One of the tricky parts about diagnosing sexually transmitted diseases is that they don’t all present with symptoms. Asymptomatic STDs, which are STDs without symptoms, make it even more important to get regular screening if you are sexually active. These STDs without symptoms can progress to something more serious, impacting your health. You may become more susceptible to another STD or a stimulated immune response. This isn’t something you want to happen and it’s dangerous if a condition gets to that point. While each sexually transmitted disease presents differently, there are some common symptoms you may experience. Painful urination, thick, colored discharge from the penis or the vagina, and pain during sex are some of the more common symptoms of an undiagnosed STD.
Diagnosing asymptomatic STDs in New York City, however, is not as simple as all that. Regular STD testing needs to be a major part of your routine if you are sexually active. Since over half of us will get an STD at some point in our lives without even realizing it, it stands to reason that asymptomatic conditions are actually rather common. They also spread quickly, which is why some doctors and specialists refer to STDs as a silent epidemic. Since you can be symptom free for years, you can also spread an STD to anyone you have as a sexual partner. These STDs are so easily avoidable and treatable, but so few people even realize they have them, making it difficult to contain.
There are many different STDs out there, but one of the most common and most easily treatable is chlamydia. The percentages vary between men and women, but over half of each don’t know they are infected. Gonorrhea is another prime example. These conditions can lie dormant in your system for years; this is to show just how important safe sex is. Simply wearing a condom is enough to protect yourself from an infection.
Make a regular appointment with an STD doctor on the Upper East Side every few months. It might seem unnecessary to so often, but you can become infected with an STD after just one sexual encounter and you may experience long-term health damage. It’s not worth the risk to you or your partner(s) to go untested.