You cannot copy content of this website, your IP is being recorded
STDs – Prevention, Treatment

STDs – Prevention, Treatment, and Care Q&A

It’s important to note that STDs don’t always present symptoms, which is why regular testing is very important if you’re sexually active. At PACS Urgent Care, Dr. Khaled Said MD and Dr. Walid Hammad offer professional and discrete STD testing and treatment so that you can get back to feeling your best. Contact us today for more information about our STD treatment services or walk in for a same-day appointment when you’re ready. We have convenient locations in Alexandria, VA, and Ruther Glen VA.

It’s important to note that STDs don't always present symptoms, which is why regular testing is very important if you’re sexually active. At PACS Urgent Care, Dr. Khaled Said MD and Dr. Walid Hammad offer professional and discrete STD testing and treatment so that you can get back to feeling your best. Contact us today for more information about our STD treatment services or walk in for a same-day appointment when you’re ready. We have convenient locations in Alexandria, VA, and Ruther Glen VA.
It’s important to note that STDs don't always present symptoms, which is why regular testing is very important if you’re sexually active. At PACS Urgent Care, Dr. Khaled Said MD and Dr. Walid Hammad offer professional and discrete STD testing and treatment so that you can get back to feeling your best. Contact us today for more information about our STD treatment services or walk in for a same-day appointment when you’re ready. We have convenient locations in Alexandria, VA, and Ruther Glen VA.
Confidential STD Testing Near Me in Alexandria & Ruther Glen VA
Confidential STD Testing Near Me in Alexandria & Ruther Glen VA

Table of Contents:

What are the 3 ways to prevent STDs?
Can STDs be cured?
How could I know if I have an STD?
What are the 10 STD diseases?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also commonly known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are diseases that are spread via sexual contact. STDs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites through shared blood, semen, or other bodily fluids. In some cases, these infections can be transmitted through non-sexual contact such as blood transfusions, shared needles, or a mother passing it down to her child.

What are the 3 ways to prevent STDs?


Practicing safe sex is vital to preventing STDS. This includes knowing your partner, their preferences, and their sexual history, as well as using proper safe-sex practices. Risky sexual behaviors, whether they be your own or that of a partner, increase your likelihood of contracting an STD.
 
You can prevent and/or reduce your risk of contracting an STD via the following methods:
 
Use condoms. Ensure that you are using appropriately fitted and sized male latex condoms when engaging in sexual activities, as this will reduce STD transmission. Latex condoms break less often when compared to other materials, however, there are alternative options for those that have a latex allergy.
Regular STD testing with any partners. If you have a new partner, get tested for STDs together before getting sexually active and share your results. This ensures that both of you are protected and safe before going any further.
Get vaccinated. You can get immunized for some forms of STDs, such as HPV and Hepatitis B. Getting immunized reduces your risk of catching certain STDs, although it does protect against all of them.
Abstinence. Abstaining from vaginal, oral, and/or anal sex is the most reliable way to prevent infection. Some people practice abstinence over the long term or until they and their partner have been thoroughly tested for STDs to ensure safety.

Can STDs be cured?


Yes and no, depending on which STD you’ve contracted. STIs caused by bacterial infections are typically easier to treat, while viral infections can often be managed but are often not completely curable. 
 
The treatment for an STD typically consists of either antibiotics or antiviral drugs.
Antibiotics can cure many bacterial and parasitic infections, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia. It’s important to finish the entire prescription, or you risk the medication not working properly and/or the infection coming back.
 
Other STDs, such asherpes or HIV, will require you to be put on an antiviral drug. These drugs manage your symptoms as well as the reoccurrence of active outbreaks; however, you will still carry the virus and it will still be possible for you to transmit it to others.

How could I know if I have an STD?


While some STDs present signs and symptoms, others may not have any active symptoms at all. This is why it’s important to get regularly tested for STDs if you’re sexually active.
 
The most common symptoms of an STD include:
 
● Burning sensation when peeing.
● Fever.
● Itching, especially around your genitals.
● Lower abdominal pain.
● Odorous vaginal discharge.
● Pain during sex.
● Painful urination.
● Penile discharge.
● Rash.
● Sore and/or swollen lymph nodes.
● Sores on your genitals, mouth, or rectal area.
● Unusual vaginal discharge.
● Vaginal bleeding that doesn’t coincide with your period.
 
Signs and symptoms of an STD may take a few days, weeks, or months to appear. In some cases, it may even take years for any type of symptoms to present themselves. Get tested as soon as you notice any abnormal symptoms as these may be indicative of an latent or active STD.

What are the 10 STD diseases?


Sexually transmitted diseases are very common with more than 25 million infections taking place each year within the U.S. 
 
The most common of these sexually transmitted diseases include:
 
● Chlamydia.
● Genital herpes.
● Genital warts.
● Gonorrhea.
● Hepatitis B.
● HIV/AIDS.
● Human papillomavirus (HPV).
● Pubic lice (crabs).
● Syphilis.
● Trichomoniasis.
● Vaginitis.
 
Practicing safe sex is the best way to prevent STDs and regular STD testing can help ensure that any issue is caught and treated early.
 
At PACS Urgent Care, our team of medical professionals can safeguard your sexual health through safe, effective, and discrete STD testing and treatment. Connect with us today for more information about our STD services, walk-in for a same-day appointment, or check in online when ready. We have convenient locations in Alexandria, VA, and  Ruther Glen VA. We serve patients from Alexandria VA, Huntington VA, Arlington VA, Ruther Glen VA, Bagdad VA, Athens VA, Doswell VA, and surrounding areas.

Our Locations

Ruther Glen

  • 11073 Colonel Armistead Drive Suite 105 Ruther Glen, VA
  • View Details

Alexandria

Directions to Nearest Location