subject: Why Should I Be Tested For An STD? [print this page] Why Should I Be Tested For An STD? Why Should I Be Tested For An STD?
Each year, almost half of the new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diagnosed in people between the ages of 15 and 24, but STDs can occur at any age. Older people who are sexually active may be at risk for diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other STDs.
In fact, about 25 percent of all people with HIV/AIDS in the United States are ages 50 or older.
Older adults may think that condoms are no longer needed because they are past child-bearing years. They also may be unwilling to ask about a new partner's sexual history. Here are some things older adults who are sexually active should know:
Even people who look healthy can have an STD and pass it to their partners. Since some STDs don't have symptoms in the early stages or those symptoms may be mistaken for other conditions, it is possible to have an STD and not know it.
It is possible to be infected with an STD with just one unprotected sexual encounter. A man who has gonorrhea has a 70 percent to 80 percent chance of infecting a woman in a single act of vaginal intercourse.
Use a latex condom every time you have sex. Also, don't use an oil-based lubricant such as petroleum jelly with latex condoms.
Talk to your partner about safe-sex practices before having sex.
Some of the early symptoms of STDs may mimic other diseases and conditions. For instance, STDs may cause painful or burning urination like a urinary tract infection or a discharge from the vagina like a yeast infection. Other early symptoms may include:
Sores or bumps around the genitals or in the oral or rectal area
Discharge from the penis
Sore, swollen lymph nodes, especially in the groin area
Fever and other flu-like symptoms
Later symptoms may include:
Recurrent genital sores
Skin rash
Pain during intercourse
Scrotal pain, redness and swelling
Pelvic pain
Groin abscess
Infections
Cancer
If you have had unprotected sex, contact our doctors in Miami or Doral about getting tested for STDs. If you have any symptoms, be sure and tell the doctor. Antibiotics can cure STDs caused by bacteria or parasites (gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and trichomonas). It's important to take the antibiotics exactly as prescribed and keep any follow-up appointments.
A sexually transmitted disease that is caused by a virus may be treated with antiretroviral or antiviral drugs, but it cannot be cured. An antiviral drug can decrease the number of herpes occurrences but an infected person can pass the virus to a partner during sex. HIV can be kept in check using antiretrovirals and other antiviral drugs, but the virus can still be transmitted.
Anyone who learns they have an STD may feel angry or ashamed. You should be truthful with health care workers and remember that anything you tell them remains confidential. The local health department may provide confidential testing, treatment and other services. The important thing is to get tested and get the appropriate treatment.
The Doral Family Medicine Practice: three convenient locations for STD testing in Miami or in Doral. We are your neighborhood healthcare provider. Let our family take care of your family.
