Sexually Transmitted Infections

With worries about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV and cancers caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), you may be surprised to learn that old-fashioned diseases like syphilis and gonorrhea have been on the rise. The experienced team at HealthyClinic.me in Springfield, Massachusetts, protects your long-term health with comprehensive treatments for all STIs. Call the office or book online today if you have questions or want to schedule confidential testing for an STI.

What sexually transmitted infections could I get?

Anyone who is sexually active has a chance of getting any STI, including:

• HIV
• Chlamydia
• Syphilis
• Gonorrhea
• Genital herpes
• Trichomoniasis
• Hepatitis B
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is the most common STI, but your immune system usually clears the virus out of your body. If HPV causes an active infection, it can lead to genital warts and cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus, and penis.

When should I get tested for a sexually transmitted infection?

Testing is the only way to determine if you have an STI and then start treatment to heal the disease and prevent complications. For example, untreated STIs can cause cancer, infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, heart disease, and arthritis.

You need to schedule testing if you notice any symptoms. Otherwise, it’s important to protect your health and get STI testing when you have a new partner, multiple partners, or your partner learns they have an STI.

What symptoms do sexually transmitted infections cause?

Women and men experience similar STI symptoms, including:

• Bumps, blisters, or warts on your genitals
• Painless sores on your genitals
• Discharge from the vagina or penis
• Pain when having sex
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Needing to urinate frequently
• Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, headache, fever, and sore throat)

STI symptoms are frequently mild and last a short time, making them easy to miss. But after your symptoms disappear, the infection remains inside your body (unless it’s HPV and your immune system eliminates it).

How are sexually transmitted infections tested and treated?

The HealthyClinic.me team runs different tests, depending on which STI you might have. You may need a blood test, urinalysis, or a swab to take a fluid or cell sample.

After testing identifies the presence of an infection, your provider prescribes the appropriate treatment. Antibiotic and antiviral medications are the primary treatments for most STIs.

Even though HIV can’t be cured, today’s advanced highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) can reduce the virus to a level that’s undetectable and can’t be transmitted to a partner.

Call HealthyClinic.me or connect online to request an appointment to get expert care for sexually transmitted infections.