Did you know that there are more than 30 different bacteria that can be transmitted through sexual contact? This means that if you’re sexually active, you can potentially get an STD, even if you’re careful and use protection.
What exactly is an STD and why should you get it treated?
Read on to find out what an untreated STD is and what happens if you leave an STD untreated for years.
What Is an STD?
“STD” stands for “sexually transmitted disease.” Today, it’s synonymous with the term STI, or sexually transmitted infection.
Some common STDs include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Genital herpes
- Genital warts
- Trichomoniasis
- Pubic lice
- HIV
While some are relatively harmless, others are much more serious. Find out below what can happen if you leave them untreated.
What Is an Untreated STD?
As the name suggests, an untreated STD is one where you haven’t taken any action to lessen symptoms or cure the infection itself. It can be either undiagnosed or diagnosed.
Many STDs are symptomless, which is why it’s important for you to get regularly tested, especially if you’re sexually active. If you’re not sure how to get a test, you can easily get one by signing up for STD testing online.
What Can an STD Left Untreated Do?
In most cases, an STD left untreated for a year shouldn’t do much damage. However, you can always pass them onto your partners, which may cause them to suffer unpleasant symptoms. And if they don’t get their STDs treated either, then they can also experience the same symptoms below.
If you have untreated gonorrhea for years, or untreated chlamydia for years, it can lead to some complications. For one, it can lead to infertility since the infections can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and blockage of the epididymis in men.
Furthermore, if you do get pregnant, it can harm the fetus. In fact, you’ll have a higher chance of miscarriage or having a stillbirth. If you have a viable pregnancy, the STD can be passed onto the baby if it’s delivered vaginally.
Untreated STDs can also make you more susceptible to HIV. This is because open sores from infections such as syphilis or even herpes can facilitate infection.
Depending on what exact STD you get, other complications include:
- Blindness
- Organ damage (for instance, eyes, brain, heart)
- Meningitis
- Liver cancer
- Cirrhosis
- Cervical cancer
- Anal cancer
- Reduced life expectancy
The scary thing is these complications can develop silently for a few years before they cause real damage.
Don’t Leave Your STD Untreated for Years
As you can see, an STD untreated for years can wreak havoc on your body. Not only that, but there’s the potential to pass it onto your partners as well.
So be proactive about your sexual health and make sure you get regularly tested for STDs. Not only can you keep yourself healthy, but you can also keep your sexual partners in good health too.
Would you like to get tested to see if you have any undiagnosed STDs? Then use this STD check discount coupon today.