Sexually Transmitted Diseases, if left untreated, can cause serious damage to your body. If you think you may have one, it’s important to get tested right away to catch it early and prevent further damage. Many STDs don’t have noticeable symptoms, so if you are sexually active, especially with more than one partner, your risk of contracting an STD without knowing it is higher.

but I used a condom

The use of a condom can help prevent the spread of STDs, but they are not 100% effective. Just like condoms are not 100% effective against an unwanted pregnancy, they are also not 100% effective against spreading STDs. It’s important to get tested if you think you or a partner might have an STD so treatment can be started as soon as possible.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “The only way to avoid STDs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.”

Another name for not engaging in sexual activity that exposes you to the potentially infectious body fluids of another person is abstinence. We can help you learn more about the physical, emotional and spiritual benefits of abstinence and reserving sexual relations for within the context of marriage.

symptoms of an std

Though there are not always noticeable symptoms, there are some indicators you may have an STD:

  • Pain when urinating or having sex
  • Discharge from vagina, penis, anus, or throat
  • Rash or lesion in the genital area not present before

What should I do if I have an std?

It’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible once you know you have an STD. This will help prevent more long-term damage and consequences on your body. If you think you have an STD:

  • Stop having sex until it is confirmed and treatment is prescribed
  • Visit your doctor for treatment
  • If you don’t have a doctor we can provide you with a resource list for help getting screened and treated for STDs

If you’ve had unprotected sex, or sex with multiple partners, you’re at risk for an STD.