Archives for January 2022

What You Need to Know About HPV Vaccines

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With human papillomavirus (HPV) as the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the U.S., it’s important to consider giving your pre-teens the HPV vaccine or getting it yourself, if you’re in the appropriate age group. At Rapid STD Testing, we know the importance of getting regular STD tests for early detection and treatment and vaccinations as a form of prevention.

With over 2500 nationwide locations, you can easily order a panel from our website and then head to the closest facility for same-day STD testing. Within one to three days, you’ll have accurate and confidential test results. Call Rapid STD Testing now at (866) 872-1888, or click online to order your testing panel and take charge of your sexual health.

What Is HPV?

Did you know that more than 150 types of HPV exist? In fact, HPV is so prevalent that nearly every person will become infected at some point in their life. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), around 80 million people in the United States have some strain of HPV that causes disease, with 13 million new infections with HPV occurring every year.

HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact, which means sexual contact with another person isn’t necessary for transmission to occur. While most strains are harmless, some types of HPV can cause genital warts or cancer of the throat, cervix, or anus. It’s also possible to have multiple different strains of HPV at once.

HPV is not herpes, although it can cause genital warts. To learn the differences between HPV and herpes, click the link to read our informative blog post on the subject.

HPV Symptoms

More than 40 strains of HPV spread via sexual contact. That group consists of two categories: low-risk HPV and high-risk HPV. While many strains of HPV are asymptomatic, there are a few associated symptoms.

Low-risk HPV causes warts on or around the:

  • Throat
  • Mouth
  • Anus
  • Genitals

High-risk HPV can cause cancer, including:

  • Cervical cancer
  • Vagina cancer
  • Penile cancer
  • Vulvar cancer
  • Anal cancer
  • Oral/throat cancer

While the most common symptom of low-risk HPV is warts, most types of HPV (including high-risk) don’t show any signs at all. When high-risk HPV does show symptoms, it’s usually because the virus has gone untreated for so long that it has caused serious health problems.

If you experience any of the above symptoms or think you might have been exposed to the virus, please get tested as quickly as possible. You can order a full 10-panel STD test on our website right now and then head to one of our locations for a rapid STD test that will give you the knowledge you need to take care of your sexual health.

When Did the HPV Vaccine Come Out?

We are fortunate enough in today’s advanced technological age to have a vaccine against HPV. But, when was the vaccine first created, and what is the current vaccine?

In the 1970s and 1980s, the first strains of HPV were isolated in cervical cancer tumors by a German virologist named Harald zur Hausen. After he pioneered this research, further discoveries showed that HPV could cause oral, anal, and vulval cancers.

The HPV vaccine development first occurred in Australia at the University of Queensland by professors Jian Zhou and Ian Frazer. The two scientists synthesized “virus-like particles” (VLPs) which mimic HPV, ultimately creating the first vaccine.

While the VLPs contain proteins from the HPV virus, they don’t have any HPV DNA that could cause an infection. Upon injection, the VLPs stimulate the production of antibodies to eliminate HPV.

That’s how the vaccine works: It introduces VLPs into your body, which then produce antibodies to attack them. Then, if the vaccinated person ever has HPV enter their body, it can make the same antibodies to eliminate the infection.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has licensed three different HPV vaccines:

  • 9-valent HPV vaccine (Gardasil-9)
  • Quadrivalent HPV vaccine (Gardasil)
  • Bivalent HPV vaccine (Cervarix)

As of 2016, Gardasil-9 is currently the only HPV vaccine you can receive in the United States. It’s safe for boys and girls and can prevent most of the serious health issues resulting from a high-risk HPV infection, including genital warts and certain cancers:

  • Cervical
  • Vaginal
  • Vulvar
  • Anal
  • Mouth
  • Throat
  • Neck
  • Head

HPV Vaccine Age: When Should You Get the Vaccine?

The HPV vaccine age varies, but barring some exceptions, you cannot receive the vaccine at any age. We’ll now explain the important information regarding vaccine schedules, appropriate ages for vaccination, possible side effects, and whether the vaccine is safe (yes!).

Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine? Is it Necessary for Males to Get the Vaccine?

Yes, males should get the vaccine. When they do, it prevents them from being infected and unknowingly transmitting the infection to their female sexual partners.

The CDC recommends that girls and boys aged 11 or 12 should be vaccinated, although children as young as nine can receive it as well. In general, you should vaccinate your preteens before they have sexual contact.

The HPV vaccine schedule for 9-14-year-olds is two doses of the Gardasil-9 injection at least six months apart. Remember, only children who have their first dose before age 15 get two doses unless their doctor administered the doses less than five months apart. The vaccine schedule is three doses for older teens and young adults who are 16 through 26 years old.

Additional Considerations

If a person between the ages of 15 and 26 misses one or more of the doses, they need to restart their vaccine schedule to receive full benefits and protection. If you’re older than 27, you may not be eligible for vaccination.

Young women who have already received the vaccine should continue to get pap tests to ensure they stay healthy. In fact, getting regular pap tests is one of the best ways to prevent infection and stay in charge of your sexual health.

Every sexually active adult should get tested for STDs regularly. If you think you may have HPV or another STD, you can order one of our testing panels right here on the Rapid STD Testing website. After taking the test, you’ll have the results in one to three days, after which you can seek medical treatment if your test is positive.

Who Shouldn’t Get the HPV Vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is not suitable for certain groups of people. For example, if you have a moderate to severe illness or are pregnant, you should not receive the vaccine. In addition, people with yeast, latex, or other severe allergies should consult with their doctor before getting vaccinated.

Also, your doctor may not recommend the vaccine for you if you’re between the ages of 27 and 45. Usually, this is because you’ve most likely already had exposure to the virus, which means that the vaccine won’t be as effective.

In addition, people who have had a severe allergic reaction to a prior dose should not receive any additional doses.

Is the HPV Vaccine Mandatory?

Certain states have an HPV vaccine mandate for children who wish to enroll in public schools. Here are the states that require vaccination and accompanying regulations:

Washington DC: As of January 2009, females entering grade six must receive the HPV vaccination.

Hawaii: As of July 2020, boys and girls entering grade seven or higher must receive the vaccine.

Rhode Island: Between 2015 and 2017, Rhode Island mandated the vaccine for males and females, with one dose for grade seven students, two doses for grade eight, and three doses for grade nine.

Virginia: As of July 2021, students entering grade seven must receive two doses.

The HPV vaccine is highly effective: People who receive Gardasil-9 have protection against infection for at least 12 years, with no evidence of the effectiveness decreasing over time. The vaccine also has reduced the number of teens and young adults who get genital warts by 88%.

HPV Vaccine Side Effects: Do Any Exist?

Like any other vaccine, Gardasil-9 can cause side effects in some people. However, we’d like to emphasize that most people don’t show any adverse signs post-vaccination. When they do occur, it’s mild. Common side effects include:

  • Fainting or dizziness
  • Headache or fatigue
  • Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site
  • Low-grade fever
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Nausea

Dizziness and fainting are more common in young children and adolescents. To mitigate the damage from fainting, adolescents who receive the vaccine should lay down during the injection and for 15 minutes afterward.

Is the HPV Vaccine Safe?

Yes, the HPV vaccine is entirely safe. Although the only vaccine currently on the market in the U.S. is Gardasil-9, both it and the other two licensed vaccines (Gardasil and Cervarix) all underwent extensive testing and clinical trials monitored by the FDA to ensure complete safety. In the 15 years since the creation of the HPV vaccine, continued testing and research have definitively shown the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.

Gardasil-9 does not cause any type of fertility issues in females. In fact, not getting the vaccine puts women at higher risk for fertility issues than they would have with the vaccine.

Where to Get the HPV Vaccine

 If you want to get the vaccine for HPV, you have several options. First, get a rapid STD test to ensure that you don’t have HPV. Even if you haven’t had any sexual contact, it’s still important to take the test because HPV spreads via skin-to-skin.

For fast and confidential STD testing, you can order a panel from us here at Rapid STD Testing right now on our website. You may even be able to go to an urgent care facility. To learn whether urgent care facilities perform STD testing, click on the link to read our informative blog post on the topic.

To find a location where you can receive the vaccine, contact your state health department. Or ask your primary care physician if they stock and administer Gardasil-9. If they don’t, you can ask for a referral to another doctor who does. In addition, places like school-based health centers, public health clinics, and health departments also administer the vaccine.

Get Tested for HPV Today at Rapid STD Testing

The HPV vaccine was a breakthrough that has helped prevent infections in thousands of women and men. If you want to get the vaccine, speak with your doctor or head to the local health clinic. For accurate and confidential same-day STD testing, call Rapid STD Testing at (866) 872-1888 or click on our website to order your testing panel.

Can You Get More Than One STD at a Time?

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At Rapid STD Testing, one of the most common questions we hear is, “Can you have more than one STD at a time?” Yes, you can. If you think you may have multiple sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), please get tested right away so you can receive the necessary treatment.

Part of the responsibility of being a sexually active individual is getting regular STD tests to ensure that you stay healthy and happy. Fortunately, we have over 2500 locations nationwide where you can get accurate, confidential, and same-day STD testing. Call Rapid STD Testing at (866) 872-1888 or click online to order your testing panel today.

Is it Possible to Have Multiple STDs?

Can you have multiple STDs at once? Yes. Not only is it possible but having two or more STDs at once isn’t that uncommon. A 2010 study found that out of 275 patients, 37% (102) had one or more STDs, with males more likely to have multiple STDs than women at a rate of 2.5 to 1. Out of the male patients, only one reported using a condom regularly.

We can’t emphasize enough the importance of using protection every time you have sex, whether it’s vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

Did you have unprotected sexual contact with someone who has one or multiple STDs? Do you frequently have new sexual partners? If so, you are at high risk of contracting one or more STIs (sexually transmitted infections) or STDs.

Even if you use protection, there’s still a chance you could have multiple STDs. Here’s a common scenario: having protected sex with someone who has uncovered lesions on their genital area that come into contact with your body. Alternatively, perhaps the condom you used broke unknowingly during sex.

Can You Have Three STDs at Once?

Just as you can have one or two STDs at the same time, it’s possible to have three or four STDs simultaneously. For example, you could have HIV, herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. For this reason, you should opt for the full panel of STD tests every time you get tested.

Symptoms Common to STDs

Many STDs present very similar symptoms, contributing to misdiagnosis in people with multiple STDs. Commonly shared symptoms include:

  • Vaginal bleeding or spotting (not menstrual blood)
  •  Burning or pain during urination
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the groin
  • Strong vaginal odor and discharge
  • Discharge from the penis

Many people with multiple STDs don’t know it because some STDs are asymptomatic, meaning they don’t show any symptoms at all. In fact, asymptomatic STDs are more common than not.

Let’s take chlamydia, for example. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), chlamydia is the most common, treatable STD in the world. However, people often fail to treat it because chlamydia is largely asymptomatic in men and women. Around 50% of men and 75% of women never show any signs. 

Other STDs that don’t show symptoms include:

  • Gonorrhea
  • Herpes
  • Trichomoniasis
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Hepatitis B

Not only do asymptomatic STDs contribute to misdiagnosis of multiple infections, but some STDs also have long incubation periods, causing them to lie dormant in your body. For example, syphilis can lie dormant for years before symptoms present. You can learn about STD incubation periods by clicking the link for more information on the subject.

Testing for Multiple STDs

If you’re sexually active, you should get regular STD tests even if you use protection. Properly managing your health care is the most critical part of being a sexually active, responsible adult.

Based upon expert medical advice from the CDC, follow these recommendations concerning how often you should get tested for STDs:

  • Teens and adults ages 13 to 64 should have HIV testing at least once
  • Sexually active people who engage in high-risk behaviors (i.e., unprotected sex) should have annual HIV testing
  • Sexually active women under age 25 should have yearly testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea
    • High-risk women over 25 also should have annual testing
  • Pregnant women should have early (and repeat, if necessary) testing for hepatitis B and C, HIV, and syphilis
  • Sexually active men who are gay, bisexual, or have sex with other men need annual testing for:
    • Syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia
    • HIV
    • Hepatitis C, if living with HIV or AIDS
  • High-risk men should have all of the tests above every three to six months instead of yearly

At Rapid STD Testing, we offer a full 10-panel STD test, which includes all the most common STDs. After you order a testing panel, all you have to do is visit one of our 2500+ locations to give a specimen. Then, you’ll have accurate results within one to three business days. We’re the best option for a confidential, rapid STD test that won’t go on your permanent medical record.

STDs That Usually Co-Infect and Their Treatment Methods

Can you have two STDs at once? Yes, it is quite common for sexually active people to have multiple STDS. The most common co-infections include:

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are prevalent co-infections. If the STDs present symptoms, they’ll occur within two days to a few weeks after infection. Women are more likely than men to show symptoms, and if they do not treat it, a dual infection can cause significant health problems.

Treatment

Fortunately, a co-infection of gonorrhea and chlamydia is easily treatable with antibiotics. The CDC recommends an intramuscular injection of Rocephin (ceftriaxone) with an oral dose of Zithromax (azithromycin).

HIV and Other STDs

If you have the viral infection HIV, your risk of contracting other STDs increases considerably due to your weakened immune system and the likelihood of you engaging in high-risk behaviors. Conversely, if you have one or more STDs, your risk of contracting HIV also increases. As a result, many people with HIV also have other STDs, such as chlamydia, HPV, gonorrhea, hepatitis, etc.

Risk behaviors for HIV and other STDs include:

  • Having unprotected sex without a condom, including vaginal, anal, or oral
  • Having multiple sex partners
  • Having anonymous sex partners
  • Having sex while under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Treatment

Treatment for an HIV co-infection varies based on your specific additional STD. Treatment for other STDs will not prevent the spread of HIV to your sexual partners.

The primary treatment for HIV is antiretroviral therapy (ART), which is essentially a combination of HIV medications. ART won’t cure HIV, but it can reduce your viral load to an undetectable level, virtually eliminating the risk of transmission.

Syphilis and Other STDs

If you’re sexually active, you could be at risk for contracting syphilis in combination with other STDs, like gonorrhea or chlamydia. Syphilis is easily treatable if caught quickly in the first stage of the disease (there are three stages).

Treatment for syphilis consists of an intramuscular penicillin injection. If you’re allergic to penicillin, alternative treatment options include doxycycline, azithromycin, tetracycline, or ceftriaxone. It’s important to remember that treatment for syphilis will cure the infection, but it won’t reverse any damage that the disease already caused your body.

For people with syphilis and gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia, or even all three, your treatment method will consist of antibiotics. The usual combination is penicillin with other antibiotics like azithromycin or ceftriaxone.

Tips to Prevent Co-Infection and Contracting STDs in General

At Rapid STD Testing, we often field questions and concerns from our patients, including the one that resulted in this blog post, which is “Can you get more than one STD at a time?” Another common question we get is, “How can I prevent STDs?”

Regarding STD prevention, only one method provides 100% protection: abstinence. However, it’s unrealistic to believe that every teenager and adult will practice abstinence. If you are going to have sex, you need to remember these key tips that can reduce your chance of contracting one or more STDs:

  • Use the barrier method every time you have sex (i.e., a condom or dental dam)
  • When using condoms, use them correctly
  • Don’t engage in anonymous sex
  • Avoid drinking alcohol or using drugs before having sex
  • Try to limit the number of sexual partners you have
  • If you use drugs via injection, do not share your needles or injecting equipment

Another common concern from our patients is their risk of contracting an STD, especially if they’re in a monogamous relationship or their partner took an STD test that was negative. Under certain circumstances, this could happen. To learn whether you can get an STD if your partner is clean, click on the link to read our blog post concerning this important topic.

Get Tested Today and Stay in Charge of Your Sexual Health 

We hope that this blog answered your question, “Can you have more than one STD at a time?” Yes, you can, so don’t take a chance with your sexual health and happiness. Instead, call Rapid STD Testing at (866) 872-1888, or head to our website to order your testing panel right now. 

Guide to Mycoplasma Genitalium Testing, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Mycoplasma genitalium, or MG, is a common STD responsible for a wide range of varying symptoms in both men and women. Because Mycoplasma genitalium is so prevalent, many doctors assume that their patients have MG simply based on symptoms and thus treat for it without testing.

For example, if a patient suffers from cervicitis or urethritis and their healthcare provider rules out gonorrhea and chlamydia, they may receive presumptive treatment for MG since it’s very likely that their symptoms result from Mycoplasma genitalium infection. A rapid STD test can help rule out other common STDs.

So what does MG look like, and how does Mycoplasma genitalium testing work?

What Is Mycoplasma Genitalium?

M. genitalium is a small, pathogenic, sexually transmitted bacteria that can lead to an STD. MG typically lives and multiplies in human mucous epithelial cells in the genital and urinary tract.

Although health care providers don’t often diagnose MG, various studies show that over 1 in 100 adults may harbor this sneaky bacteria.

Some details of M. genitalium’s life cycle and spreading mechanism remain partially unclear to science. However, doctors do know that these bacteria pass through bodily secretions, similar to gonorrhea and chlamydia. They do not spread across the patient’s skin like HPV and herpes.

You can contract MG through:

  • Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex
  • Sexual touching and rubbing
  • Sharing sex toys with an infected person

Scientists first isolated Mycoplasma genitalium in 1981 and in 1983 identified the new urogenital bacteria as a species of Mycoplasma. In 1995, researchers mapped out the full genome sequence of M. genitalium.

In recent years, medical reports point out that M. genitalium is becoming increasingly common, most likely due to resistance to antibiotics such as azithromycin. According to the CDC, up to 30% of females with clinical cervicitis and up to 40% of males with recurring or persistent urethritis may have MG.

The comparatively late discovery and lack of total clarity about M. genitalium’s mode of spreading stem from this bacterium’s characteristics. MG grows slowly and is difficult to detect and isolate in clinical specimens. Moreover, since mycoplasma has no cell wall, it resists widely used antibiotics that target bacterial cell wall synthesis.

The challenge of testing, nonspecific and inconsistent infection symptoms, and macrolide resistance have lately placed M. genitalium high on CDC’s list of public health concerns.

Mycoplasma Genitalium Symptoms

One of the problems with diagnosing an M. genitalium infection is lack of consistent symptoms. Asymptomatic individuals can pass MG to their sexual partners without even knowing it. Mycoplasma genitalium can live and multiply in your system undetected for a long time, while you and your partner mistakenly consider yourselves safe.

The symptoms of MG vary between men and women. Men with MG may experience:

  • Watery urethral discharge
  • Urethral swelling and pain
  • A painful, burning, or stinging sensation while urinating

In women, MG symptoms may incude:

  • Pain during intercourse
  • Bleeding after intercourse
  • Mid-cycle spotting
  • Pelvic pain

As you see, these symptoms are nonspecific and can present in a whole range of different conditions, from UTI to hormonal disruptions. At most, they can indicate that you have contracted some type of infection.

A diagnosis may become even more complicated if you are unlucky enough to contract more than one STD at once. For example, a quick STD test may reveal that you have chlamydia, after which your health care provider would prescribe an antibiotic treatment course. But if you have MG as well as chlamydia and if your M. genitalium infection resists antibiotics, your symptoms may recur after a while.

Unlike gonorrhea and chlamydia, M. genitalium rarely causes flu-like symptoms such as diarrhea. If you’re suffering from bowel movement disruptions and have ruled out other reasons, one of several common STDs may be the culprit. Learn about STDs that cause diarrhea.

Not sure whether what you’re experiencing fits the description of MG or another STD? Learn the most common signs and symptoms of STD.

How Do You Test for Mycoplasma Genitalium?

Although targeted FDA-approved Mycoplasma genitalium testing is beginning to emerge, providing a definite MG diagnosis is still a challenge. Culture tests don’t work with MG because of the slow-growth nature of M. genitalium. Without a clear diagnosis, treatment of persistent cervicitis or urethritis may prove ineffective or, in some cases, may even lead to higher bacterial resistance.

Often, health care providers will first rule out other STDs, like gonorrhea and chlamydia. If the patient’s symptoms indicate MG testing, their health care provider will usually recommend a NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test).

NAAT tests use a sample of the patient’s urine, a urethral or vaginal swab, or an endometrial biopsy, to locate the genetic material of M. genitalium. NAAT employs the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technology to facilitate detection. NAAT usually returns an accurate result within 24-48 hours.

The main drawback of NAAT Mycoplasma genitalium testing is a certain percentage of false-negative results. To avoid this, a diagnosis should include both a Mycoplasma genitalium urine test and a test based on a urethral, vaginal, or cervical swab. This practice helps prevent errors and doubles the chance of correct diagnosis.

Samples that test positive for M. genitalium in a NAAT should also undergo testing for macrolide resistance mutations. Macrolide resistance testing can help avoid treatment failures that result from resistance to antibiotics like azithromycin and second-line antimicrobials such as fluoroquinolone.

Complications From Mycoplasma Genitalium

Without proper Mycoplasma genitalium testing and treatment, M. genitalium can lead to a range of serious complications in both men and women. In men, M. genitalium can cause orchitis (testicular inflammation), epididymitis (inflammation of the tubes that carry sperm), or combined epididymo-orchitis. This type of infection is not just very painful, but may increase the risk of male infertility.

In women, MG complications can lead to PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease). This occurs when M. genitalium spreads across the female reproductive system. Several meta-analysis studies confirm the association between MG, cervicitis, and PID with all its associated complications. 

PID can cause persistent pelvic pain, difficulties in conceiving, a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy, and female infertility. If the fallopian tubes become infected, they can no longer transport eggs. In other cases, the fallopian tubes may become blocked due to scarring.

It’s important to note that PID may also occur due to other undiagnosed and untreated STDs, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Pregnant women may experience even more serious adverse effects from an M. genitalium infection. MG may lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth. M. genitalium may also pass to babies of infected mothers during birth, leading to dangerous complications in newborns.

Not all antibiotics used to treat M. genitalium are safe to use during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and test positive for MG, your health care provider can help you choose a safe treatment course.

Finally, health authorities believe that individuals with M. genitalium are more susceptible to other types of STIs like HIV.

Mycoplasma Genitalium Treatment and Prevention

Sexually active individuals have a higher risk of contracting M. genitalium if they:

  • Frequently change sexual partners
  • Engage in unprotected sex or sexual contact, even without penetration
  • Tested positive for other sexually transmitted infections
  • Have a partner who tested positive for MG

Fortunately, it appears that MG does not spread as easily as other types of pathogens, such as herpes for example. There is currently no evidence of people who have contracted M. genitalium through kissing, sharing eating or drinking utensils, or using the same toilet seat as an infected person.

Although no type of protection is bulletproof, condoms confer a very high degree of protection against MG. If you and your partner wish to stop using condoms, e.g. because you are in a long-term monogamous relationship or because you are planning a pregnancy, you should both get tested and have an open and honest conversation about your sexual health.

It’s important to keep in mind that MG can remain under wraps for many months, possibly years. If one of you tests positive, it doesn’t mean you or your partner cheated or knowingly concealed the infection.

So what happens if you contract MG? The CDC recommends a two-stage therapy approach, ideally starting with macrolide resistance testing and followed by resistance-guided therapy, which has success rates of over 90%.

If resistance testing is available and the M. genitalium strain proves macrolide sensitive, the infection usually responds well to a 100 mg dose of doxycycline orally twice a day for 7 days, after which the patient will receive a 1-gr dose of azithromycin orally and three more 500 mg oral doses of azithromycin for three subsequent days.

If the MG strain is macrolide-resistant, the health care provider will follow doxycycline treatment with a 400-mg oral dose of moxifloxacin for 7 days.

In cases where resistance testing is unavailable, the infected person will undergo a treatment course of doxycycline and moxifloxacin as if they have contracted a macrolide-resistant strain.

If your Mycoplasma genitalium testing reveals an infection, your sexual partner should also get tested for M. genitalium and, if appropriate, undergo treatment to minimize the risk of re-infection for both of you.

Rapid STD Testing: Get Tested Today

Do you believe you may have been exposed to an STD? Protect your health by quick, discreet testing from Rapid STD Testing. Learn about our same-day STD testing options and order our comprehensive 10-panel STD test.

STD Statistics: What Stands Out From 2021

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Early in 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the latest sexually transmitted disease (STD) report for 2019. The study highlights the United States’ sixth consecutive record-breaking STD spike. 

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis remain the most prevalent STD infections. The reports show that these infections increase by 30% every year. While a few states’ STD rates declined, the overall prevalence of sexual diseases remains alarming. 

Based on the CDC’s report, each year witnesses over 20 million new STD cases in the U.S. At Rapid STD Testing, we gathered the latest STD statistics and categorized the data to improve nationwide awareness.

Most Notable Statistics

CDC Trends in the U.S. (2019)

About two decades ago, syphilis almost disappeared, while gonorrhea cases dipped to historic lows. However, the CDC’s Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report of 2019 indicates that a staggering 2.5 million Americans tested positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis in 2019 and that syphilis rates have been increasing every year since 2001 across all demographics. 

The CDC’s research further found that men who have sex with men (MSM) account for half of the syphilis cases. However, syphilis rates among women have increased by 178.6% between 2015–2019. Also, one worrisome fact involves the highest-ever detection of congenital syphilis in newborns between 2015 and 2019.

STD Statistics Globally in 2020

Are STDs on the rise? 2020 saw the continuation of the recent trend of rising infections. Over one million people get infected with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) daily. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated new STI cases by category as follows in 2020: 

  • 156 million cases of trichomoniasis
  • 129 million cases of chlamydia
  • 82 million cases of gonorrhea
  • 7.1 million cases of syphilis 

The WHO’s STI estimation further highlights that: 

  • Over 490 million people were living with genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) in 2016
  • 300 million women were infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • 296 million people are suffering from chronic hepatitis B 

With vaccination, preventable STIs include hepatitis B and HPV. Millions of women remain at risk of getting cervical cancer due to undetected or untreated HPV infections. Men and women can prevent progressive complications by getting a rapid STD test.

STI Detection and Its Consequences

The majority of people testing positive for STIs and STDs remain asymptomatic. Every year, the world sees an estimated 374 million new infections, which is over one million per day, according to the WHO. 

HPV remained responsible for 570,000 cases of cervical cancer in 2018. The infection further causes around 311,000 cervical cancer deaths every year. Syphilis afflicted almost 1 million pregnant women in 2016, inducing around 200,000 stillbirths and infant deaths.  

A look at the figures for STIs reveals troubling results. Aside from increasing the risk of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), STIs trigger other serious complications. In 2016, the infections induced more than 350,000 negative pregnancy results, such as: 

  • Neonatal death
  • Stillbirth
  • Premature birth
  • Low birth weight
  • Congenital deformities
  • Sepsis 

In 2019, hepatitis B resulted in around 820,000 deaths globally. Cirrhosis and liver cancer remain the primary causes of death. 

At Rapid STD Testing, we offer 10-panel STD tests for maximum precaution so you can seek immediate medical attention if needed.

STD Statistics by Age

Worldwide STD test reports highlight HSV genital infections in over 500 million people between 15 and 49 years. 

What population has the highest rate of STDs? Although STIs remain prevalent in all age groups, the most afflicted group includes the youth. Learn the chances of getting an STD from a one-night stand at Rapid STD Testing.

Syphilis

Based on data reviewed by Yale School of Medicine, all age groups above 15 years report high infection rates. 

Syphilis rates were highest in men between 25 and 29 years and women between 20 and 24 years. Syphilis infections in women rose by 30% between 2017 and 2018. Excessive drug use in these age groups accelerated the STD spread, especially methamphetamine, heroin, and other intravenous drugs. 

Infected mothers account for 80% of syphilis cases in infants. About 40% of syphilis cases result in stillbirth or infant death.

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

Around 61% of chlamydia infections occur in the age group between 15 and 24. The age group also holds the record for 42% of gonorrhea cases. 

In the United States, the highest chlamydia infection rates persist among those aged between 20 and 24 years, affecting women more than men. Gonorrhea infections affect teens and young adults more than other groups.

STDs in Adolescents and Young Adults

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) states that adolescents and young adults show a higher risk of contracting HPV. Over 75% of new infections occur in individuals between 15 and 25 years. Young girls’ bodies prove more vulnerable to contracting HPV.  

What are the top three leading STDs for 14-year-olds? Diseases prevalent among adolescents include chlamydia, congenital syphilis, and gonorrhea. Young teens contract STDs from unprotected sexual experimentation as well as child abuse.

HIV

In 2019, HIV infection rates remained highest in the age group of 25 to 34. The second most infected group includes the age of 35 to 44. Over the years, adolescents, young adults, and persons over 45 years experienced a decline in infection rates. 

Between 2015 and 2019, HIV rates decreased by 8%. However, the CDC recommends routine HIV tests for everyone above 13 years of age. At Rapid STD Testing, we offer same-day STD testing for added convenience.  

STD Cases by State

Despite advancements in STD testing, treatment, and the availability of condoms, STD cases keep surging in the U.S. With millions of new cases every year, statewide STD distribution varies. We gathered the CDC’s data on states with the highest STD cases per 100,000 population.

Mississippi

Mississippi reported the highest number of gonorrhea cases at 327 per 100,000 in 2021. The state ranked third in chlamydia and syphilis infection cases at 741 and 16 per 100,000, respectively.

Alaska

Alaskans reported the highest chlamydia cases in the country with 6,159 infections per 100,000 in 2018. The state’s cumulative syphilis number fell to 832 per 100,000. The gonorrhea rate remained the second-highest in the country with 304 cases per 100,000.  

Louisiana

The state of Louisiana registered the third-highest chlamydia rate with 775 cases per 100,000. Gonorrhea infection numbers fell to 258 per 100,000, making it the fifth-highest in the country. Syphilis also declined, dropping the state from the third to the seventh rank.

South Carolina

This southern state reported the third-highest gonorrhea rate and the fourth-highest chlamydia rate in the country. Its respective numbers stood at 275 and 675 per 100,000.

New Mexico

This Southwestern state ranked fifth-highest in chlamydia cases and sixth-highest in gonorrhea and syphilis cases. The STDs’ respective numbers were 671, 253, and 15 per 100,000.

STD Cases by U.S. Cities

What city had the highest STD level in 2021? Based on the CDC’s rankings as interpreted by the Innerbody Research Team, Jackson, MS, was the highest with 4,281 cases overall per 100,000 population. Chlamydia remained the most prevalent STD in Jackson, with 3,984 infections per 100,000, followed by HIV (2,541 per 100,000), gonorrhea (2,081 per 100,000), and syphilis (100 per 100,000). 

In an alarming reveal, military cities show widespread STD cases. Augusta, GA, Montgomery, AL, and Fayetteville, NC, all appear in the top 10 list of afflicted cities. Although these cities do not have large civilian populations, they accommodate large military bases.

States with Low STD Rates

The states with the lowest levels of STDs included: 

  • Vermont
  • West Virginia
  • New Hampshire
  • Maine
  • Wyoming 

Vermont ranked the lowest in gonorrhea and syphilis cases, with 43 and 1.8 cases per 100,000, respectively. The state’s chlamydia level fell to the second-lowest in the country, with 275 infections per 100,000. West Virginia reported the lowest chlamydia level, with 199 cases per 100,000. 

New Hampshire reported the second-lowest gonorrhea level, with 44 cases per 100,000. Connecticut’s syphilis level fell to the second-lowest with only three infections per 100,000. 

Many people who have STDs experience mild or no symptoms at all. Social stigma and false knowledge further boost the spread of infections. Learn about common STD myths at Rapid STD Testing.

STD Rates by Ethnicity

CDC highlights the high prevalence of STDs among ethnic minority groups. In the U.S., social factors and economic disadvantages promote unhealthy sexual practices in certain communities. Poverty, unemployment, lack of adequate education, and fewer opportunities increase infection rates. 

Disparities in STD statistics indicate reduced infection rates among Caucasians compared to various minority racial groups. The increased risk rates for minorities include:  

  • Black Americans at five to eight times
  • American Indians, Native Alaskans, and Native Hawaiians at three to five times
  • Latinos at one to two times

Chlamydia

Among the population afflicted by chlamydia, women of color reported a higher number of cases. The infection rates remain five times higher among black women than white women. High-risk racial and ethnic groups include: 

  • Black
  • American Indian
  • Alaska Native
  • Native Hawaiian
  • Hispanic

HIV

CDC’s HIV statistics show that Black Americans remain the most afflicted group. The Black population accounts for 43% of the total HIV diagnoses. They also experience 44% of HIV deaths. Although HIV infections reduced in 2019, the rates remained the same in racial and ethnic communities. Latino groups show a 22% infection rate. Persons of diverse races report a 19% infection rate.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea infections remain the highest in blacks with 549 cases per 100,000 population. The STD rates increased among ethnic and racial minority groups after 2014. The rates increased by: 

  • 89.1% in White Americans
  • 66.0% in Hispanic Americans
  • 90.3% in Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders
  • 99.4% in Asians
  • 110% in Multiracial individuals

Syphilis

Ever since syphilis rebounded from the verge of elimination in 2001, the cases have multiplied. The primary and secondary syphilis rates saw a hike among ethnic groups from 2014 to 2018. 

The highest spike of 40.9% came from Native Americans and Alaskans. Multiracial individuals came second with a 22.1% infection rate increase. Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders followed with 19%. Others included: 

  • Blacks (18 %)
  • Hispanics (13%)
  • Whites (12%)
  • Asians (10%) 

Experts conclude that Black men and Latino men show high risks of contracting STDs. The main cause remains poor socioeconomic conditions. A major STD prevention step includes addressing inequalities and focusing on vulnerable minority groups.

Beat the Odds Today!

Let’s eliminate the spread of disease and reverse the rising STD statistics. Get in touch with us at Rapid STD Testing at (866) 872-1888 to schedule your test.

Can an STD Stop Your Period? What You Need to Know

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A late period can make you stare at the calendar in nail-biting suspension – or run out late at night to get a pregnancy test. However, once you’ve ruled out pregnancy but your period still hasn’t started, you may wonder what has caused this lapse in your cycle.

Many factors, from stress to hormonal disruptions, can cause irregular menstrual cycles. Women who suspect exposure to a sexually transmitted infection may also wonder, “Can an STD stop my period?”

The answer is usually no – but STDs can still impact your reproductive health in profound and lasting ways. A rapid STD test can help you rule out or confirm many common STDs.

What Do Women Feel During Their Period?

Vaginal bleeding is the most obvious and well-known symptom of periods. Menstrual discharge usually starts with a heavy blood flow in the first 1-2 days. In the next 2-3 days, the flow typically lightens until it turns to brown spotting and then disappears completely.

The length of the menstrual cycle, length of the period, and amount of blood flow vary among women. Some experience periods as short as two days, while for others the period may last for a week or more.

Typically, women menstruate once in 28 days, but some may experience cycles as short as 21 days or as long as 35 days. Periods are often longer and heavier in the first few years starting from the onset of menses at puberty.

Apart from bleeding, women may deal with a host of other unpleasant experiences before and during menstruation. PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) and period symptoms include:

  • Abdominal cramps
  • Lower back pain
  • Heavy or sore breasts
  • Mood swings
  • Muscle aches
  • Acne, herpes, or yeast infection outbreaks

Of course, period symptoms differ from woman to woman. Some barely notice any difference in their overall feeling during this time, while others spend a few days in bed with severe cramps and fatigue.

Moreover, an individual woman may notice that some of her periods are lighter or heavier compared to what’s normal for her. Changes in menstrual flow or frequency may occur due to the effects of birth control pills, hormonal fluctuations, weight gain or loss, and other factors.

What Is Considered Normal or Abnormal Bleeding?

Your menstrual cycle begins in your brain. The hypothalamus, which acts as a control center for many bodily functions, sends a signal to the pituitary gland to produce hormones that make your ovaries secrete estrogen and progesterone. One function of estrogen and progesterone is to prepare your uterus for pregnancy.

If no pregnancy occurs, your uterus will begin to shed its lining at the end of your cycle, typically on day 28. That is when menstrual flow begins for most women. Many women, particularly those who suffer from severe Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) or heavy periods, prepare for the end of their cycle with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and a hot water bottle.

Heavy or abnormal bleeding is a common period complaint. Keep in mind, however, that what’s normal for one woman may be a red flag for another. You know your body best, so pay attention to any irregular menstrual patterns or changes in flow, such as:

  • A very long period (hypermenorrhea)
  • A very short period (hypomenorrhea)
  • Excessive bleeding volume
  • Abnormally light bleeding
  • Frequent periods (polymenorrhea)
  • Periods that occur too far apart (oligomenorrhea)

Cycles often come out of sync because of irregular ovulation, which can occur for many reasons. Some causes for irregular ovulation patterns include extremely high or low body weight, stress, hormonal disruptions, or thyroid dysfunction. Breastfeeding women often experience lactational amenorrhea, aka complete lack of periods, for many months.

Treating an irregular menstrual pattern requires diagnosing the underlying cause. Women with erratic periods will need a comprehensive ob/gyn examination and often an endocrinology screening.

Additionally, what looks like an unusually heavy period may be an early miscarriage or a sign of ectopic pregnancy. In other cases, women assume they have had a very light period when in fact what they experienced is implantation bleeding, which occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus lining. Implantation bleeding happens at about the time when a period is supposed to begin, which makes it easy to mistake one for another.

The bottom line is that if you experience any alterations in your menstrual pattern, rule out pregnancy and talk to your ob/gyn about any recurring menstrual abnormalities.

Can a Sexually Transmitted Disease Stop Your Period?

Does an STD stop your period? In a nutshell, usually not – at least not until you suffer from serious complications. Many common STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, mycoplasma genitalium, and genital herpes can lurk quietly in your system for months or even years without any visible symptoms. Alternatively, symptoms can be so nonspecific that you may not suspect you have an STD, especially if you are in a long-term monogamous relationship.

However, a connection between STDs and your period does exist. In particular, you are more vulnerable to contracting an STI while you are menstruating.

Right before your flow begins, your cervix opens slightly to release the blood. While your cervix is open, bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens can reach the upper cervix and the uterus more easily. This is true for most common STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and HIV.

Additionally, during most of your cycle the vagina usually maintains a protective acidic environment that lowers the risk of contracting STIs. During menstruation, the vagina becomes more alkaline, which makes it far easier for pathogens to survive. That’s why practicing safe sex is doubly important during menstruation.

What about rapid STD testing while you’re on your period? In most cases, there’s no reason to delay testing until after your period is over. Learn whether you can take an STI test while on period.

Will STD stop your period? While not very likely, it can happen in some cases if a bacteria or virus spreads and does extensive damage to your reproductive system. However, every sexually active person should get tested for STDs at least once a year, or more often if you engage in unprotected sex or have multiple partners.

Untreated STDs can have serious consequences, including persistent pain and discomfort, a range of inflammatory diseases, reduced fertility, and often-overlooked bladder issues. Learn about STDs that cause frequent urination.

What Is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is one potentially grave consequence of undiagnosed and untreated STIs. The answer to the “Could an STD stop your period?” question changes for women with PID. This severe condition definitely can cause irregular or excessively heavy periods, as well as spotting between periods.

So what is pelvic inflammatory disease? PID can occur when a pathogen, usually but not always a sexually transmitted bacteria like chlamydia or gonorrhea, spreads across the female reproductive tract, including the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and pelvis.

Health care providers often have difficulty diagnosing PID because of its inconsistent, nonspecific, and sometimes nonexistent symptoms. PID can occur in the form of:

  • Acute PID. The acute form of PID may manifest in high fever, severe lower abdominal pain, fainting, or vomiting. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, go to the ER right away.
  • Chronic PID. Chronic PID usually involves prolonged but vague complaints such as pelvic pain during intercourse, urinary problems, irregular menstrual bleeding, heavier periods with painful cramping, spotting between cycles, and abnormal vaginal discharge.
  • Silent PID. In many cases, PID may cause silent but devastating damage to a woman’s reproductive system without any outward signs.

Often, women get diagnosed for PID only when they fail to conceive and struggle to find out the reason for their fertility problems. Untreated PID can lead to abscesses and scar tissue in the fallopian tubes and ovaries. About one in ten women with PID will become infertile.

PID may also lead to:

  • Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
  • Increased risk of miscarriages and stillbirths
  • Higher incidence to premature births and low birth weight in infants

The life-altering and often permanent effects of PID underline the importance of early screening and treatment. It’s especially important to get tested for STDs if you have a new partner, if you and your exclusive partner plan to stop using condoms, or if you are hoping to conceive.

While PID is treatable, no treatment can reverse the scarring and reproductive system damage the infection may have caused. PID treatment may include:

  • Antibiotics that target the specific bacteria present in your system. Be sure to complete the entire treatment course, even if any acute symptoms subside before that.
  • Treatment for your sexual partner. While your partner may have no symptoms, they likely carry the same bacteria and could re-infect you without appropriate treatment.
  • Temporary abstinence. Your health care provider may recommend that you avoid all sexual intercourse until you complete your treatment course and your symptoms disappear.

If you are pregnant and have PID, let your doctor know at once to make sure they prescribe antibiotics suitable for use during pregnancy.

We hope this overview helped clear up the question of “Can an STD stop your period?” and busted some common misconceptions about STDs and the menstrual cycle.

Protect Your Health With Rapid STD Testing

If you believe you have been exposed to an STD, discreet same-day STD testing can help protect your health and peace of mind. Contact us at Rapid STD Testing today to order our comprehensive 10-panel STD test.

Do Cold Sores Mean You Have an STD?

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Cold sores, or oral herpes, are an extremely common symptom of a herpes simplex viral infection. Up to 80% of American adults are oral herpes carriers. By the time you turn 50, you have a 90% chance of contracting the herpes simplex virus.

People who have herpes simplex will retain the virus in their system for the rest of their lives, though they may never develop symptoms.

Can oral herpes be a sign of something more serious? Do cold sores mean you have an STD? Usually not, but a rapid STD test can help safeguard your sexual health.

What Are Cold Sores?

This might sound familiar: You wake up in the morning, look in the mirror, and notice a slightly swollen, tender, tingly spot on or near your lips. After a day or two, the afflicted area breaks out in a cluster of fluid-filled, tiny blisters. Once the blisters burst, the cold sore scabs over and may persist for another couple of weeks, during which time you must exercise all your willpower to avoid scratching it.

The common course of cold sores includes:

  • A topical itching, tingling, or burning feeling near or on the lips, and sometimes in other areas of the face. These early signs usually begin a day or so before a cold sore pops up.
  • Swollen, red, and tender blisters that eventually rupture and begin to ooze clear or yellowish fluid.
  • Crusting and scabbing that follows the rupturing of blisters. As the skin heals, it may bleed or crack.

Eventually, the scab will fall off. You may notice that the healed skin appears reddish or pink and feels slightly tender for a couple of days. A cold sore will usually heal completely in a week or two.

If this is your first-ever cold sore outbreak, you may experience more severe symptoms that include a fever, a headache, a sore throat, aching muscles, and swollen lymph nodes. Subsequent outbreaks are usually milder and won’t disrupt your daily routine as much.

Causes and Risks of Cold Sores

HSV-1, the strain that typically causes cold sores, is extremely easy to catch. The contagious period starts from the time you feel the initial telltale tingling and ends only when the scab falls off and the skin underneath it has healed completely.

People with an active herpes simplex outbreak can transmit the virus to others in many ways, including:

  • Close skin-to-skin contact like kissing
  • Oral sex
  • Sharing eating or drinking utensils, toothbrushes, or lipsticks
  • Sharing a cigarette or a vape
  • Touching the cold sore and then touching another person’s mouth, genitals, or broken skin

If the majority of the population carries herpes simplex, why do some people suffer from monthly cold sore outbreaks, while others may never experience symptoms? Genetic predisposition plays a major role in making some individuals more susceptible to cold sores, but certain environmental factors can also increase the risk of outbreaks. Some HSV carriers present no symptoms for years until they experience a triggering event like an illness or a hormonal upheaval.

Cold sores tend to appear during periods of stress or fatigue, before or during menstruation, or following excessive exposure to sunlight. Finally, they often rear their heads when your immune system is under strain, such as during a cold (hence the name cold sores). Common cold viruses don’t cause cold sores in themselves, but a cold may trigger a herpes simplex outbreak.

For most people, cold sores are a temporary nuisance. However, immunocompromised people – those who have a vulnerable immune system due to organ transplantation medications, HIV, or other reasons – may develop herpes simplex complications. These include frequent and severe outbreaks and cold sores spreading to different areas of the body.

In some cases, herpes simplex can reach the brain or spinal cord, where it can cause significant damage. Talk to your doctor if you are immunocompromised and suffer from cold sores.

Are Cold Sores Considered an STD?

There’s no doubt that cold sores are annoying. These unsightly blemishes can put a damper on important activities like a public appearance or a long-anticipated date. But does a cold sore mean STD?

Although lot of people say cold sore, herpes, and STD in the same breath, by itself an oral herpes sore doesn’t mean you also have genital herpes. Learn about the symptoms of herpes if you suspect you had encountered this sneaky and prevalent virus.

The herpes simplex virus comes in two main strains: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and its cousin herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). While the two strains behave somewhat differently, both can cause oral and genital sores.

Cold Sores and HSV-1

HSV-1, commonly known as oral herpes, mainly causes cold sores on the lips and around the mouth but can also lead to genital sores—for example, when people receive oral sex from partners who have an active cold sore. Transmission can also occur through kissing or sharing eating or drinking utensils.

Over half of all Americans will experience an HSV-1 infection by adulthood. Many people become infected in childhood without being aware of it—for example, when sharing a plate with a family member with a cold sore.

Luckily, the frequency of HSV-1 outbreaks decreases over time, and most people live with herpes simplex in their system without major adverse effects.

Cold Sores and HSV-2

HSV-2 most frequently triggers sores in the genital area, but can cause mouth sores as well. This strain of the virus transmits through sexual contact or direct contact of open skin with sores.

Condoms can reduce the risk of genital herpes transmission. However, it’s important to keep in mind that HSV can also live on genital areas that condoms don’t cover.

While not as widespread as oral herpes, genital herpes is an extremely common STD. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), 572,000 genital herpes infections occur in the U.S. every year. Roughly one in six American adults will contract HSV-2.

Keep in mind that another common STD, gonorrhea, can also cause symptoms similar to oral and genital herpes. It’s virtually impossible to know precisely what STD you have without a blood test. Learn more about symptoms of oral STD.

In your case, are cold sores an STD? Rapid STD Testing can help you find out. All sexually active individuals should get STD testing at least once a year.

Prevention and Treatment of Cold Sores

Here is some good news: The herpes simplex virus dies very quickly without a host. This means that if a person with an active herpes outbreak drinks from a glass, leaves it on the counter, and you drink from that glass half an hour later, your chances of contracting the virus this way are very small.

You can reduce your risk of catching HSV (of any strain), or of spreading HSV to others if you are a carrier, by a few simple practices:

  • Avoid sexual relations during an active herpes outbreak, even with a condom
  • Consistently use a condom during vaginal and anal sex
  • Use a dental dam during oral sex
  • Avoid kissing while oral herpes sores are present
  • Avoid sharing glasses, eating utensils, toothbrushes, or lipstick
  • Engage in open conversation with your partner: be honest if one of you has herpes and talk about how you can prevent transmission

Did you discover that your sexual partner has herpes? While all strains of the herpes virus are highly contagious, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Learn whether sharing a drink can put you at risk with herpes.

However, there’s a catch to protective measures. Many people wrongly assume that herpes only spreads during an active outbreak. However, many herpes transmissions occur through asymptomatic carriers, although the chance of infection per single contact is much lower. If your steady sexual partner is a herpes carrier, it is highly likely you will contract the virus eventually – and once you do, you will carry it for the rest of your life.

For healthy people with robust immune systems, herpes simplex usually isn’t a serious concern. Living with HSV focuses on management. The following lifestyle changes may help lower the frequency and duration of cold sore outbreaks:

  • Fortify your immune system by a healthy diet and adequate amount of sleep
  • Avoid stress and excessive fatigue
  • Use sunscreen if sunlight triggers cold sores for you
  • Never try to pop blisters or pick at scabbing sores
  • During an outbreak, wash your hands after touching your face
  • Apply cold compresses or ice to relieve pain and reduce irritation
  • Look into over the counter (OTC) cold sore relief creams

If you suffer from major cold sore outbreaks or genital herpes, talk to your doctor about antiviral therapy. Drugs of the acyclovir family can prolong the periods between outbreaks and make outbreak less severe.

Hopefully, this overview has helped clear up the question of “Is a cold sore an STD?” Please note that this article serves educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

If you believe you have genital herpes or any type of STD, contact us at Rapid STD Testing. We operate a nationwide network of over 2,500 labs.

For Your Peace of Mind: Rapid STD Testing

Do cold sores mean you have an STD? Not necessarily, but rapid and discreet same-day STD testing can put your mind at ease regarding any potential STIs. Order our 10-panel STD test from Rapid STD Testing today.