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What’s an STD? 10 questions about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Hello there, I’m one of the nurses at ThriVe. Welcome to Nurse’s Corner! ThriVe is a super safe place to ask questions about sexual health, especially for women. Got questions about abortion? Pregnancy? STDs? We’re here for you with information. And we know how difficult, and sometimes embarrassing, it can feel to seek answers. But you deserve the best care. Period.

I know navigating questions about STDs and infections (like, what does STDs stand for? What’s HPV?) can feel overwhelming. I’m here to answer some of the most common questions we hear about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs, also called sexually transmitted infections — or STIs). My goal is to give you the info you need so you can get your glow back. 

And please, never feel shame or embarrassment for looking for help. STDs infections are common, and many women go through it. At ThriVe, we’ll never judge you. We’re just here to help you out. So let’s get to it!

1. What does STDs stand for?

STD stands for Sexually Transmitted Disease. You might also hear the term STI, which stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection. It’s pretty much two terms for the same thing, but we say “infections” because they’re caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.1

2. What are the most common types of STDs?

Some of the most common STDs we screen for at ThriVe include:

ChlamydiaSyphilis
GonorrheaHIV/AIDS
TrichomoniasisAnd although it’s not an STI, Bacterial Vaginosis can increase your chances of getting an STI.2

Each of these can have a big impact on your health. But the good news is that these infections can be treated, managed, and some can even be cured.4 There are medicines out there for many of these infections. We offer no-cost STD screenings to help you stay on top of your sexual health. If you need to get tested, it’s okay if you don’t know which STD you might have. We’ll help you figure things out.

3. What are the symptoms of STDs?

Symptoms vary depending on the infection. Some things to look out for include:

Unusual dischargePain during sex
Sores, bumps, or rashes around your genitalsLower abdominal pain1
Itching or burning when you pee

But here’s the kicker — some STDs don’t show symptoms at all. That’s why regular testing is so important, even if you feel fine.1 If you’ve been sexually active and you’re not in a long-term, committed, monogamous relationship (like marriage), it’s a good idea to get tested. Your health and future are worth the small investment of your time. And at ThriVe, the screening is always no-cost.

4. How are STDs transmitted?

So we’ve answered “what does STDs stand for” and talked about some ways to spot them (but remember, not all STIs show symptoms). But how are they spread? STDs are mainly spread through sexual contact. And that includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some STDs can also spread through skin-to-skin contact or even from mother to baby during childbirth.1 

If you’ve been sexually active, it’s always a good idea to get tested for STIs — even if you’re using protection. You’ve probably heard that condoms can protect you from STDs, but they aren’t 100%. And it’s still possible to get STIs (like genital herpes) from areas not covered by the condom.3 

5. How can I know if I have an STD?

The only way to really know is by getting tested. At ThriVe, we offer no-cost STI screenings, and it’s quick and confidential. Even if you don’t have symptoms, it’s smart to get tested if you’ve been sexually active. STDs don’t always make themselves known right away.1 When you get tested at ThriVe, you’ll know you’re in a safe space. Our center is just for women. Plus, you’ll get your results back within a few days, so you won’t be left stressing out. Depending on the STD, you might even be able to leave your appointment with treatment medication. We also have women’s advocates here to support you.

6. Can STDs be cured?

Some STDs can be cured, and some can’t — but they can be managed. For example:

Chlamydia and gonorrhea can be cured with antibiotics.

Herpes and HIV, while not curable, can be managed with medication to help you live a healthy life.4

Have questions? Need to get screened? We’ll help you out. Whatever the future holds, you’ve got support.

7. Do you need an STI screening if you’re considering abortion?

If you’re considering an abortion, it’s super important to get tested for STDs first. Why? Untreated STDs, like chlamydia or gonorrhea, can cause complications during and after the abortion procedure. For example, they can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause serious pain, infertility, and long-term issues with your reproductive health.5 And since some STDs don’t have symptoms, you might not even know you have one unless you’re tested. This isn’t just about your pregnancy. It’s about your long-term health.

8. What are the long-term effects of untreated STDs?

If left untreated, some STDs can lead to serious long-term health issues, including:

Chronic pelvic pain Increased risk of contracting other STDs
Infertility Increased risk of some cancers1 

That’s why it’s so important to catch infections early and get the right treatment.

She’s confident about her sexual health and knows what does stds stand for.

9. How can I prevent STDs?

So we’ve covered, “what does STDs stand for.” Now, how do you make sure you don’t have to deal with them in the first place?

The only guaranteed way to avoid STDs is to delay sex until you’re in a committed, long-term, monogamous relationship. Does that idea sound crazy to you? That’s okay! Even though some women choose to risk things like STDs, pregnancy, and birth control side effects, there’s a growing movement of women taking charge of their health. Choosing to postpone sex is an empowering way to secure your future. If you’re concerned about things like pregnancy and STDs, just toss those risks by taking control. Your health and future are yours, and you get to decide. At ThriVe, you know that you’ll always have our support through information, no matter what.

10. What should I do if I think I have an STD?

If you think you might have an STD, don’t wait. Get tested as soon as possible! At ThriVe, we offer no-cost screenings, and we’re here to walk you through it every step of the way. It’s confidential, judgment-free, and getting tested is honestly the best way to protect your health. We’ve got your back.

Healthy • Safe • Strong

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