STD Testing Updates

As the old saying goes, “you are what you eat.” What you eat impacts your overall health and wellness. Eating healthy, nutritious food can support your immune system, which benefits that extend to your sexual health. Did you know that there are foods that fight STDs?

Most sexually transmitted infections stem from viruses and bacteria that spread during sexual contact. Several common foods have antiviral or antibacterial properties that can boost your immune system and help your body fight infections.

You should always consult a doctor if you are having STD symptoms, but let’s dive into some foods you can include in your diet to improve your overall health.

All About STDs

Most STDs spread through contact with an infected person’s semen, saliva, or genitals. Some common STDs include:

• Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2)
• Chlamydia
• Syphilis
• Gonorrhea
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Trichomoniasis
• HIV/AIDS

Untreated STDs can lead to issues like infertility or ectopic pregnancy, but the good news is that STD testing is easy and accessible. With a 10-panel STD test from Rapid STD testing, a doctor can diagnose you and prescribe the necessary treatment. Most STDs are treatable and won’t affect your life long-term.

How to Protect Yourself from STDs

Protecting yourself from sexually transmitted infection starts with these steps:

• Get tested regularly: Knowing your STD testing status is crucial to your sexual health.
• Communicate with your partner(s): Keep clear lines of communication open to maintain your sexual health and theirs.
• Use condoms: When used correctly, condoms are highly protective against STDs
• Get vaccinated: People of all genders should get the HPV vaccine.

How to Know if You Have an STD

While symptoms alone cannot tell you for sure that you have an STD, if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your doctor or Rapid STD Testing to schedule same-day STD testing:

• Bumps, sores, or a rash near the genitals or anus
• Discharge from the penis or vagina
• Cramping or pain in the pelvic area, groin, or abdomen
• Painful urination or sexual activity
• Sores in the mouth
• Aches, pains, chills, or fever

Top 9 Foods Against STDs

Though consulting your doctor should be your first defense against STDs, everyday foods and herbs have proven helpful in naturally supporting your immune system to fight off infections.

If you’re wondering about herbs for STD treatment, here are some foods that fight STDs and can support your sexual health.

Ginger

Useful for killing off oral pathogens, ginger is a natural antibiotic that’s a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine for helping with bacterial infections like gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia.

It can help fend off yeast infections and even reduce the pain associated with some STDs. Ginger is also excellent for fighting nausea from illness or food poisoning!

Can ginger cure syphilis infections? No, ginger is not a substitute for doctor-prescribed antibiotics. Scientists are still studying the effects of ginger on bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus.

Garlic

Fresh garlic contains antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. One of the oldest natural healing foods, it can fight off many infectious diseases like vaginal yeast infections. While it won’t cure chlamydia naturally, garlic is good to eat when you’re treating chlamydia with antibiotics.

Garlic also contains a chemical compound called allicin that kills germs and strengthens the immune system. 

Honey

Containing lots sugar, hydrogen peroxide, methylglyoxal, and peptide bee defensin, honey has a low pH and antibacterial properties. If you eat raw natural honey, an enzyme called glucose oxidase in the honey can help kill bacteria. Just make sure you choose raw, organic honey—high-fructose corn syrup with honey flavoring won’t offer the same benefits.

Cabbage

This vegetable is a detoxifying powerhouse full of antibacterial properties that are good for your liver, bladder, and colon, especially if you’re dealing with HPV. Some studies show that cabbage can inhibit cancer growth, so this leafy vegetable benefits your immune system in more ways than one.

Horseradish

You can eat horseradish to naturally treat a urinary tract infection, thanks to its antimicrobial properties. This food is especially popular as a natural remedy for sinus infections, bronchitis, and urinary bladder infections.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil isn’t just good for your moisturizing your hair and skin. Coconut oil an effective antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal, and it contains a fatty acid called lauric acid, which can help fight yeast infections.

Coconut oil is even a fantastic lubricant that works double time in reducing bacteria exchange during sexual activity.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is known as an at-home treatment for genital warts. Applying a small amount to genital warts kills the virus and helps clear up outbreaks, but it may irritate your skin, so speak to your doctor instead of relying solely on your pantry for treatment.

Turmeric

With powerful anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is also a potent antibacterial due to a compound called curcumin, which is known to yield many health benefits, including helping with arthritis and general pain. If you have painful swelling around your genitals due to an STI, try some turmeric-infused recipes.

Cranberry Juice

Containing an antibacterial property, cranberries offer natural prevention for urinary tract infections and pelvic inflammatory disease. Berries like cranberries are also helpful in combating heart disease.

Most Effective Treatment for STDs

While certain foods that fight STDs can help support your health, it’s essential to consult your doctor when treating sexually transmitted infections. Modern medicine has effective treatment options for common STDs, including:

• Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2): Standard treatment is antiviral and topical medication, with suppressive therapy for those who experience frequent breakouts. 
• Chlamydia: Instead of relying on herbs to cure chlamydia (which won’t work), you can clear up the infection with a course of antibiotics that your doctor prescribes. Retest after three months to ensure that the infection has cleared.
• Syphilis: Most doctors recommend early treatment with Penicillin for syphilis infections. If you’re allergic to Penicillin, alternatives like Azithromycin are available.
• Gonorrhea: Your doctor may prescribe multiple antibiotics to fight a gonorrhea infection due to some strains developing antibiotic resistance.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): With no standard treatment, warts may clear up on their own. Your doctor may prescribe topical medication, freeze removal, or surgery for persistent warts. Removing warts does not cure the virus; you can still transmit HPV to others. 
• Trichomoniasis: Treated with antibiotics, the cure rate of Trichomoniasis is almost 90%.

When taking antibiotics, your doctor may prescribe pills, injections, or a topical cream. Whatever the type of antibiotic, always complete the entire course of treatment, even if your symptoms go away.

The First Step in Treating Any STD Is Getting Tested

Can STDs be cured naturally? The answer is no. By eating foods that fight STDs, you can support your sexual health, but you can’t cure STIs like syphilis and chlamydia just by changing your diet.

Rapid STD Testing makes testing, diagnosis, and deciding on a treatment plan easy! Find a testing center near you, and schedule your rapid STD test today!

Genital warts are a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease. The virus that causes them is called human papillomavirus (HPV). Doctors diagnose more than a million new cases of genital warts every year, and there are more than a hundred strains of the virus. While there is no cure for HPV, there is a wide selection of treatments and home remedies for genital warts that can help ease their symptoms.

If you have genital warts, you should also get medical advice and treatment from your doctor. Even the best home remedies for genital warts won’t make them go away completely, and antiviral treatment can prevent you from spreading the disease to your sexual partners.

Are you looking for a discreet, secure, rapid STD test near you? Rapid STD Testing operates more than 2,500 testing centers around the United States.

What Are Genital Warts?

Genital warts, also called venereal warts or condylomata acuminata, are one of the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted diseases. There are about 120 strains of human papillomavirus, which causes genital warts. Some of these strains can lead to cervical or throat cancer, so if you have genital warts, you must get regular screenings from your health care provider.

Most commonly, genital warts present as a series of cauliflower-like bumps or a rash on a person’s genital area. These bumps can come and go with time, but the virus that causes them remains inside your body for life.

If you suspect you have genital warts, you should get rapid STD testing immediately. Because genital warts can look like many other sexually transmitted infections, including herpes and bacterial infections, you need an accurate diagnosis before treating them.

Those at increased risk of developing complications from human papillomavirus include:

• People who have HIV or another factor that suppresses their immune systems
• People who have multiple sexual partners
• People who engage in high-risk behaviors, such as unprotected sex

You can get genital warts from any sexual contact, including oral and anal sex. A barrier method of STD prevention is one way to help prevent their spread. There is also a vaccine that can prevent many cancer-causing strains of HPV, so talk to your doctor to find out whether you are eligible for it.

Can Genital Warts Be Transmitted Non-sexually?

Human papillomavirus is an extremely contagious disease that spreads not only through sexual contact but also through any form of skin-to-skin contact. If a person has a wart on their finger, that’s also a case of human papillomavirus, and the virus can spread to your genitals if the other person touches them.

There has been a lot of debate in the scientific community about the non-sexual spread of genital warts. However, the strains of HPV that cause genital warts tend to differ from those that cause warts elsewhere on the body. No matter what, the best way to prevent infection is to know your partner’s infection status and to use a barrier method of STD prevention.

Signs and Symptoms of Genital Warts

If you have genital warts, you will usually encounter a rash-like series of raised bumps on the surface of your genital area. It may look like the florets of a cauliflower, and the area will generally feel rough or bumpy to the touch.

Other symptoms of genital warts may include:

• Mild to severe itchiness
• A burning sensation in the affected area
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Bleeding and cracking of the skin

Sometimes, the bumps are too small for people to see with the naked eye, and the itchiness and discharge are the only visible symptoms of genital warts. Because genital warts aren’t always apparent to the naked eye, we at Rapid STD Testing recommend that people get tested regularly, whether or not they have symptoms.

Genital warts aren’t only limited to the genitals, either. Because people can transmit them through oral sex, they can appear inside a person’s throat, tongue, lips, or elsewhere in the mouth. Genital warts do heal naturally, but the virus doesn’t go away.

Genital Skin Tags vs. Genital Warts

Genital skin tags and genital warts are two different problems that can look very similar. Both are fleshy growths that usually crop up in the folds of your skin and genital tissues. Unlike genital warts, skin tags are entirely benign. If one is causing trouble, you can usually have a doctor remove it in a single visit. The doctor performs this procedure using a local anesthetic, and you can generally go back to your daily routine with no downtime.

Skin tags, also called soft tissue fibromas, can vary in size. Some of them can grow as large as the eraser on a pencil. They grow quickly and may change color over time, but they are soft and flexible. Genital skin tags are most common on the penis, but they can occasionally show up on vaginas as well.

Home Remedies for Genital Warts

There is no cure for the virus that causes genital warts. However, there are some other solutions for removing genital warts at home. These can reduce the itching and burning you experience, and some may even help reduce the appearance and duration of a breakout.

Treating genital warts at home shouldn’t be your only move. Getting medical advice and supervision from your doctor is also important to ensure you are doing everything right.

Multivitamins

Being deficient in certain vitamins can hurt your body’s ability to fight infections like HPV. Although there isn’t much research about whether taking a daily multivitamin will impact an infection, it certainly doesn’t hurt to try. Either way, consult with your doctor to ensure that whatever multivitamin you choose doesn’t conflict with your other medications.

Tea Tree Oil

Humans have been aware of tea tree oil’s antiseptic and antimicrobial properties for centuries. No scientific studies have directly named tea tree oil as a method of genital wart removal at home. However, some evidence shows that it effectively reduces the appearance and duration of warts on other parts of the body.

If you apply tea tree oil to genital warts, make sure to avoid the mucous membranes in areas such as vaginal tissue and the inside of the mouth. Always dilute tea tree oil with a carrier like olive oil. If you have sensitive skin, test a few drops on thick skin, like your upper arm, and wait 24 hours before proceeding.

Witch Hazel

There have been a few studies showing that witch hazel extract is an effective treatment for some common strains of human papillomavirus. It’s milder than tea tree oil, so people with sensitive skin may want to start with it.

Vegetables

Along with multivitamins, one of the best ways to stay healthy and keep your immune system in fighting shape is to eat a nutrient-rich diet. For most people, this means adding more vegetables to their meals.

Vegetables rich in the nutrient indole-3-carbinol can help your body fight off infections. These vegetables include cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli.

Green Tea

Green tea extract is another proven home remedy for genital warts. While you can get a prescription for ointments that contain it, you can also add one or two drops of green tea extract to coconut oil and apply it directly to your trouble areas.

Garlic

Garlic is a popular home remedy for genital warts, and some small studies have demonstrated that it can be as effective as cryotherapy in their treatment. Although these studies only involved men, they found that applying a 10% garlic extract to their warts for two months had a positive effect.

Aloe Vera

If you’ve ever had a sunburn, you probably know how effective aloe vera gel is at relieving burns and itching. This alone makes it a popular remedy for itchy, dry warts. In addition, scientists have proven that aloe gel can help fight certain herpes virus variants.

This is one of the simplest, gentlest ways of treating genital warts at home. The gel is inexpensive and very easy to find in pharmacies and grocery stores.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar works a lot like salicylic acid, a popular over-the-counter wart remover. It gently peels away the surface of warts, reducing their appearance. You should never apply undiluted apple cider vinegar to any wart, though, and don’t use it on open wounds.

First, dilute two parts of apple cider vinegar with one part of water. Soak a cotton ball in this mixture and tape the cotton ball to the affected area for three to four hours.

Traditional Treatment of Genital Warts

While home remedies for genital warts are a convenient addition to medical treatment, you should always seek help from a doctor if you suspect you have any sexually transmitted infection. There are a lot of medical treatments available for genital warts, and some of the medications available may conflict with home remedies, so be sure to tell your doctor if you are trying any of them.

Some conventional medical treatments for genital warts include freezing them off using liquid nitrogen or destroying them with electricity. Some clinics use lasers for the same purpose. If you have large warts, a doctor may be able to cut them off with a scalpel. However, none of these treatments kills the underlying virus, so your genital warts could still return after months or years.

There is also a wide selection of topical treatments for genital warts. You apply these directly to problem areas. One of these treatments, sinecatechins ointment, contains green tea extract, one of the home remedies we mentioned earlier. Another, imiquimod, enhances the immune system to prevent the growth of the sores, while podofilox interferes with the wart cells’ ability to divide.

Doctors can also use trichloroacetic acid to dissolve the protein that forms genital warts. This process is similar to the apple cider vinegar method we described earlier, but only doctors can perform it.

Each of these treatments for genital warts comes with the risk of side effects, so don’t forget to ask your doctor what to look out for before you begin. The most common side effects include skin irritation and increased risk of fungal infections like candida. Most of the time, these clear up quickly after treatment is done, allowing you to go on about your routine with minimal interruption.

These medical treatments are some of the most effective ways to prevent genital warts from spreading on yourself, but they take time to work. In most cases, this can take anywhere from two to three months. In addition, none of these treatments will completely remove the virus from your body, so you should watch for new outbreaks and treat them promptly.

Risks and Warnings

Genital warts aren’t just uncomfortable and unsightly. They can lead to long-term problems, and the virus lasts your entire life. Even after you treat an outbreak, the human papillomavirus is still inside your body, and it can come back even after many years of dormancy.

Some strains of HPV can cause cervical and throat cancer down the line. Because most of these strains don’t tend to cause large warts, you should get rapid STD testing for HPV so you know your level of risk. Even better, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated against the cancer-causing virus strains. These vaccines come in a series of two or three shots, and the ideal time to get them is before having sex.

If you are pregnant and have HPV, you have additional concerns to keep in mind. Pregnancy hormones can cause genital warts to enlarge and spread within the vagina. If they remain during delivery, they can prevent your vaginal tissue from stretching as it should, causing cuts and bleeding. Finally, babies born to HPV-positive parents can develop warts in their throat. While this is an extremely rare phenomenon, you should carefully monitor your newborn’s breathing if you have genital warts.

Human papillomavirus is an incredibly common disease, and many people never show symptoms of it. This is why getting tested early and often is so critical. You should get tested for sexually transmitted infections with every new partner. Rapid STD Testing also recommends getting tested if you or your partner has cheated, if a condom breaks, or if you otherwise think you could have been exposed.

What Should You Do if You Suspect Genital Warts?

If you think you may have been exposed to genital warts, your first priority should be to get same-day STD testing at one of Rapid STD Testing’s many facilities. Our comprehensive 10-panel STD test screens for chlamydia, herpes, HIV, and syphilis, as well as other common STDs. You may not be able to cure genital warts, but the first step in managing them is to get them diagnosed properly to better manage your symptoms.

Read some of our other posts to learn about the differences between HPV vs. herpes or home remedies for chlamydia.

Hepatitis B is the most common serious infection of the liver, and it’s caused by a virus that is even more infectious than HIV. Because hepatitis B spreads through body fluids, doctors consider it a sexually transmitted disease (STD), and rapid STD tests can detect the virus.

If you’re wondering, “is there a hepatitis B vaccine?”, the good news is that there is, and it’s extremely effective. The U.S. is on track to eradicate the virus by 2030. By staying current with your hepatitis B vaccines, you can stay safe during sexual intercourse and around needles and other risk factors. We’ll get into the symptoms of hepatitis B below, explain what the vaccine does and how often you should get it, and go over who should get the shot.

What Is Hepatitis B? 

Hepatitis B is a liver infection that develops after exposure to the hepatitis B virus (HBV). 

For most people, the infection is short-term and may clear up on its own or with antiviral medications. However, nearly 300 million people globally have chronic hepatitis B, which is an infection that lasts more than six months. This is incredibly dangerous for the liver: the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that that over 800,000 people died, in 2019 alone, from the resulting liver cancer or cirrhosis. 

According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, two billion people currently have the hepatitis B virus: That’s one in three worldwide. 

How Does Hepatitis B Spread?

The hepatitis B virus spreads through both casual and sexual contact with an infected person’s body fluids. Just one-fifth of a teaspoon of an infected person’s blood can contain an estimated billion viruses. 

The virus can survive for a week outside the body, even in dried blood, so it’s not just sex partners who pass it along—according to WHO, pregnant people can transmit the virus to their babies during birth. 

Beyond parent-to-child during birth, the virus spreads through blood and bodily fluids: 

• Needlesticks
• Tattoos and piercings
• Exposure to saliva or menstrual discharge
• Using contaminated needles
• Having multiple sex partners

If you think you may have been exposed and aren’t sure if you’re up-to-date with your hep B vaccine, schedule same-day STD testing at one of Rapid STD Testing’s 2,500 clinics for confidential, fast, accurate results.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B 

Most children and adults present no symptoms when they’re infected, but there is the possibility of an acute illness that could last several weeks for the unlucky. This is important, especially considering that the incubation period (the time at which you’re contagious) can last up to six months!  

Symptoms of hepatitis B include:

• Nausea and vomiting 
• Pain in the stomach and abdomen
• Jaundice (yellowing) of the eyes or skin 
• Dark urine  
• Extreme fatigue 
• Liver failure

Hepatitis B is called the “silent epidemic” because so many infected and contagious carriers never show symptoms. 

How Does the Hepatitis B Shot Work? 

You can protect yourself against hepatitis B with the vaccine, which consists of three shots over six months. 

So what is the hep B vaccine? Antibodies in your blood fight viruses like hepatitis B. These antibodies can develop naturally, by exposure to a virus, or in the form of a vaccination. 

The hepatitis B vaccine is made from a protein that sits on the surface of the virus. By administering the hepatitis B injection with those bits of surface protein, they help your body create an immune defense against future hepatitis B infections.

By 2019, more than 80% of all infants born worldwide received three doses of the vaccine at birth, one month later, and six months later. The same sequence applies for some adults, starting from the first injection. 

Per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), you can receive the hepatitis B vaccine along with, or even mixed with, other vaccines. Adults might get a combination vaccine for both hepatitis A and hepatitis B. 

Hep B Vaccine: What Is It For? 

The hepatitis B vaccine gives you 98% protection from the disease, as America’s medical community plans to eradicate the disease by 2030. Anyone born after 1991 is probably already vaccinated, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Your risk of exposure is greater if you: 

• Have diabetes, HIV, hepatitis C, or another STD 
• Have sex or live with someone who has hepatitis B  
• Use drugs with needles  
• Come into contact with blood at your job  
• Receive dialysis  
• Travel to countries where hepatitis B is common

How Effective is the Hepatitis B Shot? 

Now that infants are universally vaccinated within the first six months of life, the scientific community is seeing excellent results. An Oxford study, published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases in 2016, showed hepatitis B vaccination efficacy of about 90%, even 20 years later. 

Is the Hepatitis B Vaccine Safe? 

The hep B vaccine is 98-100% safe and effective, according to the WHO. Common side effects include soreness and swelling at the injection site, headache, and fever—none of which are usually life-threatening. In very rare cases, a vaccine can cause an allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can put your body in shock, within 15 minutes of vaccination. While it can be scary, anaphylaxis is non-threatening with prompt treatment. 

The real risk is not from the vaccine but from not receiving the vaccine: Liver cancer and cirrhosis due to hep B can be deadly, and those with chronic Hep B can even develop kidney disease. The benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the risks.

Who Can Get the Hepatitis B Vaccination? 

Doctors advise anyone who wants protection against HBV to get the vaccine, including adults born before 1991 to get the vaccine, anyone under 18 years old, health care workers, sexually active people, and dialysis patients.

If you’re not sure about your vaccination status, the WHO recommends getting the vaccine, especially if you have any of the risk factors listed earlier. Be sure to get a Rapid STD Test to if you think you’ve been exposed. 

You may be one of the 85% of adult Americans at extra risk for hepatitis B if you: 

• Are diabetic, receiving dialysis, or have HIV or any STD 
• Have sex or live with someone who has hepatitis B 
• Have sex with more than one partner 
• Are a man who has sex with men 
• Use needle drugs 
• Come into contact with blood at your job 
• Are traveling to countries with a high rate of infection 
• Have hepatitis C or chronic liver disease 
• Are one of the 60 million Americans born before universal vaccination was instated (1991) 

Doctors recommend a few select groups of people skip the vaccine: Anyone with previous adverse reactions or allergic reaction to yeast, a previous hepatitis injection, or any of the vaccine ingredients. This includes the medication neomycin, which carries contraindications. Pregnant people should not get vaccinated, and those who are moderately sick (or worse) should consult their doctor before receiving the vaccine. 

Know Your Hep B Vaccination Status

It’s important to protect yourself against chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer with the hepatitis B vaccine—in fact, almost half of all liver cancers occur due to a chronic hepatitis B infection, and researchers estimate that liver cancer caused 1 in 20 cancer deaths in 2020.

The hepatitis B virus is a silent disease that can affect you for life. While it’s easily transmissible through sex, there are plenty of other ways to get it. Protect yourself by knowing your status. Schedule a 10-panel STD test at Rapid STD Testing, or talk to your health care provider about the vaccine. Your liver will thank you!

Balanitis is an uncomfortable yet common inflammatory condition affecting the area where the head of the penis attaches to the foreskin. Symptoms of balanitis frequently include painful urination, sores, foul odors, itching, redness, bleeding, and swelling, all commonly associated with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or infections (STIs). 

So, is balanitis an STD? No, though frequent flare-ups may indicate an underlying condition that requires attention. Balanitis can be a symptom of various STIs, fungal infections, or bacterial infections. Uncircumcised boys and men have an increased risk of balanitis, as smegma and skin oils can build up under the foreskin, allowing for excess bacterial or fungal growth. 

At Rapid STD Testing, we provide same-day STD testing with discreet results and comprehensive educational resources, like information on what STD discharge looks like. Below, we discuss what you need to know about developing balanitis. 

What Is Balanitis?

Balanitis is a symptom of various diseases, infections, medication reactions, and other complications. The area of skin connecting the foreskin to the penis head is extremely sensitive and can become irritated from a lack of sanitation, an allergic reaction, a yeast infection, contact with an STD, and more, resulting in an uncomfortable and painful rash on the genitals. 

Balanitis predominantly affects uncircumcised boys and men, specifically children under four or adult men with intact foreskins. Approximately one in 25 young boys and one in 30 adult uncircumcised men get balanitis at least once. Young children who do not properly wash their foreskin can easily develop bacterial or fungal growth, while adult men may use irritating products or contract STDs that cause the rash. 

Symptoms

What is the balanitis rash? The most common symptoms of balanitis include the following:

• Penile discharge
• Pain surrounding the penis head
• Lumpy, yellow, or white buildup under the foreskin (smegma)
• Difficulty or pain pulling back the foreskin
• Shiny skin or sores on the glands
• Pain with erections
• Odd or foul smells
• Pain or burning sensations while urinating
• Bleeding near the foreskin
• Impotence (erectile dysfunction)
• General itchiness

More severe symptoms include fevers or the inability to urinate. If you have a fever, it may indicate a severe infection that requires immediate attention. The inability to urinate is a life-threatening condition that can damage your bladder, so you must seek emergency medical treatment. 

Diagnosis

Balanitis diagnosis typically involves examining the root cause of the rash. The only way your doctor can help you heal is by understanding what’s causing the infection. It could be a bacterial overgrowth due to improper hygiene, an underlying disease that requires specific medications, or something else. 

To uncover the rash’s source, healthcare professionals typically go through a few tests and exams to rule out potential problems. The most common lab tests include the following:

• Culture tests to check the discharge for bacterial or fungal infections
• Urinalysis to detect various urinary disorders, like diabetes, kidney disease, and urinary tract infections
• Syphilis tests via blood samples to identify potential stage developments
• Yeast infection swabs to determine whether or not anti-fungal creams may help
• Blood sugar panels for overall health insights or a potential diabetes diagnosis
• HIV tests to check for human immunodeficiency virus
• Bladder scans to rule out potential urinary tract blockages causing pain or trouble urinating

Your healthcare professional will consider your age, medical history, and symptoms when determining the appropriate exams to administer. 

Is Balanitis a Sign of an STD?

Is balanitis an STD? No, but is balanitis a sign of an STD? Yes, which is why understanding the common STD symptoms, receiving regular testing, and practicing safe sex are critical in protecting your health. 

Some STDs that can cause balanitis symptoms include the following:

• Chlamydia: May cause fever or pain in the testicular tubes and increase the risk of contracting HIV
• Gonorrhea: May cause testicular pain or infertility, though it is frequently asymptomatic in men
• Genital herpes: May cause clustered sores and blisters around the penis and anus
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Typically asymptomatic in men, though it may cause genital sores
• Syphilis: Stage 1 typically causes sores around the genitals (if left untreated, the later stages cause far more severe complications)
• HIV: Typically causes flu-like symptoms with rashes

Differentiating a rash from a common yeast infection versus something more dangerous, like syphilis, is challenging. If you notice any of the above symptoms, you can order a rapid STD test online from Rapid STD Testing to better understand what’s causing your discomfort. You may also visit a local clinic for further medical support. 

What Causes Balanitis?

Many different things can cause balanitis. The infection typically occurs when bacteria or fungi grow beneath the foreskin’s dark and moist environment, creating the perfect breeding ground for infection. The following items can all contribute to balanitis. 

Poor Hygiene and Non-sexually Transmitted Infections

Poor genital hygiene, particularly in uncircumcised men, can cause a buildup of smegma. When the discharge-like substance rubs against the tight skin area, many people experience irritation that can develop into balanitis. Beyond this irritation, poor hygiene may also result in infections. 

The most common non-sexually transmitted infection causing balanitis is candida, a fungus that causes yeast infections. Young children, adults who cannot clean themselves, and obese adults are all at the highest risk of balanitis from poor hygiene. Maintaining an appropriate cleansing routine with warm water can reduce infection risks. 

Irritating Products and Medication Reactions

Balanitis can occur from allergic reactions or irritations to chemicals in different products. For example, if you use a scented soap around the area and have sensitive skin, you may get a rash. You should avoid irritating ingredients and stick to simple, unscented products. 

The most common irritants causing balanitis include the following:

• Overwashing the area: While you want to maintain proper hygiene, overwashing and constant scrubbing can cause excess irritation. 
• Irritating clothing: Any products you use on your clothing and underwear may irritate your skin. For example, certain laundry detergents may contain ingredients that flare up your rash. 
• Latex condoms: Different latex condoms and lubricants may contain irritants that worsen your condition. 
• Chemicals on hands: If you handle a chemical or harsh substance before touching or washing your genitals, you may transfer the irritation, creating a rash. 

People may also experience balanitis as a side effect of various medications. If you think your prescription medication is causing your rash, consult your doctor about other options or potential treatments. 

Other Underlying Conditions

Many underlying health conditions can cause balanitis symptoms. Such conditions may signify severe health problems that require immediate attention. Your doctor can examine for such causes while diagnosing your condition. 

Underlying conditions causing balanitis include the following:

• Diabetes
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Congestive heart failure
• Lichen sclerosis
• Zoon balanitis 
• Reiter’s disease
• Reactive arthritis
• Psoriasis

Sexually Transmitted Infections

When discussing the common causes of balanitis, sexually transmitted diseases typically make the list. While a balanitis STI may not exist, various sexually transmitted infections can result in the balanitis symptoms. Review our list of common STDs causing balanitis and their associated symptoms in the above section to learn more. 

If you think you may have an STD that’s causing your balanitis, take a 10-panel STD test with rapid, discreet results from Rapid STD Testing today. 

Treatment and Prevention

Now that you know the answer to “Is balanitis an STD?” let’s discuss how to prevent and treat it. 

Balanitis treatment depends on the root cause of the rash. Many successful options exist, offering relief for uncomfortable symptoms. The best way to avoid such symptoms is to prevent balanitis altogether. 

Preventing Balanitis

You may be able to prevent balanitis by following proper hygiene and safe sex recommendations. If you have balanitis from an underlying condition, like diabetes, such preventative measures may not apply to you. 

For optimal health and risk reduction, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

• Wash properly: Cleanse the penis glands (end of the penis) daily by carefully pulling back the foreskin. Use warm water and unscented, bland soap when cleaning, and be sure not to scrub too harshly. Let the skin fully dry before getting dressed. 
• Use the right type of condoms: If latex condoms irritate your skin, switch to a type suitable for sensitive skin. Many sensitive skin options exist for reduced irritation. 
• Wash hands regularly: Always sanitize your hands before using the bathroom, washing, or touching your genitals. Exercise extra caution after handling any chemicals. 
• Follow safe sex guidelines: Always use condoms and additional protective methods when having sex, even with consistent partners. Remember to use condoms for oral and hand-manipulation sex, as such activities can still spread germs. 

Balanitis Treatment Options

Balanitis treatment depends on the cause of your rash. The most common treatment options include the following:

• Anti-fungal creams: Your doctor may prescribe an anti-fungal if you have a yeast infection from the candida fungus. 
• Antibiotics: You may need antibiotics for bacterial infections or different STIs. Some sexually transmitted infections require specific treatment regimens that your doctor can guide you through. 
• Steroid creams: Steroid creams can help reduce inflammation for balanitis related to allergic reactions or irritations. 

For recurrent balanitis, doctors can remove the foreskin. This treatment may only be suitable for certain ages and scenarios. Circumcision can reduce the risks of future infections. 

Does Balanitis Go Away on Its Own?

Balanitis can go away on its own, though it depends on what’s causing the rash. For example, if improper hygiene or an allergic reaction causes irritation, it will likely resolve itself once you return to a normal routine. 

Complex causes, like STDs and underlying conditions, require treatment. Balanitis from an STD typically won’t resolve itself, though it may become latent for certain periods. 

Prioritize Your Health Today

Is balanitis an STD? No, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get tested if you notice symptoms. Regular STD testing reduces the spread, protects your health, and can save lives. 

Order tests online today from Rapid STD Testing, visit a local clinic or call our team today at (866) 872-1888 for more information. 

Public restrooms might not be the cleanest places you can imagine, but can you get herpes from a toilet seat?

If you’ve ever wondered this, you’re not alone! It’s one of the most searched questions regarding sexual health, and we’ve all heard the myth that you could get an STD simply from sitting on a toilet.

Herpes is a contagious virus that can spread through physical contact with an infected person. You might know it as one of the more contagious STDs, but how long can herpes live outside the body? If you use a toilet after someone with herpes uses it, can you get herpes?

We’re breaking down the myths surrounding public toilet seats at STDs, so you can use public restrooms armed with the facts.

Before we delve into whether or not you can contract herpes from a toilet seat, let’s learn more about the virus itself.

What Is Herpes?

Herpes is a name that refers to two widespread, related viruses: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Herpes virus infections transmit through sexual activity with an infected person. If you think you may have herpes, schedule a rapid STD test. 

These viruses are similar, with similar symptoms. The hallmark symptom of either herpes virus is the painful, itchy lesions, or sores, that can develop during an outbreak. These sores can appear in or around the mouth, genitals, or anus. 

The complete list of HSV-1 and HSV-2 symptoms includes the following:

• Painful mouth or genital sores
• Itching around the mouth or genitals
• Difficulty urinating or a burning feeling when urinating
• Pain in or around the mouth or genitals
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Body aches
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Fever

Herpes symptoms can vary in severity, and carriers of either herpes virus can also be asymptomatic for years or even never have an outbreak.

Why the distinction between the two viruses? What’s the difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2? 

In the past, the medical field thought that HSV-2 was “genital herpes” and HSV-1 was “oral herpes,” known to cause cold sores. Cold sores are painful, contagious, and unsightly sores that can appear around the mouth. 

However, as research continues, we now know that the two types of herpes simplex virus can both appear in either affected region. HSV-1 can occur in both the genital area and the mouth, and HSV-2 can cause outbreaks in and around the mouth and the genitals. 

Herpes is a highly stigmatized virus. Its reputation stems from the media narrative that herpes spreads by using dirty toilets, having many sexual partners, or cheating.

However, as sex becomes less stigmatized and more people take control of their sexual health by learning how STDs spread and getting regular STD tests, we’re beginning to talk about herpes for what it actually is: A common virus that, at most, is an inconvenience.

You read that right. While herpes lives in the body forever, the experience of having herpes most often ranges from a couple of annoying outbreaks a year to complete dormancy. That means many people with HSV-1 or HSV-2 (as well as their sex partners) may never even experience an outbreak. 

In fact, according to the World Health Organization, experts estimate 67% of adults worldwide have HSV-1, and 13% have HSV-2. Whether or not you think you’re at risk, getting tested is always a good idea. Rapid STD Testing makes that easy with our same-day STD testing. Find a testing center near you, order the test you want, then get confidential results in one to three days.

Treatment generally includes antiviral medication to reduce outbreak frequency and severity. Topical treatments are available for painful sores, and home treatments include over-the-counter pain relievers, ice packs, warm baths, and soft clothes.

Can You Get It from a Toilet Seat?

Bacteria and viruses love public restrooms. These high-traffic areas contain lots of moisture and create a breeding ground for germs that can enter our bodies and make us sick.

One major way bacteria spreads throughout restrooms is by flushing toilets. When a toilet flushes, an invisible plume of bacteria-laden water droplets bursts into the air. Most toilets in public restrooms are often lid-less, which only exacerbates the spread of bacteria.

Mode of Transmission

We now know that multiple viruses and bacteria are lurking in public restrooms. However, you still have the question: “Can I get herpes from a toilet seat?”

The short answer? Probably not. 

The CDC states: “You will not get herpes from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools, or from touching objects around you such as silverware, soap, or towels.” 

So, how does herpes spread?

Herpes is an extraordinarily contagious disease typically spread through physical contact with someone with the virus. This primarily includes oral, vaginal, or anal sex and kissing and includes contact with an infected person’s herpes blister, saliva, or genital fluids. It also transmits through presymptomatic or asymptomatic skin-to-skin contact.

Herpes can spread whether or not symptoms of an outbreak are visible, and can spread even if you use a condom or other form of protection.

During an oral herpes outbreak, sharing items like lip balm and straws can transmit the virus. If you or someone you’re close with are experiencing a genital herpes outbreak, take care to avoid sharing razors or sex toys. 

If you’re wondering how long STDs can live in clothing, click here.

Can You Get STDs from a Toilet Seat?

You may not be able to avoid all germs while using a public restroom. Colds and other airborne viruses are a risk in high-traffic areas like restrooms, but can you get STDs from a toilet seat?

Contracting an STD from toilet use is rare but possible. STDs that carry the most risk of transmission from toilet seats are:

• Trichomoniasis. A parasitic infection that can cause itchy, sore genitals and discharge.
• Pubic lice. Also known as “crabs,” these tiny insects live in pubic hair and can cause itchy bumps in the genital area. Is crabs an STD?

However, in public restrooms, you have a much higher risk of exposure to bacteria and non-STD viruses like:

• Streptococcus. The bacteria that causes strep throat.
• Influenza. Did you know that the flu can live on nonporous surfaces for days? You can spread the flu virus around to other objects by not washing your hands.
• Shigella bacteria. A stomach bug that causes diarrhea, cramps, and fever.
• Norovirus. Able to live on surfaces for up to two weeks, Norovirus is a contagious digestive illness. 
• E. coli. A bacteria typically found in our intestines, E. coli spreads through contaminated surfaces like toilet seats and airborne mist from flushing toilets.
• Staphylococcus. Able to live on surfaces for up to three months, Staph is a highly contagious bacteria that can lead to severe infections like MRSA. 
• Hepatitis A. A serious illness that affects the liver, hepatitis A has flu-like symptoms and long-lasting adverse effects. 

While infection from a toilet seat is rare, it is possible to contract trichomoniasis or pubic lice under certain conditions.

How to Protect Yourself When Using the Toilet

You’ve learned that the types of herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) transmit through direct contact with someone with the virus. You’ve learned the answer to that age-old question: “Can you get herpes from a toilet seat?”

But, just in case you’re curious, how long does herpes live on a toilet seat?

According to studies researching how long herpes simplex viruses can survive on surfaces, the answer is: not long.

Herpes viruses don’t live very long when outside of the body. When combined with bodily fluids such as saliva, the herpes virus began to lose infectiousness after about thirty minutes. 

You can rest assured that your next public restroom experience will be “herpes toilet seat” free.

However, other STDs like trichomoniasis and pubic lice carry a slight chance of transmission via toilet seat.

Here’s how to protect yourself from picking up any kind of STD, virus, or bacterial infection from a bathroom: 

• Avoid using public toilets that appear dirty 
• Use a disposable sanitizing wipe to clean the toilet seat before use
• Use a disposable paper toilet seat cover
• Hang up your belongings, or ask a friend to hold them—never place items on the floor
• Ensure that the roll of toilet paper is clean and dry 
• If the roll is not in the dispenser, do not touch the inside of the roll tube
• Flush the toilet with your foot
• Turn away from the toilet when flushing and immediately leave the stall
• Use warm water and soap to wash your hands for a minimum of 20 to 30 seconds
• Avoid hand dryer machines
• Turn the faucet off with a paper towel
• Use another paper towel to cover the door handle as you leave the restroom

Your Sexual Health Can’t Wait

One of the best ways to take control of your sexual health is to get tested regularly, and at Rapid STD Testing, we make it easy to know your STD status.

Choose from one of our 2,500 testing centers and select our 10-panel STD test for thorough screening, including testing for HSV-1 and HSV-2.

We can answer questions like “can you get herpes from a toilet seat?” and provide guidance on which testing options may be best for you. Our testing experts treat your questions and personal information respectfully and confidentially and deliver fast, reliable results.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is commonly transmitted through sex. While antibiotics and same-day STD testing are powerful weapons against it, the first tool in a person’s arsenal should be accurate information. However, there are a lot of common STD myths out there, and erroneous information can make the difference between treating this disease and dealing with it over the long term. Rapid STD Testing is here to debunk several of these syphilis myths and replace them with facts.

What Is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection caused by the growth of Treponema pallidum bacteria in the body. Humanity has been aware of syphilis and its harmful effects since ancient times, but scientists didn’t develop a cure until the advent of antibiotics.

Because of its long history and often-devastating effects, syphilis has a lot of stigma and myths surrounding it.

How Does It Spread, and What Are Its Risk Factors?

A syphilis infection manifests as small sores on infected areas. In many cases, these sores are too small to see. However, if a sore comes into contact with another person’s tissues, the disease can spread from person to person.

You cannot spread syphilis through contact with objects like doorknobs and toilet seats or from sharing clothing with an infected person. It requires more direct contact with infected tissue to spread. This usually means sexual contact, but pregnant people have spread syphilis to their newborns through the birthing process as well. This is why everyone who is pregnant should get rapid STD testing at least once.

Those at the highest risk of contracting syphilis include:

• People who engage in high-risk behaviors like unprotected sex
• People who have sex with multiple partners
• People with HIV or similar diseases
• Men who have sex with men

However, anyone who is sexually active can be at risk of syphilis infection. One of the most common STI myths is that there is nothing you can do to prevent infection. However, this is far from the truth. The best ways to reduce your risk of syphilis are using a barrier method of protection correctly and getting STD testing regularly.

Stages and Symptoms

Syphilis has three stages of infection, each of which has unique and identifiable symptoms.

In primary syphilis, also called early-stage syphilis, a small sore begins to form on the infected areas. This sore is called a chancre, and it usually takes about three weeks to develop after the initial infection. Most of the time, this sore is completely painless.

Secondary syphilis is where most infected people realize their status. This stage can cause a full-body rash, hair loss, swollen lymph nodes, and wartlike sores on the genitals. While these symptoms can go away on their own after a few weeks in a latent stage of infection, that doesn’t mean you can rightly call yourself cured. This phase can last up to a year, and it’s common for symptoms to rise and fade during that time.

Up to one-third of people with untreated secondary syphilis end up developing tertiary syphilis. This advanced syphilis damages your internal organs, including your heart, nerves, and brain. The root infection is still treatable in these cases, but the organ damage may not be.

Sometimes, a syphilis infection can spread to the nervous system, causing a complication called neurosyphilis.

Finally, pregnant women who are infected with syphilis risk passing the disease on to their newborns. Congenital syphilis can lead to premature birth, congenital disabilities, and even stillbirths.

Myths and Facts About Syphilis

Many syphilis myths that were true in the past are no longer accurate. Still others have come out of the unfounded stigma that can come with having a sexually transmitted disease. In the end, only truth can prevent these myths from spreading. With this post, we’ll go over five of these syphilis myths and counter them with four facts about the disease.

The Myths

Syphilis Is Incurable

Until doctors developed antibiotics in the 1940s, syphilis was indeed incurable. With modern antibiotics and other targeted treatments, however, it is now one of the most curable diseases known to humanity. If you’re wondering whether syphilis can kill you, the answer is sometimes yes. This is why prevention and early treatment are so key.

That said, antibiotics can do nothing about the long-term effects of advanced syphilis. If the disease has reached your nervous system or your eyes, that damage may be permanent. Therefore, getting early rapid STD testing on a regular basis can be critical to preventing these issues.

Syphilis Is a Disease of the Past

Just because humanity has known about a disease for thousands of years doesn’t mean it isn’t a problem today. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 88,000 Americans reported a new infection in 2016 alone. This rate of infection has also been on the rise since it reached its low point in 2001.

You Can’t Get Reinfected

Syphilis is not like chicken pox, where most people only get it once. Reinfection is very easy, especially in cases where one infected partner is unaware of their status. It’s important to know that anyone with syphilis can spread it at any phase of infection, even during the latent periods when no symptoms are visible.

If one person in a committed relationship has syphilis, it’s likely that the other one does as well. The only way to prevent reinfection in these cases is for both partners to seek treatment.

Washing and Douching Will Cure Syphilis

Antibiotics are the only cure available for syphilis. Washing and douching cannot kill the bacteria that cause the disease. While you may be asking, “Can STDs go away without treatment?” the answer to that question is no. You can live with syphilis for years or even decades, but it doesn’t get better on its own.

Syphilis Can Make You Crazy

This syphilis myth comes from centuries ago, when the disease was poorly understood. While advanced syphilis can cause brain damage, it doesn’t make the people who have it “crazy” or “deranged.” This brain damage instead leads to neurological symptoms such as shakiness or loss of vision.

The Facts

Syphilis Can Affect Anyone

This is one of the easiest syphilis facts to prove. Every year, the CDC reports many thousands of new syphilis cases, and the only thing that they all have in common is being sexually active. People who have dozens of sexual partners can get syphilis. So can a person who’s only had sex one time. People of all ages and ethnicities can have syphilis.

Engaging in risky sexual behaviors may increase your chances of a syphilis infection, but reducing these behaviors doesn’t bring that risk to zero. Regular rapid STD testing at one of our convenient labs is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of long-term infection even further.

Syphilis Is Easy to Treat and Cure

We have come a long way from old-fashioned, ineffective treatments for syphilis. Modern antibiotics can clear a syphilis infection in a matter of weeks. The earlier you get tested and diagnosed, the sooner you can benefit from this treatment.

If you treat it early, syphilis doesn’t generally have long-lasting effects. If the infection sits in your body for years, it can wreak havoc.

Syphilis Is Hard To Spot

The first sign of syphilis infection is a small sore called a chancre. If this sore is someplace hard to see, such as inside a person’s vagina or anus, it’s easy not to notice it. In addition, this sore fades away after a few weeks.

In addition, the rash that comes with secondary syphilis doesn’t look the same for everybody. It may only show up on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet, or it may look like a heat rash or a completely different disease altogether.

Because syphilis has long latent periods and because its symptoms can be so hard to recognize, you should get tested at one of Rapid STD Testing’s convenient locations. These tests are effective even for latent syphilis since the bacteria are still present in your body during this time.

You Can Get Syphilis Through Oral Sex

One of the most prevalent myths of syphilis out there is that you cannot get it through oral or anal sex. Any type of sexual contact can spread syphilis. If you frequently engage in oral sex, you should still use a barrier method of protection, such as a condom or a dental dam.

Anal sex is another primary vector for the spread of syphilis. Many people believe that any form of sex outside the vagina is risk-free, but this is far from true. In fact, because the anus doesn’t stretch as much as the vagina does, people who engage in anal sex are at higher risk of contracting syphilis.

How To Prevent and Treat Infections

There are a lot of myths about STDs out there, and they aren’t just about syphilis. While it’s true that avoiding sex is the only surefire way to avoid getting an STD, there are many prevention methods that you should know and educate yourself about when you do have sex.

The first step is to know the STD status of any sexual partners you have. If they change frequently, you should schedule regular tests with Rapid STD Testing for peace of mind and easy treatment. If you prefer long-term relationships, everybody should get tested early on.

Next, use physical methods of STD prevention whenever possible. These methods include male and female condoms and dental dams.

You can protect yourself against some sexually transmitted infections, especially the human papillomavirus, by getting vaccines. Consult with your doctor to see what vaccines are available to you, and take advantage of them while you can.

If you do end up getting an STD, you still have treatment options. Many STDs, including syphilis, are bacterial infections, and a course of antibiotics can quickly cure them. Antifungal creams and pills can take care of genital yeast infections and other fungal maladies. There are a lot of promising antiviral treatments for the diseases that antibiotics can’t cure, as well.

What Should You Do if You Think You Have Syphilis?

Now that you understand the truth about these syphilis myths, the first thing on your mind should be getting a rapid STD test. Our 10-panel STD test looks for a broad spectrum of diseases, including syphilis, so if you don’t know what you’ve been exposed to, we recommend starting with that.