2 minutes read2 minutes readThe prospect of having an STI can feel incredibly scary for many people.
Perhaps the only thing worse than the idea of having an STI is the idea of someone else knowing you have it, too. This stigma around STIs prevents too many people from getting treatment from a medical professional.
If you’re worried you have an STI, keep reading.
What are STIs?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that you get primarily through sexual contact. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, and if left untreated can lead to very serious health complications.
Some of the most common STIs include:
How do I know if I have an STI?
You can’t always tell if you have an STI. While some infections will cause symptoms, others may be completely symptomless. This means you can have an infection and not know it.
What’s worse, many symptoms that STIs cause are often confused with other conditions. Infections like HIV and Syphilis, for example, can in their early stages cause symptoms that can easily be mistaken for the flu.
Other common symptoms related to STIs can include:
- Inflammation, itching, and pain around the genital area
- Unusual discharge coming from the penis or vagina
- Unusual sores, blisters, or chancres
- Fever
Can STIs be cured?
Most STIs can be cured with the right treatment. Treatment usually requires one or several doses of a particular antibiotic. Bacterial infections like Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea, for example, can usually be cured by taking a single pill.
Other STIs live permanently within you once you have them, but these infections can usually be managed with ongoing treatment in the form of certain medications or therapies.
For example, some people who have the Herpes Simplex Virus Type II (otherwise known as Genital Herpes), need to take medication to manage the symptoms of their outbreaks and to make them less contagious.
Can I cure an STI without going to the doctor?
No. STIs can’t be cured with home remedies. They also will not resolve on their own. Curing an STI will require a medical intervention.
It’s important to remember that there’s nothing wrong with contracting an STI. More than a million people around the world contract STIs every day, and they go on to have normal, healthy, happy lives.
The important thing is to get help as soon as you can in order to protect your health and the health of those you care about.
Final thoughts
If you’re concerned that you may have an STI, you’ll want to get tested as soon as possible.
Better2Know offers a range of tests and screens at conveniently located clinics near you.
If you’re not sure what to do and would like some advice, you can call the number above and speak to one of our dedicated Sexual Health Advisors. They will listen to your concerns and be able to provide you with a course of action that’s best for you.
