I Think I Have an STD: What Should I Do?

Finding out you might have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is stressful. You may be experiencing physical symptoms, worrying about what it may mean for your health, and trying to figure out what to do next. 

Don’t just wait and hope it goes away on its own. Most STDs don’t resolve without treatment, and delaying care gives infections more time to cause complications.

At Tru Medical Management, our team provides confidential STD testing and treatment at two locations in the Navy Hill and Williamsburg neighborhoods of Brooklyn, New York. Here’s what to do if you think you’ve been exposed to an STD or are experiencing symptoms.

Common STD symptoms in men and women

Not all STDs cause obvious symptoms, which is why regular testing is important even if you feel fine. When symptoms do appear, they vary depending on the infection but often include:

• Atypical discharge from the vagina, penis, or rectum
• Burning or pain during urination
• Sores, bumps, and/or blisters on or around the genitals, mouth, or anus
• Itching or irritation in the genital area
• Pain during sex
• Pelvic pain in women
• Testicular pain or swelling in men
• Unusual bleeding between periods or after sex

Some STDs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, frequently cause no symptoms at all, particularly in women. You can have an infection, spread it to partners, and develop complications without ever feeling sick.

STD testing and screening options

Tru Medical Management offers confidential STD screening that covers the most common infections, including:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Hepatitis B and C
• Herpes
• Trichomoniasis
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Testing methods vary by infection. Some require a urine sample, others need a blood draw, and some involve swabbing the affected area. Our team will explain which tests you need based on your symptoms, exposure history, and sexual practices.

Results for most STD tests come back within a few days. HIV rapid tests can provide results in as little as 20 minutes.

Treatment for bacterial and viral STDs

Most STDs are curable with antibiotics, and those that aren’t curable are manageable with medication that keeps symptoms under control and reduces transmission risk.

Bacterial infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are treated with antibiotics — usually a single dose or a short course of pills. You need to take the full course of medication even if symptoms improve before you finish the prescription. Stopping early allows the infection to return and increases the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Viral infections like herpes, HIV, and hepatitis aren’t curable, but antiviral medications control outbreaks, reduce symptoms, and lower the chances of spreading the virus to partners. 

Preventing STD transmission and reinfection

STD testing and treatment take care of the current infection, but prevention strategies reduce your risk of getting infected again. Before your next sexual experience, make sure to:

• Use condoms consistently and correctly during vaginal, anal, and oral sex
• Get tested regularly, especially if you have multiple partners or a new partner
• Talk to partners about their STD status before having sex
• Consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if you’re at high risk for HIV
• Get vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B

Regular testing is part of routine sexual health care, not something you only do when symptoms appear. 

Get confidential STD testing in Brooklyn, NY

STD testing and treatment are confidential. Your results won’t be shared with anyone without your permission, and getting tested is one of the most responsible things you can do for your health and your partners’ health.

Call Tru Medical Management at 347-851-8133 or book online at either our Navy Hill or Williamsburg location for same-day STD testing.