STD Testing SAN JOSE

Sexually transmitted diseases are a major public health concern in the country, especially now that the number of reported cases are soaring. Of the numbers, women are more likely to be affected and experience the long-term consequences of untreated STDs. 

How women are affected by STDs

There are several reasons why STDs disproportionately affect women more than anyone else.

One, women are likely not to have symptoms of STD. When the signs do manifest, they often go away even if the infection is still there. This means they are less likely to get tested and treated for the disease.

Because of her biological make-up, it’s likely for women to confuse STD symptoms for some other disease. For instance, vaginal discharge can be mistaken for a yeast infection instead of an STD. Penile discharge however, is uncommon in men.

Also, the vagina is more delicate than the penis and is a good place for bacteria to grow and proliferate.

Certain types of STD virus, like the human papillomavirus, can lead to cervical cancer. And although the same virus is also common in men, it does not develop into a serious health problem.

On top of these, when a pregnant woman becomes infected with STD, she can pass on the infection to her baby which can cause neonatal death and stillbirth.

STDs also impact men’s health in a different way

This does not mean men are not affected by STDs—they are, but in a different way.

Complications from chlamydia for instance can infect the prostate causing it to swell and restrict the flow of blood to the penis. Aside from causing pain in the testicles and while having sex, chlamydia can also lead to erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction or ED is a man’s inability to achieve or maintain an erection.

Gonorrhea also causes pain in the testicles. But aside from that, it also brings on painful bowel movements, urination and causes a bloody discharge in the anus.

Men who have sex with men are more likely to contract syphilis because of different factors—rate of partner exchange and how often they have sex without the use of condoms possibly influence their exposure to STD.

If left untreated, complications of syphilis can increase male infertility.

If you suspect you have STD, the next best move is to confirm if you are indeed infected. Confirm it by getting tested in one of the FDA-approved clinics in San Jose, California.