STD/STI Appointment
To stay in control of your sexual health, you need to know the risks.
Maintaining control of your sexual health means staying informed about the risks and how to protect yourself. At Hope Clinic, we are committed to providing you with accurate, reliable information regarding your sexual health. If you think you may have been exposed to an STD/STI or are seeking more information, we are here to help.
During a confidential, one-on-one session, our trained staff can address your concerns, help you understand your risks, and refer you to trusted medical providers for testing and treatment if necessary. Taking control of your sexual health starts with knowing your exposures and taking the right steps.
STD/STI Symptoms
STD/STI Symptoms If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign of an STD/STI, and it’s important to get checked as soon as possible:
- Unusual odor coming from the genital area
- Unusual discharge from the genitals
- Burning or itching during urination
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Sores or bumps on the genitals, vulva, or buttocks
- Swollen lymph nodes around the neck or genital area
- Lower abdominal pain
Frequently Asked Questions
An STD (sexually transmitted disease) or STI (sexually transmitted infection) is an infection that is spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. STDs/STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites and can affect anyone who is sexually active.
If you think you may have an STD/STI, it’s important to seek testing as soon as possible. Early detection can help prevent complications and stop the spread of the infection. At Hope Clinic, we can refer you to a medical provider for confidential testing and treatment if necessary. Do not delay seeking care.
The best way to protect yourself from STDs/STIs is through abstinence (not engaging in sexual activity). If you are sexually active, practicing mutual monogamy (being in a relationship where both partners are only having sex with each other) can significantly reduce your risk. Additionally, using condoms during sex can lower the risk of transmission, though it does not eliminate the risk entirely.
Some STDs/STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can be present without any symptoms, especially in the early stages. This is why regular testing is important if you are sexually active. Even without symptoms, untreated STDs/STIs can lead to serious health issues, including infertility.
Many bacterial STDs/STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, can be treated and cured with antibiotics. Viral infections, like herpes or HIV, cannot be cured but can be managed with medications to control symptoms and reduce transmission risk. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the specific STD/STI.
Yes, STDs/STIs can be transmitted through oral sex. Infections like herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HPV can spread via oral contact with the genitals or anus. Using protection, such as condoms or dental dams, during oral sex can reduce the risk of transmission.
If you are sexually active, it’s recommended that you get tested at least once a year, or more frequently if you have multiple partners or engage in high-risk sexual activity. Regular testing is key to maintaining your sexual health, even if you are not showing symptoms.
Condoms can significantly reduce the risk of many STDs/STIs by limiting skin-to-skin contact and preventing the exchange of bodily fluids. However, condoms do not provide 100% protection, as some infections can be transmitted through areas of skin not covered by a condom, such as herpes or HPV.
Some STDs/STIs, like viral infections (herpes or HPV), may have periods where symptoms go away, but the infection itself does not go away without treatment. Bacterial infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea require antibiotics to be fully treated. If left untreated, these infections can lead to serious health complications.
Yes, it’s important to inform your sexual partner(s) if you test positive for an STD/STI so they can get tested and treated if necessary. Open and honest communication can help stop the spread of the infection and protect both of you from potential health risks.