Sexually Transmitted Disease

Sexually Transmitted Disease services offered in Beverly Grove, Los Angeles, CA

An untreated sexually transmitted disease (STD) can result in severe complications. Furthermore, it can 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.

Sexually Transmitted Disease Q&A

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.

UTIs are not considered sexually transmitted diseases, although sexual activity can trigger urinary tract infections is E. Coli or other bacteria are present during intercourse. There are treatments available for Recurrent UTIs in women including ThermiVa and a UTI vaccine.

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. Furthermore, 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. However, certain lifestyle factors can elevate your risk. Examples include unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse, having multiple sexual partners, a history of STDs, as well as alcohol or drug misuse, and injection drug use. Transitioning to wearing a condom or maintaining a monogamous sexual partner effectively 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. In addition, 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. Moreover, at Comprehensive Urology, our specialists provide on-site treatment for rapid infection resolution and perform antibiotic genetic testing to determine the most effective 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 decrease the risk of transmitting your disease to others. Additionally, condoms can aid in preventing the spread of STDs, although their effectiveness is not 100%.

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. Learn more about STD testing near me today.

Sexually Transmitted Disease