Sexually Transmitted Disease

An untreated, sexually transmitted disease (STD) can lead to serious complications and spread to an intimate partner. If you’re at risk of an STD or experience new or unusual symptoms after having sexual intercourse, you can turn to Kiarash Michel, MD, and his expert urology team at Comprehensive Urology in the Beverly Grove neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. They offer rapid on-site PCR testing to detect or rule out STDs and provide treatment when necessary. Schedule a sexually transmitted disease screening by phone or book online today.

What is a sexually transmitted disease?

Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections passed from one person to another through sexual intercourse. Parasites, viruses, and bacteria can all cause STDs. There are more than 20 types, including:

• HIV/AIDS
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Genital herpes
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Trichomoniasis
• Syphilis
• Hepatitis B and C

STDs can cause unpleasant side effects, cancer, or infertility in men and women, though they commonly cause more severe problems in women. Treatment with highly trained experts at Comprehensive Urology can cure STDs or help you better manage unpleasant symptoms.

What are the symptoms of STDs?

If you have an STD, you might not experience symptoms at all, or you may develop:

• Unusual penis or vaginal discharge
• Genital or rectal bumps or sores
• Burning or painful urination
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Lower abdominal pain
• A fever
• Painful sexual intercourse
• Swollen or sore lymph nodes
• A rash

You might even develop fertility problems caused by a sexually transmitted disease. HPV increases your risk of cervical and rectal cancers.

What are the risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases?

Anyone sexually active is at risk of developing an STD, but certain lifestyle factors increase your risk. Examples include unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse, having multiple sexual partners, a history of STDs, alcohol or drug misuse, and injection drug use. Wearing a condom or having just one monogamous sexual partner reduces your STD risk.

How does my urologist diagnose STDs?

Experts at Comprehensive Urology offer rapid on-site PCR testing to achieve highly accurate STD diagnoses. They review your symptoms and medical history and complete a physical examination. STD diagnostic testing procedures include blood tests, urine tests, and tissue biopsies or swabs.

What are my STD treatment options?

If you have an STD caused by parasites or bacteria, antibiotics can cure your disease. Comprehensive Urology specialists offer on-site treatment for quick infection resolution and antibiotic genetic testing to determine the best course of antibiotic therapy.

While there’s no cure for STDs caused by viruses, such as herpes and HIV, taking certain medications can help you better manage symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading your disease to other people. Condoms also help prevent the spread of STDs but are not 100% effective.

If you experience new or unusual symptoms or are at risk of developing an STD, schedule a sexually transmitted disease screening with the experts at Comprehensive Urology by phone or online today.