Is It Possible to Have an STD and Not Know It?

After a one-night stand, summer fling, unforgettable prom night, or when a long-term partner confesses to cheating on you, you decide to check the STD symptoms on the web and are relieved to find that you don't have any.  There is nothing obvious that would send you to the doctor.  And, since you're sure to use a condom, that means you're OK, right?

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is known as a ‘silent’ infection because most infected people have no symptoms. Chlamydia is transmitted through sexual contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus of an infected partner. Ejaculation does not have to occur for chlamydia to be transmitted or acquired.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is easily spread and occurs most often in people who have many sexual partners, but not all people infected with gonorrhea have symptoms. In some women, symptoms are so mild that they go unnoticed. Many women with abnormal discharge think they have a yeast infection so they self-treat with over-the-counter yeast infection medication. Because vaginal discharge can be a sign of a number of different problems, it is best to always seek the advice of a doctor to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

The use of condoms cannot provide absolute protection against any STD. The most reliable way to avoid transmission of STDs is to abstain from sexual activity.

First Choice Women's Resource Centers provides free STD screening. Call 973-840-8924 or text 973-840-8924 to make an appt. at one of our centers in Jersey City, Montclair, Morristown, Newark or Plainfield, NJ.

Ana Cenit, RN

http://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia-detailed.htm

http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/guide/gonorrhea#1

Schedule An Appointment

If you think you could be pregnant, please come in for a pregnancy test and to receive information about your options. All of our services are free of charge.

Pregnancy tests are the only service that can be scheduled online. STD screens and ultrasounds must be scheduled via phone or text.