STDs
The Pregnancy Resource Center offers free STD screenings for two of the most common Sexually transmitted Diseases:
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
STDs – What are they?
STD stands for Sexually Transmitted Disease. You can become infected with an STD through any type of sexual activity. STDs fall into two categories. Bacterial and Protozoal STDs are treatable if detected early, but since there are often no symptoms, many people don’t even know they have a STD. Viral STDs cannot be cured – you have them for life. If you have had sex- even if you have no symptoms of an STD – it is vitally important for you to get tested.
Chlamydia – How do people get it?
Chlamydia is a common Sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by bacteria (Chlamydia trachomatis). It can damage a woman’s reproductive organs, even causing her to be unable to have a child. Because symptoms of Chlamydia are mild or absent, it can cause permanent damage that cannot be undone before a person even knows about it.
Chlamydia can be transmitted during vaginal, anal or oral sex. Chlamydia can also be passed from an infected mother to her newborn during vaginal (common) childbirth.
In the United States, Chlamydia is reported more often than any sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. About 3 million Americans are infected with Chlamydia each year. Chlamydia is very common in young women. By age 30, 50% of sexually active women may have had Chlamydia at some time during their lives.
What are the symptoms of Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is known as a “silent” disease. Three quarters of infected women and half of infected men have no symptoms. The infection is frequently not diagnosed or treated until complications develop. The few women with symptoms might have an abnormal vaginal discharge or a burning sensation when urinating. Men with symptoms might have a discharge from the penis and a burning sensation when urinating. If symptoms do occur, they usually appear within 1 to 3 weeks of exposure to the disease.
Gonorrhea – How do people get it?
Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacteria and untreated can cause permanent health problems. In women, Gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) with severe abdominal pain, fever and long-lasting pelvic pain. PID can cause infertility or ectopic pregnancy.
Gonorrhea is usually transmitted during vaginal, anal or oral sex. Gonorrhea can also be spread from an infected mother to her newborn during vaginal (common) childbirth.
Between 650,000 and 718,000 Americans and 62 million people worldwide become infected with Gonorrhea each year. Any sexually active person can be infected with Gonorrhea. In the U.S., the highest rates are among sexually active teenagers, young adults and African Americans.
What are the symptoms of Gonorrhea?
In women, the symptoms are often mild or absent. When symptoms do occur, they typically begin within a week to 10 days of exposure. A genital infection can cause vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding and may cause pain with urination. Men may experience pain and swelling around the testicles.
Treatment for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
Chlamydia can be treated and cured with antibiotics. After receiving a positive result for Chlamydia at the Pregnancy Resource Center of Grand Prairie, a client will be given detailed instructions as to where to receive free medication.
How many STDs are there?
In the 1960s the most common STDs were Gonorrhea and Syphilis, which can both be treated. Now there are more than 25 major STDs, including many that have no cure.
How many people have STDs?
The numbers are shocking. Over 65 million Americans are now infected with an incurable STD. Each year 15 million + become infected with STDs. Of these, almost 4 million are teens.
What are some symptoms of STDs?
General Symptoms can include: an unusual discharge from the penis or vagina; a burning sensation when urinating; growths, sores or itching in the genital area; lower abdominal pain; dark urine; skin rashes or sores; yellow eyes; fever; headache; nausea; joint inflammation and enlarged lymph nodes.
It is important to know that many STDs have no obvious symptoms, or only very mild symptoms. However, they can still hurt you and so it is important to treat them early to lower the risk of permanent damage. If you have had sex, see a doctor to be tested for STDs. Your life could depend on it.
For more detailed information, and to find out where you can be tested for STDs, please call the Pregnancy Resource Center of Grand Prairie at (972) 642-3877. We want to help!