and birth control. But know this, you’re still putting yourself and your partners at great risk.

To learn more about STDs, common symptoms, potential treatment, and potential long-term effects, please visit the CDC website.

No-Cost STD Testing

It’s essential to check your sexual health status. We provide confidential, respectful services and complete information.

WCMC provides no-cost and confidential lab tests and physical exams for the following STDs:

Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Syphilis
HIV
Trichomoniasis
Herpes
Hepatitis B
Bacterial Vaginosis
HPV

Tests are based on your STD health assessment and determined by our medical professionals. Most STD appointments take about an hour and are available for free.

Call Women’s Care Medical Center at (251) 947-2111 or text (251) 929-4702 to schedule an appointment or sign up online.