Sexually transmitted diseases can be acquired via any type of sexual contact – vaginal, anal or oral and can also be transferred after just one physical contact. Nevertheless, the chances of becoming infected and the manner of becoming infected differ for each disease.
There are diseases that the likelihood of becoming infected by them after oral sex or a one-time contact is relatively low.
The majority of sexually transmitted diseases are not expressed with any symptoms at all during the initial stage of the infection (mainly women), but if you discover one or more of the following symptoms, there is concern that you may have gotten infected with one of the sexually transmitted diseases:
- Abnormal vaginal or penile secretions.
- Itchiness, irritation, lesions (even if not painful) in the genital regions or the rectum.
- A burning sensation when urinating in a young, healthy male.
The appearance of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate that you have a sexually transmitted disease, however it does require having a medical examination to rule out or confirm the diagnosis. On the other hand, being infected with a sexually transmitted disease is not always accompanied by these symptoms, and therefore any sexually active person who does not have a steady partner should get checked routinely and periodically. It is recommended to do so once a year, even in the absence of any suspicious symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease, in order to detect an infection at the earliest stage to the extent that it is possible. It is recommended that an individual at high risk of getting infected get examined more frequently.
Who is at high risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases?
- Twenty-year-olds or younger
- Women
- Anyone who has sex with multiple partners
- Anyone who has sex with a new partner
- Anyone who has had a sexually transmitted disease in the past
- Anyone who does not use a condom on a regular basis
- Men who have sex with men
What are possible damages from sexually transmitted diseases?
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Reproductive disorders
- Rheumatic diseases
- Heart diseases
- Central nervous system disorders
When is it recommended to get tested after a sexual encounter that could have been contagious in order to get accurate results?
The term “window period” refers to the correct time frame for getting tested after a sexual contact that may have caused an infection. It is the amount of time that one must wait between the “suspicious” sexual contact and the test, in order for the test to be accurate. Each sexually transmitted disease has a different window period. Below are the right times to get tested for different diseases:
HIV/AIDS – 3 weeks from exposure
Gonorrhea – two weeks from sexual contact
Chlamydia – a month and a half from sexual contact
Syphilis – three months from sexual contact
Hepatitis B & C – six months from sexual contact
Hepatitis A – between two and six weeks from sexual contact
Herpes – two weeks from sexual contact
For any additional questions concerning sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS, you can call the clinic’s hotline number: 03-791-9704. For clinic and hotline reception hours press here.
You can also write us in the forum. The clinic staff will be happy to assist.
