Prevent, Test, Treat STI/STDs
If you are sexually active, you are at risk for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), also known as Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). Testing and treatment at Adagio Health is simple, quick, and confidential.
Surprising Numbers About STDs
You have questions about STDs, we have answers.
STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection, also known as a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD). It is a disease or infection that can be spread from one person to person through sexual activity. Sexual activity can include intercourse (vaginal sex), anal sex, oral sex, and skin to skin contact.
The most common symptom of an STI is NO symptom at all. Most people that have an STI do not know it. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. If you are sexually active, getting tested by a health care provider regularly is the best way to find out if you have an STI.
To prevent STIs, you can:
- Keep a monogamous relationship. That means you and your partner agree to only be sexually active with each other.
- Use latex condoms the correct way every time for every type of sexual activity.
- Talk with your partner or partners consistently about STIs and other sexual health topics.
- Before starting a sexual relationship with a new partner, you both should get tested for STIs.
- Have a check-up at least once a year with a health care provider if you are sexually active.
If you are sexually active, you are at risk for STIs. Getting tested is a great way to protect your sexual health. Preventative methods (like condoms, vaccinations, and STI testing) keep you safe from getting and spreading STIs.
Testing at Adagio Health is not only confidential, but it’s also simple, quick, and judgement-free. We offer these services for both men and women. You may even qualify for free testing.
Treatment options vary depending on the specific STD. However, most treatment options may include either antibiotics, medications, vaccines, or other types of treatments. Read more below about the different types of STDs and treatment for each and schedule your confidential appointment with us to learn more about your specific testing and treatment options.
Different types of STIs (STDs) include Bacterial Vaginosis, Chlamydia, Genital Warts, Gonorrhea, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2), HIV, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), Syphilis, and Trichomoniasis. Learn more about each STI below.
Bacterial Vaginosis, or BV for short, is a common vaginal infection in women. Although the actual cause of BV is still unknown, an imbalance of vaginal bacteria sometimes brought on by douching, not using condoms during sex, or new or multiple sexual partner(s) can increase your chances of getting me.
What are the symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis?
BV causes an off-white vaginal discharge with a fishy smell or nothing at all. BV increases your risk of getting some other STIs.
How is bacterial vaginosis treated?
BV is treatable with antibiotics. Schedule a confidential appointment with one of our providers to learn more.
Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs and affects people under age 25 at a high rate. Chlamydia is a common, curable STI, caused by the bacteria Chlamydia Trachomatis, often spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
What are the symptoms of Chlamydia?
Most women and men who catch Chlamydia don’t have symptoms, so they don’t know they have it and infect other people. It can cause serious problems like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID – scroll down to read about PID), infertility, and tubal pregnancy. Women under age 25 and men who have sex with men (MSM) should be tested at least yearly for me.
How is Chlamydia treated?
Chlamydia is treatable with antibiotics. Schedule a confidential appointment with one of our providers to learn more.
Genital Warts are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), an STI.
What are the symptoms of Genital Warts?
Genital Warts look like small, flesh-colored bumps that cluster together at the opening of the vagina or anus or on the penis and sometimes itch. There is a vaccination available to help prevent it.
How are Genital Warts treated?
Genital Warts are treatable with prescription creams, surgery, laser, or freezing procedures. Schedule a confidential appointment with one of our providers to learn more.
Gonorrhea is a STI caused by bacteria. Does the CLAP sound familiar? That’s its nickname.
What are the symptoms of Gonorrhea?
Men who have Gonorrhea may have burning when they pee and yellow discharge from their penis. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of catching this infection. Women usually don’t know they have Gonorrhea. Women under age 25 and MSM should be tested at least yearly for Gonorrhea. Like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea can cause serious problems, like PID, tubal pregnancy, and infertility.
How is Gonorrhea treated?
Gonorrhea is treatable with antibiotics. Schedule a confidential appointment with one of our providers to learn more.
The Herpes Simplex Virus is a common viral infection that can cause painful blisters or ulcers. There are two main types of HSV:
– HSV-1: Primarily causes oral herpes (cold sores).
– HSV-2: Primarily causes genital herpes.
The Herpes Simplex Virus can be spread by touching another person who already has it, even if the person has no symptoms; this is called viral shedding. You can also become infected by touching one of the sores or the body fluids of an infected partner. After the first infection, the virus may come back from time to time in the form of small clusters of sores.
How is the Herpes Simplex Virus treated?
The Herpes Simplex Virus persists for life, BUT antiviral medication is available to help decrease transmission to partner(s) and to treat outbreaks. Schedule a confidential appointment with one of our providers to learn more.
HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a virus that attacks and weakens the body’s immune system. HIV is spread through blood or bodily fluids of infected individuals, through shared drug needles, and/or from mother-to-baby during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding. In its initial stages, HIV can cause severe flu-like symptoms. Treatment is important! Without treatment, HIV can lead to AIDS.
How is HIV treated?
HIV is treated through Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Medication. Find out more about HIV testing, treatment, and prevention, and schedule a confidential appointment with one of our providers to learn more.
HPV is a group of over 200 related viruses that can infect the skin and mucous membranes.
What are the symptoms of HPV?
HPV exists in 40 different strains that affect the anal and genital areas, some causing warts, the others causing pre-cancer and cancer. There are vaccinations for some strains and there are medications for removing warts caused by me.
How is HPV treated?
HPV is treated with vaccination for some types, and medication for warts. Schedule a confidential appointment with one of our providers to learn more.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or ovaries. PID is usually caused by untreated Chlamydia or Gonorrhea. STI screening and early treatment of infections can reduce the risk of developing PID, so get tested regularly.
How is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease treated?
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is treatable with antibiotics. Schedule a confidential appointment with one of our providers to learn more.
Syphilis is an infection caused by bacteria. It is spread by blood and bodily fluids of infected individuals and/or through shared drug needles.
What are the symptoms of Syphilis?
Syphilis shows symptoms in four stages:
1) Primary: Single, painless sore that lasts 3-6 weeks.
2) Secondary: Up to 180 days after the first sore, Syphilis causes skin rashes, lesions in the mouth, vagina or anus.
3) Hidden Stage: This is caused when someone does not seek treatment and shows no additional symptoms.
4) Late Stage: This stage is dangerous and can cause damage to internal organs, including the brain.
How is Syphilis treated?
Syphilis is treatable with antibiotics. Schedule a confidential appointment with one of our providers to learn more.
Trichomoniasis or “Trich” is a common and curable STI. Its name comes from the parasite Trichomonas Vaginalis, which causes the infection. Trich spreads during sexual intercourse, in semen and vaginal fluids. The STI is spread by unprotected sex, so the best way to prevent it is by using condoms during sex.
What are the symptoms of Trich?
Most of the time people (especially males) don’t know trich has infected them. When trich symptoms do show up it is usually in women, and it can cause vaginal discharge that might be a yellow-green color.
How is Trich treated?
Trich is treatable with antibiotics. Schedule a confidential appointment with one of our providers to learn more.
Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs), like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, can be treated with antibiotics, while others, like the Herpes Simplex Virus and HIV, are not curable but can be managed with medication.
Yes, some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs/STIs) can be transmitted through kissing. The STIs that can be transmitted through kissing include:
– Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
– Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
– Gonorrhea
– Chlamydia
Transmission occurs through the exchange of saliva, which can contain the viruses or bacteria that cause these STIs/STDs.
Understand Your Risk for STIs.
If you are sexually active, you are at risk for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Getting tested is a great way to protect your sexual health. Testing at Adagio Health is not only completely confidential, but it’s also simple, quick, and judgment-free. We offer these care services for teens and adults, and both men and women alike. You may even qualify for free testing.
Find care for you close to home.
In addition to our Adagio Health Medical & WIC offices, we have a network of partners who can also provide the care you need.
