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Like chlamydia, gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection involving the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium. It is what is sometimes called ‘The Clap.’ It can have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, it is often painful urination, especially in men. Gonorrhea, left unchecked, can lead to infertility in both men and women.
HIV is the virus that leads to AIDS. The spread occurs through bodily fluids including blood, semen, pre-seminal, vaginal and rectal. The most common forms of transmission are through sexual contact and the sharing of needles. Some people develop short flu-like symptoms a few weeks after infection, but they go away. Others have no symptoms.
There is no cure for HIV. Once you have the infection, you have it for life. People live their whole lives never having complications from HIV. Others will see a progression of the disease that eventually leads to AIDS and death. Medications exist that can slow this progression and keep the viral load low, helping to protect others living in cities like Denver.
There are two distinct types of HIV. HIV-1 is the most common and has a rapid progression without treatment. HIV-2 is less common and is known for its slower progression.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the Treponema pallidum bacterium. It is easy to treat with antibiotics in its early stages. Without treatment, the disease will progress to a latent stage.
Symptoms include pimple-like sores on the genitals. At the second stage, you may develop a rash and flu-like symptoms.
The symptoms of an STD will vary based on the type of infection. Some common signs include:
Undetected STDs can cause serious health problems for those living in the Mile High City and lead to infertility. They also put you and your partners at greater risk of acquiring other STDs, including HIV. Certain STDs, such as HPV, can also increase your risk of cancers such as cervical, anal and penile.
Long-term infections like syphilis can eventually cause neurological damage and lead to blindness and dementia. They can also result in cardiovascular problems and organ damage.
Choosing a 10-panel test for STDs has significant advantages for those concerned about their sexual health. STDs often spread because one partner doesn’t know they have an infection. The 10-test panel is a comprehensive approach to ensuring you and your partners remain safe using a single sample collection.
A single test for multiple types of infections saves time and is more cost-efficient than individual tests. It allows for early detection of many STDs, including those that tend to be asymptomatic, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and hepatitis C. People can have these infections for extended periods without knowing it.
One sample allows you to reduce anxiety about your sexual health and prevent transmission to sexual partners if you do have one or more infections. Untreated, STDs can lead to long-term health complications such as PID in women, infertility, chronic pain, higher risk of certain cancers, such as cervical, and complications during pregnancy.
We use PCR testing for all our STDs. It is the most reliable, with an accuracy rate of 99%. It also allows us to provide same-day results.
The recommendation is that all sexually active individuals in Denver get screening for STDs at least once a year. The 10-test panel screens for the most common sexually transmitted infections with one sample. If there are positive results, the panel allows you to retest three months after treatment to ensure the infection is clear.
The treatment for STDs in Denver, Colorado, will vary based on the type of infection. Bacterial STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are typically curable with antibiotics. The duration of each treatment will depend on the stage of the infection.
Parasitic infections like Trichomonas vaginalis are also treatable. Common prescription medications for parasite infections include metronidazole or tinidazole.
Viral STDs are less likely to be curable. Treatment involves slowing down the progression and managing the symptoms. Examples of non curable viral sexually transmitted diseases include HPV and HIV.
During treatment, you should sustain full sexual activity to avoid infecting your partner. In some cases, it may be necessary to have a follow-up test done to ensure you are clear. Reinfections are common in Denver, especially within three months.
When you test positive for any of the STDs on the 10-test panel, you should notify all sexual partners of the infection. This allows them to get tested and treated as well, and prevents the transmission of the infection.
Take control of your health by ordering STD and UTI testing online with no upfront provider visit.
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