No one wants to have to get checked for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Even though it isn’t a pleasant conversation to have with your doctor, it is important to maintain good health. Did you know that every adult should be checked regularly for STDs?

• The Person You Trust May Not Be Honest

Unfortunately, no matter how strong we think a relationship is, it doesn’t always work out the way we want. What felt like a sure thing could crumble due to infidelity. Even if you have been married for years and have a good relationship with your spouse, you should still get checked for STDs to be safe.

• It’s Never Too Late to Get Checked

Just because you have been with the same person for a long time doesn’t mean it is too late to get screened. STDs aren’t always transmitted each time a person has sex. Transmission could occur later when you think there is no danger.

• Not Knowing Can Cause Anxiety

There are few feelings as worrying as being uncertain about your health. Getting tested will give you peace of mind. If something shows up, then your doctor can provide options to deal with it. The earlier you detect it, the better. Knowing that you’re free of STDs is a very good feeling.

• Virgins Can Develop STDs

Did you know that people who have never had sex before can contract an STD? Some diseases do not require penetration. They can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Conditions like oral herpes can even be passed along through casual contact between friends or family members.

• Some STDs Show No Symptoms

Symptoms may not appear the moment you are infected. And you cannot tell if someone has one by looking at their body. An estimated 70% to 95% of women and 90% of men with chlamydia experience no symptoms. HIV symptoms don’t show up for a decade.

The only way to be certain that you don’t have an STD is to get checked by a doctor. Contact Women’s Health to schedule your screening.

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There are some things that any sexually active person should know – like how an STD (sexually transmitted disease) or STI (sexually transmitted infection) is spread. There is a common misconception that you cannot share an infection through oral sex. This is not true. There are diseases that can be passed orally.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

The human papillomavirus (HPV), also known as genital warts, is transmittable through oral sex. It has become a concern among medical professionals as a growing cause of mouth and throat cancer. It can cause recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, which is a condition where tumors grow in the respiratory tract. It is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact rather than through bodily fluids.

Ask your Women’s Health and Menopause Center OBGYN about the vaccine.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia can also be transmitted through oral sex. It can cause cold-like symptoms including painful swallowing and a dry, scratchy throat. Some people who are infected do not experience symptoms. If the condition infects the cervix, it can cause infertility. When contracted through oral sex, it does not cause infertility but can cause upper respiratory problems. Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics.

Other STDs You Can Get from Oral Sex

There are many other STDs that you can pick up from unprotected oral sex. They include:

• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Hepatitis A

It’s best to always take precautions and practice safe oral sex. This can be done by using a non-lubricated latex condom or polyurethane condom if your partner is allergic to latex. A dental dam or modified condom can be used for mouth to vagina contact.

Talk to your gynecologist about vaccines that are available and how to practice safe sex. If you think that you have been infected through any sexual activity, contact Women’s Health and Menopause Center to make an appointment right away with your doctor. The earlier you receive treatment the better.

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Vaginal discharge can happen for a number of reasons and is a healthy part of being a woman. If you notice changes, then there may be an underlying problem that needs to be addressed.

1. Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that’s very common. It can be transmitted through intercourse or genital contact. Men and women are both susceptible. Symptoms include lower abdominal pain, burning sensation while urinating, painful intercourse, and a yellow or green vaginal discharge.

2. Yeast Infection

Yeast infections are also very common and are usually easy to treat. This condition is caused by the Candida albicans fungus and includes burning, itching, soreness, redness, vaginal swelling, and painful intercourse. Women may notice a whitish gray discharge that appears clumpy, similar to cottage cheese in thickness and texture.

3. Vulvovaginitis

Vulvovaginitis is an infection in the vagina and vulva. There are a number of causes including yeast, parasites, chemical irritants, STDs, allergens, and viruses. Patients will notice itching, irritation, discomfort when urinating, and vaginal discharge with a strong odor.

4. Postmenopausal Atrophic Vaginitis

Postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55. It includes spotting after intercourse, thinned vaginal walls, discomfort during intercourse, vaginal burning, urinary incontinence, and vaginal dryness as well as discharge.

5. Urethritis

Urethritis is used to describe inflammation of the urethra. Women usually notice a frequent urge to urinate and discomfort while doing so. Other symptoms include irritation, burning, and an abnormal vaginal discharge.

If you notice changes, your doctor can perform tests to determine the cause and come up with a treatment plan. Contact your Women’s Health and Menopause Center OBGYN to make an appointment to discuss your concerns about vaginal discharge.

#WomensHealthandMenopauseCenter #OBGYN #Obstetrician #Gynecologist #VaginalDischarge #YeastInfection

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