How to Know if You Have an STD

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By Michael-Jon Lazar, eHow Member

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Getting tested is a responsibility for you and your partner

The statistics are in. More and more people are having sexual relations at a younger age. Directly corresponding with this statistic is the age at which females are becoming pregnant and giving birth, which is at an all-time high. What many people may not realize is that every time you have sex with another person, even if you use protection, you are still at great risk of contracting a sexually-transmitted disease (STD). If you think that you may have an STD, follow these steps to gain understanding and to seek treatment.

How to Know if You Have an STD
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Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Personal time
Ability to see a doctor

How to Know if you Have an STD

Step 1

Evaluate your condition. Most often STD's will show signs of development in the genitals. Why do you think that you have one? Are there reds spots, warts, cysts or blisters? Is it painful when you urinate? Are you having discharge (females) and don't know why? Did someone you have sex with contact you because they contracted an STD? All of these are classic signs that you may have contracted a STD.
Step 2

Research the symptoms. So you know better about what you may have, do some research on the web. You will easily be able to find medical photos of STD's (not for the weak of heart)--and perhaps even be able to figure out what you may have.
Step 3

Get tested. This is the surest way to know. Stop putting it off. Get tested! Doctors advise that in order to maintain good sexual health you must get tested at least once per year.
Step 4

Inform past sexual partners. This is the hardest and most difficult part if you have been diagnosed with an STD. You owe it to all that you have had sexual relations with to inform them that they may be at risk as well.

Tips & Warnings

If you are unsure of whether or not you have an STD, the best way to know for sure is to get tested.
Never self-diagnose an STD; rely upon the advice of a trained medical professional.

Comments

jsteele said

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on 9/8/2009 I have to agree with Reggie. To me all you did was take information from WebMd an write it in almost the same wording without telling a person what to ask for when going to a Dr. for an STD test etc. I know you can take a blood test but for woman its a PAP. You had good intensions and it was written well but you have to cover all your bases trust me I have trouble with my articles some times to. So don't take it as a knock take it as constructive critism. :0) thats what are all here for... I give you a 4 for effort.

jcburns said

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on 9/8/2009 You forgot to tell what test people should take. If you visit the Dr. you must ask for certain types of blood test. You need to get tested for HSV 1 HSV 2 And HPV. Sometimes Doctors can't tell just by looking at you. If you ask for a blood test then you will know for certain if you have an STD or not:) Good Luck