Archives for June 2021

With sexually transmitted diseases on the rise, most sexually active people experience at least one of them at some point. STDs can affect virtually anyone: men and women, young and old. Sometimes, these diseases can remain undetected for years before symptoms develop. At other times, you may have an idea after a few days that something does not feel normal down there.

STDs may take the fun out of sex, but you can still enjoy an active sex life and avoid contracting or spreading them. Take control of your sexual health by educating yourself about the common types of sexually transmitted infections, including their symptoms and incubation periods. That way, you can actively protect yourself and your sexual partners from these diseases. 

Understanding more about the spread and incubation period of STDs can also lessen any anxiety you may have about your risk. We provide this article as a start, but it’s a good idea to do website or library research to learn more about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or infections (STIs) even before getting infected or receiving a diagnosis. 

Know the guidelines for prevention and diagnosis so you can avoid the health risks that come with these disorders.

Why Is STD Testing Important?

Any time you are sexually active, whether you have multiple partners or a new monogamous relationship, you should practice safe sexual habits. These habits can include: 

• using condoms to prevent the transmission of STDs and unwanted pregnancies
• communicating openly with your sexual partner about your history and encounters, as necessary
• seeing a doctor to get regular blood tests for STDs 

Unprotected sex leaves you vulnerable to infection. Unfortunately, you may have few or no symptoms to indicate exposure. The only way to know for sure if you have an STI is to get tested. You have options for testing sites, including a private doctors’ office, public health department, sexual health clinic, or testing center. 

Wherever you decide to go for testing, make sure you feel comfortable with the facility guidelines and medical providers. You are brave to seek medical advice about something as personal as sexually transmitted diseases. You should feel supported by your doctor or healthcare provider when you share your personal data or if you test positive. 

Are Incubation Periods the Same for All STDs?

One of the most challenging parts of STD testing is waiting for your results. For example, if you have had unprotected sex, you may want to rush out to the doctor to determine your diagnosis and begin treatment immediately. In another scenario, you may have met someone new and want to know your status before taking your relationship to the next level.

Unfortunately, most infections, sexual or otherwise, do not show immediate symptoms. It can take time for your immune system to react to a virus or bacteria or to produce antibodies. Common STDs do not show up in your system in only one or two days. The length of time between when first exposed to a virus or bacteria and when you show STD symptoms is the incubation period. 

That is why STD tests may not detect the presence of disease right away. You may test positive in less than a week for some STIs, whereas others may take up to a month or more. Add that time lag to a lack of STI symptoms, and you can see why incubation periods can mean the difference between a false negative and an accurate test result. 

What Are the Most Common STDs?

Some sexually transmitted diseases are relatively common, so it is not unusual to test positive for more than one STI. These are the primary diseases you should know about:

• Human papillomavirus, or HPV
• Herpes
• Syphilis
• Hepatitis
• Trichomoniasis
• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Molluscum Contagiosum
• HIV

People share most of these diseases through oral, genital, or anal contact. Some require exposure through bodily fluids, while others happen when skin touches skin. Condoms provide an effective barrier to prevent transmission, but the only sure-fire way of avoiding exposure is refraining from all sexual activity. 

For most people, abstinence is not a realistic option. However, STD testing can put your mind at ease or arm you with important information about seeking medical help. Let’s discuss each of these diseases and their incubation periods to get a better sense of how often or when you should get tested.

Human Papillomavirus

HPV is perhaps the most common sexually transmitted infection. Sexual partners share the HPV virus through skin-to-skin contact, and some people do not experience any symptoms. This disease may cause warts on or around the genitals, but you can also have pain, itching, and bleeding. Some cases of HPV are mild, and you may not even notice bumps or other symptoms.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for HPV, but a vaccine can offer protection if administered before sexual activity occurs. Boys and girls in their young teens usually receive the vaccine, although young adults under 26 may also get it. 

If you do contract the virus, treatment options are available to control your symptoms. For example, if your genital warts do not go away on their own, your doctor may recommend topical medication or removal. HPV can also cause some types of cervical cancer, so if you think you have this STI, do not put off testing or medical treatment.

The incubation period for HPV is unpredictable. Tests can detect the virus as early as one month after exposure, while in other cases, it may not show up for years. However, most of the time, a two- to three-month window is what you can expect to see if you have it. 

Herpes

Like HPV, herpes is also a virus for which there is no cure. This STI can present as either simplex 1, oral herpes, or simplex 2, genital herpes, although sexual partners can share both types through oral or genital contact. Some people are asymptomatic and may not know they have it. Common symptoms of herpes may surface after two weeks and include small blisters, pustules, or painful ulcers, headaches, and fever. 

Both oral and genital herpes have an incubation period of two to twelve days, so you do not have to wait long for testing if you are concerned about exposure. If you test positive, ask about anti-viral treatments to lessen your discomfort and refrain from sexual activity when you have an outbreak. 

Syphilis

One of the oldest STDs in existence, syphilis is always a concern for sexually active people. This bacterial infection may start with mild symptoms, but if not treated, it can wreak havoc on your body years after it first appears. Syphilis has four main stages: 

• Primary – An often-painless chancre or sore appears ten days to three weeks after infection
• Secondary – When a rash and flu-like symptoms show up two to eight weeks after the first appearance of a sore
• Latent – A dormant phase that can last for decades
• Tertiary or Late – Involvement of body systems that include neurological and cardiovascular damage

Luckily, syphilis responds well to antibiotics, but you may need several rounds of medical therapy to eradicate it. It is best to test for this STD about ten to ninety days after suspected contraction and then again after three months to see if it is still present in your body. 

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation. The mildest version is Hepatitis A, which people get from food or water contamination. 

Hepatitis B, on the other hand, spreads through infected body fluids during unprotected sex, when sharing razors, needles, or toothbrushes with an infected person, or in childbirth. 

Hepatitis C is the most severe form of this disease, and while it also spreads through infected blood, you can catch it through sexual behavior.

The incubation period for Hepatitis B is anywhere from four to six weeks, and its symptoms range from nausea and abdominal pain to jaundice of the eyes and skin. Like HPV, Hepatitis B also has a vaccine to prevent it. 

Mild infection may resolve in six months, but the chronic version of Hepatitis B can last for years. Therefore, the earlier you begin treatment, the better, so do not delay seeking medical advice if you are fairly certain you have it. 

Trichomoniasis

Unlike most of the other STIs, trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection. Caused by trichomonas vaginalis, this disease can fly under the radar for men and women with few to no symptoms. However, some patients report burning, itching, and pain with sex or urination, and women may have discolored vaginal discharge with a foul odor. 

The incubation period ranges from four to 28 days, and treatment is effective in a week or so. However, doctors may advise retesting up to three months after treatment to ensure that the infection is gone. 

This disease may cause pregnancy complications and an increased risk of contracting HIV for women. For men, the concern with trichomoniasis is the potential of prostate cancer if untreated. 

Gonorrhea

Another common sexually transmitted disease, gonorrhea is bacterial and easily treatable with antibiotics. Symptoms include discomfort with urination, discharge, pain in testicles (for men) and lower abdomen (for women), and sore throat. 

Like many of the other STIs, gonorrhea is often asymptomatic. Without treatment, it can develop into pelvic inflammatory disease for women and scarring of the urethra in men, both of which can cause fertility problems. Gonorrhea’s incubation time is short – only two to six days – and a doctor may recommend retesting about two weeks after treatment to make sure patients are no longer contagious.

Chlamydia

Like gonorrhea, this STD is also a bacterial infection that frequently has few to no symptoms for most people. When signs do appear, it may take several weeks after being exposed and transmitted. Women are prone to more severe complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease and increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy, both of which can cause infertility. 

The incubation period for chlamydia is five days to three weeks, and in recent years, this STI has become increasingly resistant to antibiotics. As a result, your doctor may prescribe more than one round of medication to eradicate it and may also recommend testing a few weeks after treatment to make sure it is gone. 

Molluscum Contagiosum

This infection is different from other STDs because it may be more common in children than adults. Skin-to-skin contact is the main transmission path, so infected children share it while they play. In addition, the virus survives on surfaces such as towels, clothing, and toys, giving it another avenue for infecting others. For adults, sexual contact is the primary means of infection. Both children and adults may develop bumps or lesions that are usually painless and do not scar.

The average incubation time frame for molluscum contagiosum is anywhere from two to seven weeks. It often clears up on its own, but some patients seek tests and treatment for outbreaks that persist longer than a week. 

HIV 

Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, passes through bodily fluids during sexual activity, needle sharing, or pregnancy from mother to child. Because this virus attacks your immune system, you are more likely to have flu-like symptoms, including fever, swollen lymph glands, aches, chills, and sore throat. 

HIV also progresses through these stages if it is untreated or does not respond to medication:

• Acute infection – Patients have an elevated viral load in their blood, may have symptoms present, and are highly contagious
• Chronic infection – The virus is still active, although symptoms may no longer present, and patients may stay in this almost latent phase for a long time or indefinitely
• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) – The most severe and often fatal phase, when the immune system has become severely compromised and no longer able to fight off opportunistic infections

HIV averages two weeks from exposure and infection to symptom, although antibody tests may not be positive until one to three months after infection. 

When Should You Seek STD Testing? 

After reading this description of STDs, you may want to run out and get tested for everything, but before you do, go back to those incubation periods. Unless you have early signs of a sexually transmitted infection, you may not get accurate test results if you have recently been exposed. 

It is better to be patient until the testing window is optimal and you can trust the findings. You may prefer to test for individual diseases rather than waiting to do them all at once, especially if you have symptoms or are concerned about recent exposure. Talk to a doctor who can provide medical advice about testing windows to save you time and money. 

Who Provides Reliable Tests for STDs?

No matter what health reason propels you to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases, you deserve accuracy, privacy, and dignity at every step of the way. At Rapid STD Testing, we understand that the balance of convenience, confidentiality, and simplicity is essential for most people worried about sexually transmitted infections. Therefore, we make the process easy for you. 

Please contact us at Rapid STD Testing online or call (866) 872-1888 to learn more about our services and find a testing center near you. The sooner you know, the sooner you can take steps to improve your health and sexual wellbeing.

Itchy and embarrassed? Wondering what’s causing your discomfort that leaves you unable to sit still plus causes an urge to scratch your private parts in public? You’re not alone. You can find many conditions, including STDs, that cause itching.

While many factors can cause itchy conditions in your pubic or vaginal area, most of them merit a medical treatment. Some are contagious, while others are not. But either way, you need help to stop that itching!

If you suspect that you have a sexually transmitted disease or STD that’s making you itch, the chances are that you’re pretty worried. Sexual health is a sensitive topic and can be hard to discuss. Call our discreet professionals at 866-872-1888 for a free, confidential consultation with a certified sexual health counselor at Rapid STD Testing. We offer full panels as well as individual STD tests.

Do Any Common STDs Make You Itch?

Are you having a lot of itching “down there” and wondering what’s causing it? Itching, burning, and other irritation in your genital area can be one of the most uncomfortable experiences. 

These symptoms can have a number of causes. Sexually transmitted infections or diseases (STIs or STDs) can certainly be one cause. Other causes may be vaginosis (bacterial), jock itch or yeast infection (fungal), or allergic reactions to chemical products in household substances like laundry detergents or soaps.

STDs are extremely common and often treatable. In this article, we’ll review five common STDs that can cause vaginal and/or anal itching:

• Chlamydia
• Trichomoniasis
• Gonorrhea
• Genital Herpes
• Genital Warts

We’ll also look at other conditions that can cause itching, like pubic lice and yeast infections. 

At Rapid STD Testing, we offer individual and multi-panel STD tests in secure, convenient locations. Make an appointment today for confidential, on-demand STD testing at a location near you.

Five STDs That Cause Genital Itching 

1. Chlamydia 

Chlamydia, or Chlamydia trachomatis, is a common contagious bacterial infection that affects both men and women. You can get it even if you use contraception. You contract it through vaginal, oral, or anal contact with someone else who has it. It can also pass from mother to child during labor, causing eye infections or even pneumonia in the newborn. 

If you’re wondering about whether you can catch chlamydia without cheating on your partner, the answer is yes. If your partner has undiagnosed chlamydia from a previous relationship, you can catch it, even years after the initial transmission. 

Symptoms 

Chlamydia may be asymptomatic at first, but you can develop symptoms, including:

• Vaginal itching
• Pain during sex or your periods
• Abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis
• Painful urination in men

Chlamydia can also cause itching or discharge from your anus. 

If you have any of these common STD symptoms, it’s time to get a rapid STD test. 

Testing for Chlamydia 

Doctors will take a urine sample and they may also test for gonorrhea. Rapid STD Testing offers a dual-panel test for both STDs. 

Treatment

Treatment for chlamydia is straightforward: a course of antibiotics for either one day or one week. Since chlamydia can spread through skin-to-skin contact, you should avoid having sex until both partners have undergone treatment. 

Complications of Untreated Chlamydia 

If you don’t treat it, chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancies in women. 

2. Trichomoniasis 

Trichomoniasis, also known as trich, is an STD that a parasite called trichomonas vaginalis causes. It is a common STD that spreads through sexual contact, including oral sex. 

You can get trichomoniasis even if no one cheats. Sometimes a partner gets an infection years before he or she has started a relationship with you.

Symptoms

Sometimes, it’s hard to tell the difference between an STD and a yeast infection. Trichomoniasis is usually asymptomatic at first, but it can present with symptoms that are similar to yeast infections, such as: 

• Burning while urinating
• Itchiness in the genital area
• Pain during sex
• Penile discharge
• A vaginal discharge with a strong odor

Testing for Trichomoniasis 

To test for trich, your doctor may take a swab sample of the inside of your vagina or perform a simple urine test. 

At Rapid STD Testing, we can help you find same-day, confidential testing at a location near you. Call us!

Treatment 

The treatment for trichomoniasis is a single dose of antibiotics, usually tinidazole or metronidazole. Couples should avoid sex for at least one week after treatment to avoid reinfection. 

Complications of Untreated Trichomoniasis 

Untreated trich in men can lead to impotence or prostate cancer and may increase their risk of acquiring another STD such as HIV. Women may develop cervical cancer or have issues with fertility, leading to premature childbirth and low birth weight if they do manage to conceive. This is why it’s essential to get a test and treatment right away.

3. Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that affects both men and women. It spreads through sexual contact and can cause serious. long-term health problems.

Symptoms 

If you’re wondering what STDs cause a rash, this is one of them. Gonorrhea is typically asymptomatic at first. However, it often causes a rash, swelling, or thick white discharge from the penis or vagina. 

The discharge from gonorrhea may be white, green or clear. You may not develop symptoms immediately after exposure, but the infection will show up on a rapid STD test. 

Testing for Gonorrhea 

To test for gonorrhea, your doctor will take a urine sample. They may run a multi-panel test, which means they will screen for other STDs and also for urinary tract infections. 

It’s easy to get same-day std testing near you. Just contact us at Rapid STD Testing by phone or schedule your appointment online. We are very discreet and maintain your confidentiality.

Treatment

The CDC’s recommended treatment for gonorrhea is a single dose of intramuscular ceftriaxone (500mg). In case ceftriaxone cannot be used, other medications may be given for rectal and urogenital gonorrhea.

You can contract gonorrhea more than once, so it’s important to use condoms or dental dams with current and future sexual partners. Also, you should abstain from sex until you complete the antibiotic treatment. 

Complications of Untreated Gonorrhea

Untreated gonorrhea can put you at risk for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can, in turn, affect your fertility. You may be unable to conceive or you may be at risk of developing ectopic pregnancies. This is a significant reason to get tested as soon as possible if you have a chance of having gonorrhea.

4. Genital Herpes 

Genital herpes is a viral infection that spreads through sex and skin-to-skin contact. There are two strains of the virus: HSV1 and HSV2. The first strain causes sores in and around the mouth, and the second strain causes genital herpes.

Symptoms 

Genital herpes can be asymptomatic at first, but it can cause swollen lymph nodes in the groin and blisters on the penis or vagina. It can also cause unusual discharge from the penis or vagina.

Testing for Genital Herpes 

Doctors administer a blood test that detects both strains of the herpes virus. Testing for genital herpes is tricky because, if you take the test too soon, you may have a false negative result. 

 If you suspect that you have herpes, you may have to get re-tested after the six-month mark.

Treatment 

After your rapid STD test confirms that you have genital herpes, your doctor will prescribe antiviral medication as treatment. 

There is no known cure for genital herpes, but you can take medication to minimize your outbreaks and manage your symptoms. 

Complications of Untreated Genital Herpes

If you don’t undergo treatment for genital herpes, you could be at risk for yeast infections, bladder trouble, and meningitis. You could also be more vulnerable to other STDs, like HIV. 

Schedule a confidential, rapid STD test at one of 2,500 convenient Rapid STD Testing locations. 

5. Genital Warts 

HPV, or human papillomavirus, causes genital warts, also known as anogenital warts since they also occur around the anus. More than 75 million Americans carry the HPV infection, but many don’t realize they have it. 

Genital warts spread through skin-to-skin contact without a condom, often through vaginal intercourse. 

Symptoms 

If you wonder what STD causes itching and bumps, this may be the answer. Genital warts often cause itchiness and groups of warts on the penis, vagina, or anus. These warts may bleed and reoccur.

Testing for Genital Warts 

The easiest way to diagnose genital warts is by a visual exam. Your doctor will examine your vagina, penis, or anus, looking for clusters of warts. 

Treatment 

To treat genital warts, your doctor may apply a chemical treatment directly to the warts, or they may freeze them off. Avoid having sex until you have fully undergone treatment. 

An HPV vaccine exists that can reduce your chances of getting genital warts. Ideally, you would take this vaccine before you become sexually active. 

Complications of Untreated Genital Warts

Genital warts will often go away by themselves after several months. Often, your immune system can fight the HPV off after two years. The virus can linger, however, even after treatment. 

If you don’t treat the warts at all, the warts may expand and multiply over your genitals or anus. You may also pass the virus to your partner or partners.

Other Conditions That Can Cause Itching 

If you take an STD test and your results come back negative, you’re one step closer to narrowing down the source of your itchiness. Several common conditions may cause itching but are not STDs: 

• Menopause-related vaginal dryness
• Vaginal yeast infections
• Pubic lice (often referred to as “crabs”)
• Bacterial vaginosis, an imbalance of vaginal bacteria

While it’s difficult to summon the courage to get an STD test, not knowing can be nerve-wracking. If you are positive for an STD, then you can typically start treatment right away. 

If your STD test is negative, your doctor may refer you to a medical specialist to determine the root cause of your itchiness. Remember—genital itching is a common problem that is worth further examination. 

What Is the Key to a Healthy Sex Life?

Whether you’ve been sexually active for a few months or decades, the key to a happy, healthy sex life is safety and sexual health. Aim to take a multi-panel STD test twice per year if you are active with multiple partners, and once a year if you are in a monogamous relationship.

At Rapid STD Testing, we are here at locations across the country to help you to efficiently and discreetly test and receive treatment for STDs. Schedule your full panel STD test, and let us help you clear your mind.

Medically Reviewed By DR. HARSHI DHINGRA,Pathologist (MD) on May 07,2024

If you’re sexually active but allergic to latex, lambskin condoms are an appealing alternative to latex condoms since they provide a natural feel similar to skin-to-skin contact. Manufacturers make these condoms from lambs’ intestinal membranes. Lambskin condoms have been a sexual staple for centuries — as far back as ancient Rome, academics say.

Condoms function as protection in two ways: (1) as a contraceptive (to prevent pregnancy) and (2) as a protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). 

Natural membrane condoms such as lambskin condoms, also called sheepskin condoms, have about the same effectiveness as latex condoms in preventing pregnancy, research shows. Unfortunately, though, if you’re wondering, “Do lambskin condoms protect against STDs?” the results are not as reassuring.

Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of lambskin condoms, how to use them effectively, and some latex-free alternatives for people with latex allergies that might prevent sexually transmitted diseases better than sheepskin.

What Are Lambskin (Sheepskin or Natural Skin) Condoms?

Lambskin condoms use animal material instead of synthetics like latex, which is why people also call these “natural skin condoms” or “natural membrane condoms.” However, these terms can be misleading. There is no skin in a lambskin or sheepskin condom. Instead, manufacturers use a lamb’s intestinal pouch, called the cecum, to create these condoms.

Lambskin condoms certainly have historical longevity. Historians say that men have used condoms made from the intestines and even bladders of lambs for thousands of years. 

After the invention of latex condoms in the 1920s, though, lambskin condoms dropped in popularity. However, they still hold on to a small portion of the condom market. Lambskin condoms comprise about 5% of manufactured condoms. The other top sellers consist of rubber latex (about 80%) or synthetic materials, such as polyurethane (about 15%).

Lambskin condoms have about the same shelf life as other types of condoms, roughly four to five years. You can buy lambskin condoms online or at a drugstore without a prescription. They also have some notable features, such as:

• Availability: Because of their manufacturing process and availability, lambskin condoms have a high-end image. Trojan, for instance, promotes Trojan NaturaLamb as “luxury condoms,” complete with a black and gold label. (This translates to a higher price, which we’ll address in a moment.)
• Appearance: Aside from the packaging, lambskin condoms look different from latex and synthetic condoms. The condom material appears more opaque, and these condoms have a rounded end instead of a reservoir tip.
• Elasticity: Lambskin condoms don’t have the elasticity of latex or synthetics, so they’re already at maximum length, width, and circumference right out of the box. That makes them appear larger, which first-time users might find strange. However,  people who use these condoms note that this distinction helps them fit various sizes.
• Fit: Wearing a lambskin condom involves some dexterity. Each condom secures with a type of drawstring at the base instead of an elastic ring. (We’ll discuss how to wear these types of condoms properly below.)

Are Lambskin Condoms Better Than Latex Condoms?

All condoms, including lambskin condoms, are 98% effective in preventing pregnancy with perfect use, statistics show. Granted, nobody uses anything perfectly, especially condoms. However, researchers say that with typical usage—taking into account errors and misuse–lambskin and other condoms are 82% effective as contraceptives.

While this makes lambskin condoms a viable alternative condom for men or women with latex allergies, these condoms also have other benefits. For instance:

• Natural feel: Studies show that lambskin condoms have a thinner texture and more natural feel, creating a sensation similar to not wearing a condom.
• Warmth: People who use lambskin condoms also say that they transmit body heat better than latex condoms, enhancing intimacy during intercourse. 
• Flexibility: These condoms come pre-treated inside and outside with water-based lubricant. For more fun and less friction, partners can use them with all types of lubes, even oil-based lubricants, which can cause latex condoms to break. (That’s why health experts recommend using only water-based lubes with latex.)
• Biodegradability: If you’re concerned about your carbon footprint as well as avoiding pregnancy, lambskin condoms also are biodegradable. (To be fair, natural rubber latex also is biodegradable, but most latex condoms contain materials in addition to latex.)

If you’re in a committed, monogamous relationship, lambskin condoms seem to have a lot to offer. However, they do have drawbacks, the most notable being their lower level of protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Do Lambskin Condoms Protect Against STDs? 

When used correctly, lambskin condoms are an effective means of preventing pregnancy. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that the size of the pores in these condoms are up to 1,500 nm in diameter, narrow enough to block sperm — the same protective principle as other types of condoms.

While that means lambskin condoms are great as a contraceptive, the pores in these natural membranes are too large to block bacteria such as gonorrhea and the viruses responsible for other STIs. They’re more than ten times the diameter of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and more than 25 times the size of HBV, or the hepatitis B virus. 

However, researchers checked more than the pore size to evaluate the effectiveness of lambskin condoms in the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. In laboratory studies, they found that natural membrane condoms allowed for the sexual transmission of HIV, HBV, and other viruses, such as herpes simplex, the CDC says.

So, what do lambskin condoms protect against? Not STDs.

Aside from pregnancy, lambskin condoms protect against the hives, itching, and rash that many people experience when they have a topical latex allergy. These condoms also enable people with a more severe latex allergy to have sex without worrying about asthma-like symptoms such as wheezing and difficulty breathing, life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Other Disadvantages of Sheepskin Condoms

While their lack of protection against STIs and STDs is a considerable downside, sheepskin condoms have other drawbacks, such as:

• Price: Because sheepskin and lambskin condoms comprise such a small portion of the market, they’re more expensive — about three to four times what you’d spend on latex or synthetic condoms. For instance, a three-pack of Trojan NaturaLamb costs about $8.59, roughly the same price as a ten-pack of Trojan Double Ecstacy. 
• Fit: Lambskin and sheepskin condoms don’t have the elasticity people notice with latex and synthetic condoms. These types of condoms are at their largest out of the package. They have a circumference of 5.51 inches (140 mm). So while that means they fit several sizes, they also might feel too loose for some tastes. 
• Scent: Lambskin and sheepskin condoms have a different odor from latex and synthetic condoms, likely because of the natural material used in manufacturing them. While some people might not find this off-putting, users say that it is noticeable, regardless of how sensitive you are to different smells.

How to Use Sheepskin Condoms Correctly to Prevent Pregnancies 

A person wears a sheepskin condom to prevent pregnancy the same way as other condoms: by rolling it on over the sheath of the penis. However, instead of an elastic ring at the base like those that keep latex and synthetic condoms in place, lambskin condoms have a type of drawstring.  

As awkward as that sounds, users say it’s similar to tightening a shoelace, and it’s not uncomfortable. The drawstring action also allows for a more adjustable fit if you’re someone whose size makes wearing other condom types challenging.

Beyond a drawstring to cinch it in place, sheepskin or lambskin condoms have the same precautions as other condoms–specifically, to hold on to it while pulling out, health experts say. 

By the way, don’t double up wearing them thinking that you’re adding extra protection. Wearing two condoms during sex increases friction between them, making them more likely to break.

Alternatives to Latex Condom That Can Protect You from STDs 

If you or your partner has a latex allergy, here are several latex condom alternatives that can protect you from STDs:

• Polyurethane condoms: Thinner than latex, these synthetic condoms provide a skin-to-skin feel and heat up more naturally than latex — just like lambskin condoms. However, some people say they break more easily than latex and fit more loosely, so health experts say to use another form of contraception with them, such as birth control pills.
• Polyisoprene condoms: Polyisoprene is a lab-created form of latex, so it doesn’t contain the plant proteins that trigger most latex allergies. (If you have a severe latex allergy, avoid these anyway.) Users say that the material transmits body heat like lambskin and feels thin and soft. It works well with silicone- and water-based lubricants.
• Female condoms: Also called an internal condom, the female condom is one that either gender can use by inserting into the vagina or anus. Made of a synthetic rubber called nitrile, internal condoms cover more of the vulva, providing more complete STD protection. 

Get Tested Before You Get Intimate

At Rapid STD Testing, we offer confidential, safe, convenient, and accurate same-day STD testing near you. So whether you’re single or in a committed relationship, experiencing common STD symptoms, or just want to feel safe, we have a rapid STD test, a 10-panel STD test, and individual tests to set your mind at ease.

If you have additional questions about scheduling an STD test, or if you’d like to talk confidentially with one of our health care professionals, our staff at Rapid STD Testing is here to serve you. Please call us today at 866-872-1888.

Medically Reviewed By DR. HARSHI DHINGRA,Pathologist (MD) on May 07,2024

Contrary to various popular myths out there in the world, most STDs will not go away without treatment. These myths were perpetuated by those who became too embarrassed to get tested, so word spreads – almost as fast as an unchecked STD! People would rather avoid a conversation with a partner than go into a clinic for a diagnosis, and so rumours begin and people start to think that most, if not all, STDs will clear up if they are ignored.

It’s just not the case. It’s actually the opposite, most STDs will get worse if they are left untreated. Some STDs, if left untreated, can cause issues with fertility, and it’s important that each consenting adult is educated on the risks and dangers of STDs before they begin having sex. Due to lack of sexual health and education, a good number of adults having sex are sorely lacking when it comes to education on the facts surrounding STDs, which is why articles such as this exist.

What Is A Parasitic/Bacterial STD?

These are the STDs that don’t go away on their own: think chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. These will always require a prescription for medication in order to be managed properly. STDs like scabies, pubic lice and trich are all curable, but again, they require a prescription! When you leave any of these diseases untreated, you will find that other aspects of your health are in trouble. These STDs can also spread to other sexual partners, which is why you should always get tested between partners – regularly.

Consequences of Untreated STDs

When you leave any STD untreated, there will be consequences. Bacterial STDs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can potentially cause pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancies and infertility in both men and women. Chlamydia goes beyond pelvic issues, too, as it can also cause urethra inflammation, arthritis and more. Gonorrhea can also cause widespread infections in the bloodstream. When STDs, such as syphilis, are left without treatment, there is a significant risk of damage to the nervous system, eyes, heart and joints. It can even lead to an early death, which sounds harsh but is everything you need to know.

What About Viral STDs?

Did you know that viral STDs are the only STDs that may be able to go away on their own? Hepatitis B and C as well as HPV can all go away without any treatment. HIV and herpes, however, stay in the body for life and they need to be managed to control symptoms. Some people with hepatitis B and C may contract it and then clear it from their system without treatment, however, when this doesn’t happen it’s known as chronic hepatitis. This will be an issue as it can cause liver disease and liver cancers, which is something you definitely want to avoid! When it comes to HPV, it’s wise to note there are over 150 strains of HPV, so regular testing is an absolute must! You will find that many of these clear up on their own, but there are others that won’t go away.

There is no cure for HIV or herpes as of yet, but you should seek the advice of a doctor if you have any symptoms or suspect you have contracted either of these. Antiviral meds are a must and, in the case of herpes, they can lessen the severity of the outbreaks. For those infected with HIV, antiviral medications can reduce the complications associated with the infection and may reduce the risk of spreading it to a partner.

Treating STDs

If you have an STD that will only go away with treatment, you need to seek timely treatment to remain healthy. When you are left untreated, the consequences we mentioned above are going to be the next thing that you need to deal with. If you have an STD that won’t go away but that can be treated to reduce your symptoms, you should always be honest about your STD when you meet a new partner. The best ones are the ones that, with treatment, WILL go away, and if you want to know how you can cure an STD without going to the doctor, consulting a professional clinic is the way to go.

STDs are often asymptomatic, but that doesn’t mean that there is no risk of infection. It’s very dangerous not to get tested if you have any suspicions, and an absence of symptoms doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get safe, same day STD testing. You want to be able to have enjoyable, safe sex, and that’s so much easier when you are being treated for an STD.

So, can an STD go away on its own? Most of the time, no! This is why you should get convenient and accurate testing with rapidstdtesting.com. The convenience of same day STD testing is such that you can get the fast and confidential answers to the unanswered questions that you have.

Preventing STDs

The only real way you can prevent any STD is absolute abstinence. However, in the absence of a sexless existence, you should talk openly with your partner and get tested regularly. You can also model safe sex with condoms every time you get together. A healthy and active sex life can be enjoyed even with the presence of STDs. It is never too late to learn more about safe sex, using protection could keep you both healthy in the bedroom (or wherever!). Using a water-based lubrication is also a smart idea, as it’s going to prevent any micro tearing that can allow STDs and STIs into the bloodstream. If you’re in a same-sex relationship, condoms and STDs are still relevant, and you can use condoms on shared sex toys. You should also thoroughly clean them after use and ensure that they are stored properly.

Your sex life should be all about safe sex which should be an exciting thing fo you. The right STD treatment will help you to get your sex life back on track and help you to remain healthy now and into the future. With the help of same day STD testing from rapidstdtesting.com, you can get back on track easily and quickly!