The Relationship Between Mental Health and STDs: Understanding the Connection
The connection between mental health and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is multifaceted, with each affecting
1 million people acquire a sexually transmitted disease every single day.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Most people who have STDs are infected with either chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis. HPV, or genital warts, is also very common and prevalent.
In this article, we'll talk about not only how STD testing works, but the most common symptoms of STDs.
You should always get tested for an STD before you begin having sex with a new partner in order to arm yourself with the correct information. Additionally, wearing protection can help stop the spread of STDs.
Read on for more information on the most common forms of STDs.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, but it often doesn't have symptoms. Because of this, it has been dubbed the “silent” STD, meaning that you won't always be aware you have it if you do. And if you don't know you have it, you may unknowingly pass it to a partner.
Just because chlamydia doesn't have symptoms doesn't mean it is consequence free. In fact, untreated chlamydia can lead to serious issues.
Not treating chlamydia can mean it will spread to the fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This can lead to blocking the eggs from releasing, making it impossible to become pregnant.
While chlamydia doesn't have apparent symptoms, there are some that you can watch out for. Often, chlamydia mirrors bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection. Symptoms include unusual discharge, lower back pain, and bleeding between periods.
For men, symptoms can include burning during urination and penile discharge.
Both sexes may experience a burning sensation in their genitals with chlamydia.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea can be very similar to chlamydia in the way it presents itself and what it can ultimately do if left untreated.
You can get gonorrhea in your throat, vagina, penis, or rectum.
Many people who have gonorrhea, like chlamydia, have no symptoms at all. They will only find out if they have an STD test to confirm.
A sore throat can be a symptom of gonorrhea in the throat.
Women who have vaginal gonorrhea may experience bleeding between periods, burning when urinating, and abnormal discharge. Men with penile gonorrhea may experience white, green, or yellow discharge from the penis, painful and swollen testicles and burning when urinating.
Rectal gonorrhea may present with bleeding, pain upon bowel movements, itching, and the rectum becoming tender.
Left untreated, gonorrhea can also cause infertility due to scarring in the uterus.
Syphilis
Syphilis is another extremely common STD, but it can have lifelong consequences or even death.
Most people's first symptom of syphilis is a tiny sore on their genital region. This is typically painless, so most people do not notice it and go about their lives. It will almost always disappear on its own.
After that, you may experience a rash all over your body. It may be accompanied by sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, hair loss, and muscle aches. This can last on and off for up to a year.
Some people will then enter a stage where syphilis has no symptoms until it becomes a serious problem. At this point, the syphilis can affect almost any organ in the body, and after a while, it can cause irreversible damage. This often happens several years after the original infection took place.
Thus, it is important to see your doctor if you develop any sores that you're unsure of.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is another very common STD, though it isn't as serious as the others mentioned. It often carries no symptoms and doesn't always lead to complications. However, pregnant women who are infected may have children with low birth weight.
Symptoms for women include more discharge than usual, or discharge that smells fishy, soreness or itching of the vagina, and pain when urinating or having sex.
For men, they may experience frequent urination, pain upon ejaculation, white penile discharge and swelling and soreness of the head of the penis.
HPV
HPV often produces no symptoms. However, individuals infected may acquire warts or cancer on their genitals, in their mouths or in the anus.
Most cases of HPV go away on their own, but if you are diagnosed, a doctor can help you figure out which type you have and if treatment is necessary.
STD Testing
STD testing is relatively straight forward and can be done in the comfort of your own home or at a doctor's office. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may take blood, analyze your urine, take a swab of your cheek, examine you, test your discharge or test any unusual sores on your body.
STD tests are quick, painless and confidential. All doctors have seen everything you're bringing to them before, so there is no need to be embarrassed. However, some companies do provide testing kits to allow you to test yourself at home without the hassle and expense of a doctor's visit.
If you are unsure about any symptoms, however, visiting a doctor is your best bet.
When to Get an STD Test
STD testing is a necessary component for anyone who wishes to be responsible for their sex life. As such, you should get an STD test before each new partner and if you suspect that something in your body is “off.”
We offer fast and confidential STD testing that you can have done immediately. Your insurance may even pay for some or part of it. Click here to learn more about our STD testing and what exactly it entails.
Peace of mind is priceless.
