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Protecting yourself from sexually transmitted diseases is important for your health and well-being. Yet, many people find it difficult to ask what symptoms to watch for and when to get tested. With STDs on the rise in many areas, it is even more important to get informed about your sexual health.
Continue reading to learn more about the eight most common STDs — also commonly referred to as STIs — including what symptoms to watch out for, how to protect yourself, and where you can find low-cost STD testing in Van Nuys, El Monte, Long Beach, Pico Rivera, Pomona, and Woodland Hills.
Top 8 Most Common STDs
Eating healthy and exercising are well-known ways to maintain good health, but if you are sexually active, getting regular STI testing should also be on your list. Several infections spread through intimate contact and can go unnoticed if you don’t know what to watch for. Below you’ll find the most common sexually transmitted infections, their symptoms, and when to get tested.
1. Syphilis
The first signs of syphilis are small, painless open sores called chancres. Usually, they appear in the genital area, but can also appear on the face. Chancres usually form within a few weeks of being exposed to syphilis and can last for several weeks. You may also develop a rash on your body — including on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. Other symptoms may include fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and feeling tired. Syphilis is caused by bacteria, so it is curable with antibiotics.
How Can I Protect Myself From Syphilis?
Condoms can help reduce your risk of syphilis transmission by providing a barrier between you and an infected partner — but they may not provide complete protection since syphilis can be transmitted through contact with sores that may not be covered by a condom.
When Should I Get Tested for Syphilis?
Symptoms of syphilis can appear between 10 days and three months after exposure. Although, you can be contagious before you even have symptoms. If you don’t get regular testing, you should get tested as soon as you start having symptoms.
2. Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is another bacterial infection that is spread through sexual contact. It can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. The bacteria can infect the urethra, cervix, rectum, throat, and eyes.
Symptoms of gonorrhea can vary depending on the site of infection. Men may experience a burning sensation when urinating, a white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis, and swollen testicles. Women may have pain or burning during urination, vaginal bleeding between periods, and increased vaginal discharge. Both men and women may have anal itching, discharge, or pain, and sore throat or swollen glands if the infection is in the throat.
How to Protect Yourself From Gonorrhea
Using condoms for oral sex, anal sex, and vaginal sex is the recommended approach for reducing the risk of gonorrhea transmission.
When Should I Get Tested for Gonorrhea?
If you are sexually active, it's important to get tested for gonorrhea and other STDs regularly, even if you don't have any symptoms. Testing is usually done by taking a swab or urine sample. If you have symptoms of gonorrhea or have been exposed to someone with the infection, you should get tested as soon as possible. Treatment for gonorrhea usually involves antibiotics.
3. Chlamydia
Chlamydia often has no symptoms, which is why it is nicknamed “the silent infection." When symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Painful urination
- Discharge from the penis or vagina
- Pain during sex
- Lower abdominal pain in women
- Testicular pain in men
If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to more serious health problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause infertility in women.
How to Protect Yourself From Chlamydia
Like gonorrhea, condoms offer the best protection against the transmission of chlamydia. Correct and consistent use is important for the best protection.
When Should I Get Tested for Chlamydia?
It is recommended that sexually active individuals get tested for chlamydia annually or whenever they have a new sexual partner. Testing involves a simple urine or swab test. If you test positive for chlamydia, it can be easily treated with antibiotics.
4. Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a parasite. It can affect both men and women, but women are more likely to experience symptoms.
Symptoms of trichomoniasis can vary, but some common ones include:
- Itching, burning, or soreness in the genital area
- Discharge from the vagina or penis that may be yellow, green, or gray with a strong odor
- Pain or discomfort during sex or urination
How Can I Protect Myself From Trichomoniasis?
Condoms can help reduce the risk of trichomoniasis transmission during sexual activity, but they may not provide complete protection because the infection can also spread through skin contact. Having open and honest conversations with your sexual partners about their sexual health status, as well as getting regular testing can add greater protection while you continue to use condoms.
When Should I Get Tested for Trichomoniasis?
If you think you may have been exposed or have symptoms of trichomoniasis, it's important to get tested. Symptoms can appear up to a month after exposure, and testing is usually done by taking a sample of discharge from the vagina or penis and examining it under a microscope. Trichomoniasis is curable with prescription medication.
5. Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is caused by a virus that is transmitted through contact with infected blood or body fluids. This can occur through sexual contact, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth.
Symptoms of hepatitis B can vary from mild to severe and may include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting
In some cases, a hepatitis B infection can lead to chronic liver disease or liver cancer.
How Can I Protect Myself From Hepatitis B?
Condoms can help reduce the risk of hepatitis transmission, particularly hepatitis B. However, vaccines are also available for hepatitis B prevention. You can discuss with your healthcare provider whether or not the hepatitis B vaccine is appropriate for you, based on your lifestyle and risk factors.
When Should I Get Tested for Hepatitis B?
You can start getting tested for hepatitis B four to six weeks after exposure. Testing is done with a blood test that checks for hepatitis B antibodies or antigens. Anyone who is at high risk for hepatitis B, including those who have multiple sexual partners or use injection drugs, should get tested regularly. Additionally, healthcare workers and those who live with someone who has hepatitis B should also be tested regularly.
If you test positive for hepatitis B, your healthcare provider can recommend treatment options and help you manage the infection.
6. Herpes
Herpes Zoster is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is typically associated with oral herpes, while HSV-2 is associated with genital herpes.
Symptoms of herpes may include painful blisters or sores in the affected area, itching, burning, and flu-like symptoms such as fever and swollen glands. Some people may not experience any symptoms at all.
How Can I Protect Myself From Herpes?
Condoms can reduce the risk of herpes transmission, but they may not provide complete protection since herpes can also be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact in areas not covered by a condom. Avoiding sexual contact during outbreaks and taking antiviral medication as prescribed can also help reduce transmission risk.
When Should I Get Tested for Herpes?
If you suspect you may have been exposed to herpes, it is important to get tested. Testing for herpes involves a blood test or a swab of the affected area if you have any active sores. It may take up to three months for you to experience symptoms after being exposed.
7. HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a sexually transmitted infection that attacks the immune system. It is caused by a virus that is transmitted through bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.
Symptoms of HIV can vary and may include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Rash
Many people with HIV do not experience any symptoms for years.
How Can I Protect Myself From HIV?
Wearing a condom, including both male and female condoms, is highly effective in preventing the transmission of HIV during sexual intercourse. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is also available for individuals at high risk of HIV transmission.
When Should I Get Tested for HIV?
It's important to get tested for HIV if you have multiple partners or engage in unprotected sex. Testing is also recommended if you have shared needles with anyone or if you have received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1985.
There are several types of HIV tests available, including blood tests and oral swab tests. Early detection and treatment of HIV can help improve your health and prevent the spread of the virus to others.
8. HPV
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection with more than 150 different strains. Only around 40 strains can cause genital warts, and two can lead to cancer.
Most people who contract HPV do not show any symptoms, and the virus goes away on its own. If you do experience symptoms, they may include:
- Genital warts
- Itching or burning in the genital area
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
There is no specific test for HPV, but there are screening tests that can detect abnormal cells in the cervix, which can be a sign of HPV-related cancer. It is recommended that women aged 21 to 65 get a pap smear every three years.
Men can also get tested for HPV-related cancer, but there is no routine screening test. If you notice any unusual symptoms, such as genital warts or sores, it is important to see a healthcare provider.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for both men and women between the ages of 9 and 45.
How Can I Protect Myself From HPV?
Condoms can reduce the risk of HPV transmission, but they may not provide complete protection since HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom. Regular testing and open communication with your intimate partners can provide additional protection. Also, the HPV vaccine is available to protect against certain virus strains.
Am I at Risk for an STD?
STDs can spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Sometimes they can also be spread by kissing or sharing personal items like towels, drinks, and makeup. Regular testing is important, especially when you are intimate with a new partner or have other risk factors, such as:
- Having sex without a condom
- Having sex with multiple partners
- Having anonymous sex partners
- Using drugs, especially injecting drugs
- Having sex with a same-sex partner
If you are at high risk for contracting HIV, you may qualify for HIV prevention medication (PrEP) — a medication that can help prevent contracting HIV.
Where to Find Affordable STD Testing in SoCal
Even if you are following safe sex practices, getting tested regularly is the best way to keep yourself and your partners safe. We understand that STD testing can feel embarrassing or uncomfortable, that’s why all six of Southern California Medical Center’s locations are designed with your comfort and privacy in mind.
Our team of providers is dedicated to caring for those with no insurance or low income, with the compassionate and high-quality care that everyone deserves access to.
Get affordable and confidential STD testing at any of our premier locations:
- Affordable Healthcare in Van Nuys: 14550 Haynes St., Van Nuys, CA 91411
- Affordable Doctor in Pomona: 502 W. Holt Ave., Pomona, CA 91768
- Affordable Doctor in Pico Rivera: 8825 Whittier Blvd., Pico Rivera, CA 90660
- Affordable Doctor in Long Beach: 1627 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA 90813
- Affordable Doctor in El Monte: 12100 Valley Blvd., El Monte, CA 91732
- Affordable Doctor in Woodland Hills: 20011 Ventura Blvd., Suite 1002, Woodland Hills CA, 91364
You can also make an appointment by phone.
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