If you’re experiencing some unusual symptoms, such as burning when urinating or itching, you may wonder if you could have an STD and if it will go away on its own.
Some STDs can clear on their own, while others require treatment or long-term management. Because many STDs do not cause noticeable symptoms, the only way to know whether you have an infection is through appropriate testing.
The Center for Women is here to help you get the information and care you need. We provide free and confidential pregnancy services and can assist with referrals for STD testing and treatment.
Contact us today to make an appointment.
STDs That Can Go Away on Their Own
Some viral STDs, such as HPV and hepatitis B, can sometimes clear on their own as the immune system fights the virus.
However, this does not mean you should assume an infection has cleared. STDs can remain in your body without causing symptoms, and some types can lead to health complications such as cancer, genital warts, and liver disease. This is why regular Pap smears to check the cervix for cervical cancer cells are important for women.
If you think you have been exposed to an STD, getting tested can help you understand your current health status.
STDs That Require Treatment
Some STDs require treatment to cure or manage the infection. It can be easy to think you don’t have an STD if you aren’t showing symptoms. However, many STDs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, may not cause noticeable symptoms.
Around 70 percent of people with trichomoniasis, for example, have no symptoms, and an untreated infection may remain for months or years.
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are curable with antibiotics. Viral infections such as herpes and HIV do not currently have a cure, although treatment can help manage them and prevent their spread.
How Do You Know If You Have an STD?
You can have an STD without realizing it since symptoms aren’t always obvious.
However, some symptoms of STDs can include:
- Bumps, sores, or warts on or near your penis, vagina, mouth, or anus
- Swelling, irritation, or severe itching around the genitals
- Unusual discharge that has a bad odor
- Vaginal bleeding that’s not your period
- Painful sex
- Painful or frequent urination
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, haven’t had an STD test in a while, have changed partners, or are pregnant, then getting tested is important to protect your reproductive health.
The Risks of Leaving an STD Untreated
Leaving STDs untreated can lead to serious complications, especially if you are pregnant. You can also pass STDs to your partner, who may also need testing or treatment.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea, for example, can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to scarring, infertility, and an increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
If you are pregnant, some untreated STDs, such as syphilis, can cross the placenta and infect the baby in the uterus. This is why STD testing during pregnancy is important, as it can help identify infections early so appropriate treatment can be provided.
We’re Here to Help
The Center for Women is here to help you. If you think you may have an STD, we can help you access testing and treatment. If you test positive, your partner may also need testing and treatment, depending on the infection.
If you are pregnant, we can also provide free pregnancy testing, a limited ultrasound, and confidential support. We will give you accurate information about your options and the resources that are available to help you.
Get in touch to make your appointment and take an important step toward protecting your reproductive health.