As a primary location for free STD testing in the Irvine LGBTQ+ community, Radiant Health Centers understands the importance of STD education and prevention. The prevalence of STDs is often underestimated, but a CDC report indicates that 1 in 5 Americans have a sexually transmitted infection.
Important Facts About STDs
Keep reading for the important facts about STDs, and consider sharing our infographic across social media.
What Are the Types of STDs?
There are many types of STDs and they each have a range of symptoms. If you believe you have an infection, you can get free testing at our health center along with counseling for the LGBTQ+ community and other services.
Since there are many types of STDs, we are going to discuss the most common ones and their symptoms – bacterial, viral and parasitic.
Bacterial STDs
The most common bacterial STDs are chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. While all three could have minimal or no symptoms, chlamydia and gonorrhea often result in discharge and burning. The symptoms of syphilis include sores and fever that worsen if left untreated. For men, gonorrhea can include testicular pain, while for women, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a complication that could result from chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Viral STDs
Viral STDs include HIV, herpes, HPV and hepatitis. HIV affects the immune system, causing fever, headaches and flu-like symptoms, although signs of HIV can take years to appear. Genital herpes symptoms range from no symptoms at all to sores, blisters and itching. HPV may show no visible signs, or could lead to soft tissue growths around the genitals. For hepatitis, look out for dark urine, nausea and abdominal pain.
Parasitic STDs
The common parasitic STDs are trichomoniasis and pubic lice. This type of STD is caused by parasites passing between individuals during sexual contact. Trichomoniasis leads to burning and discharge, while also leading to pregnancy complications for women. Pubic lice spread during sexual activity and lead to constant itching around the genitals.
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3 Misconceptions About STDs
- You can tell when someone has an STD – In fact, many STDs have no visible symptoms.
- You can’t get an STD from oral sex – Any sexual contact can lead to the passing of bacteria and viruses that cause STDs.
- You can’t get an STD again after treatment – In reality, you can get the same STD again after treatment.
How Can STDs Be Prevented?
Condoms offer a high degree of protection against many STDs. However, condoms won’t provide 100% protection, and exposed skin-to-skin contact could result in common STDs like HPV. Regular STD testing and open discussions with new sexual partners also reduce the risk of contracting an STD. Radiant Health Centers provides free STD testing along with family planning and birth control services.
Help Yourself and Others Get Informed About STDs
Radiant Health Centers assists communities in Irvine, Santa Ana and across Orange County with information and testing for STDs. You can help spread awareness of STDs by sharing our infographic across all social media platforms. For free HIV and STD testing, call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment online.
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