Did you know? One in five people in America currently have an STD. These types of infections most commonly often affect those between the ages of 15 and 24 and those over age 50.

So, how can you know if you have one or not? Our AFC Urgent Care Boulder team provides some helpful info below.

What Actually Is an STD in the First Place?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections or STIs, are very common. Millions of new infections occur every year in the United States. A person can contract an STD by having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has the STD.

The problem with STDs, though, is that many don’t even show symptoms, which is why it’s so important to get regularly tested if you are sexually active. Some STDs do show symptoms, however, and we’ve listed the most common ones below.

Common STD Symptoms

• Pain or discomfort during sex or urination
• Sores, bumps or rashes on or around the genitals, anus, buttocks, thighs or mouth
• Unusual genital discharge or bleeding
• Painful or swollen testicles (men)
• Itchiness in or around the vagina (women)

How Often Should I Be Tested for STDs?

As long as you’re sexually active, you should be tested for STDs at least once a year. If you have more than one partner, share needles or don’t always practice safer sex by using a condom each time you have intercourse, you should be tested every three to six months.

While not all types of STDs are curable, they can be adequately treated when caught early enough. We’ve listed some effective and common ways to prevent STDs below.

Effective Ways to Prevent STDs

• Practice abstinence. The surest way to avoid getting STDs is to not have sex.
• Use condoms. Condoms lessen the risk of infection for all STDs, but you can still get certain STDs, like herpes or HPV, from contact with your partner’s skin even when using one.
• Have fewer partners. First, make sure you know that neither of you has an STD, then have sex with one person who is only having sex with you. This will dramatically lower your STD risk.

STDs are common. If you have an STD and need treatment, need an STD test, or want to learn more about these common diseases, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at AFC Urgent Care Boulder today!