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can you get more than one std at a time

By: Karen Terry

January 5, 2022

Can You Get More Than One STD at a Time?

At Rapid STD Testing, one of the most common questions we hear is, “Can you have more than one STD at a time?” Yes, you can. If you think you may have multiple sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), please get tested right away so you can receive the necessary treatment.

Part of the responsibility of being a sexually active individual is getting regular STD tests to ensure that you stay healthy and happy. Fortunately, we have over 2500 locations nationwide where you can get accurate, confidential, and same-day STD testing. Call Rapid STD Testing at (866) 872-1888 or click online to order your testing panel today.

Is it Possible to Have Multiple STDs?

Can you have multiple STDs at once? Yes. Not only is it possible but having two or more STDs at once isn’t that uncommon. A 2010 study found that out of 275 patients, 37% (102) had one or more STDs, with males more likely to have multiple STDs than women at a rate of 2.5 to 1. Out of the male patients, only one reported using a condom regularly.

We can’t emphasize enough the importance of using protection every time you have sex, whether it’s vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

Did you have unprotected sexual contact with someone who has one or multiple STDs? Do you frequently have new sexual partners? If so, you are at high risk of contracting one or more STIs (sexually transmitted infections) or STDs.

Even if you use protection, there’s still a chance you could have multiple STDs. Here’s a common scenario: having protected sex with someone who has uncovered lesions on their genital area that come into contact with your body. Alternatively, perhaps the condom you used broke unknowingly during sex.

Can You Have Three STDs at Once?

Just as you can have one or two STDs at the same time, it’s possible to have three or four STDs simultaneously. For example, you could have HIV, herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. For this reason, you should opt for the full panel of STD tests every time you get tested.

Symptoms Common to STDs

Many STDs present very similar symptoms, contributing to misdiagnosis in people with multiple STDs. Commonly shared symptoms include:

  • Vaginal bleeding or spotting (not menstrual blood)
  •  Burning or pain during urination
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the groin
  • Strong vaginal odor and discharge
  • Discharge from the penis

Many people with multiple STDs don’t know it because some STDs are asymptomatic, meaning they don’t show any symptoms at all. In fact, asymptomatic STDs are more common than not.

Let’s take chlamydia, for example. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), chlamydia is the most common, treatable STD in the world. However, people often fail to treat it because chlamydia is largely asymptomatic in men and women. Around 50% of men and 75% of women never show any signs. 

Other STDs that don’t show symptoms include:

  • Gonorrhea
  • Herpes
  • Trichomoniasis
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Hepatitis B

Not only do asymptomatic STDs contribute to misdiagnosis of multiple infections, but some STDs also have long incubation periods, causing them to lie dormant in your body. For example, syphilis can lie dormant for years before symptoms present. You can learn about STD incubation periods by clicking the link for more information on the subject.

Testing for Multiple STDs

If you’re sexually active, you should get regular STD tests even if you use protection. Properly managing your health care is the most critical part of being a sexually active, responsible adult.

Based upon expert medical advice from the CDC, follow these recommendations concerning how often you should get tested for STDs:

  • Teens and adults ages 13 to 64 should have HIV testing at least once
  • Sexually active people who engage in high-risk behaviors (i.e., unprotected sex) should have annual HIV testing
  • Sexually active women under age 25 should have yearly testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea
    • High-risk women over 25 also should have annual testing
  • Pregnant women should have early (and repeat, if necessary) testing for hepatitis B and C, HIV, and syphilis
  • Sexually active men who are gay, bisexual, or have sex with other men need annual testing for:
    • Syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia
    • HIV
    • Hepatitis C, if living with HIV or AIDS
  • High-risk men should have all of the tests above every three to six months instead of yearly

At Rapid STD Testing, we offer a full 10-panel STD test, which includes all the most common STDs. After you order a testing panel, all you have to do is visit one of our 2500+ locations to give a specimen. Then, you’ll have accurate results within one to three business days. We’re the best option for a confidential, rapid STD test that won’t go on your permanent medical record.

STDs That Usually Co-Infect and Their Treatment Methods

Can you have two STDs at once? Yes, it is quite common for sexually active people to have multiple STDS. The most common co-infections include:

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are prevalent co-infections. If the STDs present symptoms, they’ll occur within two days to a few weeks after infection. Women are more likely than men to show symptoms, and if they do not treat it, a dual infection can cause significant health problems.

Treatment

Fortunately, a co-infection of gonorrhea and chlamydia is easily treatable with antibiotics. The CDC recommends an intramuscular injection of Rocephin (ceftriaxone) with an oral dose of Zithromax (azithromycin).

HIV and Other STDs

If you have the viral infection HIV, your risk of contracting other STDs increases considerably due to your weakened immune system and the likelihood of you engaging in high-risk behaviors. Conversely, if you have one or more STDs, your risk of contracting HIV also increases. As a result, many people with HIV also have other STDs, such as chlamydia, HPV, gonorrhea, hepatitis, etc.

Risk behaviors for HIV and other STDs include:

  • Having unprotected sex without a condom, including vaginal, anal, or oral
  • Having multiple sex partners
  • Having anonymous sex partners
  • Having sex while under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Treatment

Treatment for an HIV co-infection varies based on your specific additional STD. Treatment for other STDs will not prevent the spread of HIV to your sexual partners.

The primary treatment for HIV is antiretroviral therapy (ART), which is essentially a combination of HIV medications. ART won’t cure HIV, but it can reduce your viral load to an undetectable level, virtually eliminating the risk of transmission.

Syphilis and Other STDs

If you’re sexually active, you could be at risk for contracting syphilis in combination with other STDs, like gonorrhea or chlamydia. Syphilis is easily treatable if caught quickly in the first stage of the disease (there are three stages).

Treatment for syphilis consists of an intramuscular penicillin injection. If you’re allergic to penicillin, alternative treatment options include doxycycline, azithromycin, tetracycline, or ceftriaxone. It’s important to remember that treatment for syphilis will cure the infection, but it won’t reverse any damage that the disease already caused your body.

For people with syphilis and gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia, or even all three, your treatment method will consist of antibiotics. The usual combination is penicillin with other antibiotics like azithromycin or ceftriaxone.

Tips to Prevent Co-Infection and Contracting STDs in General

At Rapid STD Testing, we often field questions and concerns from our patients, including the one that resulted in this blog post, which is “Can you get more than one STD at a time?” Another common question we get is, “How can I prevent STDs?”

Regarding STD prevention, only one method provides 100% protection: abstinence. However, it’s unrealistic to believe that every teenager and adult will practice abstinence. If you are going to have sex, you need to remember these key tips that can reduce your chance of contracting one or more STDs:

  • Use the barrier method every time you have sex (i.e., a condom or dental dam)
  • When using condoms, use them correctly
  • Don’t engage in anonymous sex
  • Avoid drinking alcohol or using drugs before having sex
  • Try to limit the number of sexual partners you have
  • If you use drugs via injection, do not share your needles or injecting equipment

Another common concern from our patients is their risk of contracting an STD, especially if they’re in a monogamous relationship or their partner took an STD test that was negative. Under certain circumstances, this could happen. To learn whether you can get an STD if your partner is clean, click on the link to read our blog post concerning this important topic.

Get Tested Today and Stay in Charge of Your Sexual Health 

We hope that this blog answered your question, “Can you have more than one STD at a time?” Yes, you can, so don’t take a chance with your sexual health and happiness. Instead, call Rapid STD Testing at (866) 872-1888, or head to our website to order your testing panel right now. 

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By: Karen Terry
January 5, 2022

With a profound passion for making intricate medical information accessible to all, John possesses a unique ability to simplify complex concepts without sacrificing accuracy or depth. Armed with a comprehensive understanding of various healthcare fields, John is well-versed in the latest research and advancements. However, what truly sets him apart is his remarkable talent for distilling this wealth of knowledge into engaging, reader-friendly content.