You can contract an STD from just one instance of sexual activity. This means that even the first time you engage in vaginal, anal, or oral sex, you could get an STD if your partner is infected. STDs don’t discriminate based on how often you have sex; a single instance of unprotected sex can lead to transmission if one partner carries the infection.

Some STDs, like HIV and herpes, have no cure but can be managed with treatments that control symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission. However, bacterial STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can usually be cured with antibiotics if caught early. Regular testing helps detect STDs early, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing complications or further spread.

STDs often lack visible symptoms, making it impossible to identify them by appearance alone. They may not show any outward signs, especially in the early stages, which can create a false sense of security.

STDs pose a risk to babies if their mother is infected during pregnancy or childbirth. Infections like Syphilis and HIV can be passed to the baby, leading to complications like preterm birth, birth defects, and long-term health issues. Early screening and treatment for STDs during pregnancy are crucial to protect the baby’s health. Routine prenatal STD checks help identify and manage infections, improving outcomes for both the mother and child.

Before getting an STD test, it’s a good idea to hold off on peeing or having sex for around an hour. This helps make sure the test results are accurate by giving the best samples for testing without dilution or interference. Following this tip can really improve how accurate the test turns out to be for better healthcare results. Check out this resource for more STD screening recommendations.