It’s true, you can’t judge a book by its cover. But it is also true that you cannot judge a person by their appearance. Looks can be very deceptive and first impressions are often not the most accurate ones. That’s why it is so important to be aware of the risks involved in dating and having sex with new people. An STD or a Sexually Transmitted Disease isn’t something to be ashamed of. These conditions are usually transmitted through intimate contact.
The problem is that many young people don’t understand how risky it is to have pre-marital sex, especially without using protection. Because of this, more and more teens are contracting STDs at an alarming rate. If you are currently dating someone or thinking about taking your relationship to the next level, read on to learn everything you need to know about STDs and when they might show up…
How Long does an STD Take to Show Up?
The short answer to this question is “it depends.” Every STD has its own incubation period, which is the time that it can be present in your body before any symptoms show up. The only way to know for sure if it is an STD is to get tested. Sometimes, people don’t realize that they have an STD until it has progressed to a more advanced state, which can make it much more difficult to treat.
There are many factors that will determine the length of time that an STD can go undetected. While it is true that the most common STDs do not show any symptoms, the amount of time that one can go without being detected by a doctor can vary greatly. Factors like the type of STD, the person’s immune system, and how frequently they have sex will all play a factor.
When Does Age Start to Matter?
The sooner you can get tested, the better. At any age, it is a good idea to get tested regularly for STDs. However, there are a few specific situations in which it would be especially important to do so. If you are in a new relationship, don’t have a long-term partner, or have a high number of sexual partners, it is a good idea to get STD testing early on. If you are in a new relationship, it will take a while for your partner to get tested and for the results to come in.
This process can take anywhere between 2 weeks and 2 months. What’s more, you might want to get tested before you even have your first sexual encounter with your new partner. If you are under 21, many doctors will not test you for STDs unless you have a specific reason for doing so.
Here are some STDs, let us know then in detail.
- Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common STD in America, with an estimated 2 million new cases reported each year. It is also one of the few STDs that can be treated before any symptoms show up. Because it is so common, many people don’t realize that they have it until it has progressed to a serious stage. Because chlamydia can go undetected for so long, it is one of the most dangerous STDs to have. Left untreated, it can cause infertility in both men and women. If you think you might have chlamydia, it is definitely a good idea to get tested.
- Gonorrhea
Much like chlamydia, gonorrhea is extremely common in the USA. In fact, it is estimated that 700,000 people develop gonorrhea each year. It is also one of the few STDs that can cause infertility in both sexes. However, unlike chlamydia, gonorrhea is a very easy STD to notice. While gonorrhea is a bacterial infection, it is also known as a “sexually transmitted infection” (STI). This is because it can be transmitted through any type of intimate contact, not just sexual intercourse. Gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics and prevented through the use of condoms. If you think you might have gonorrhea, it is definitely a good idea to get tested.
- HIV and AIDS: What You Should Know
HIV and AIDS are two very serious STDs. While it is true that HIV can take years for the symptoms to show up, AIDS can take even longer. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system and makes it more difficult for the body to fight off infections. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV, and it can take up to 10 years before it is diagnosed. Because of this, many people don’t realize that they have HIV until it is too late. Fortunately, there are many different treatments available for HIV and AIDS. It is possible to prolong your life and live a healthy, long life even with HIV or AIDS. It is important to note that a positive HIV test is not a death sentence. However, it is important to get tested as early as possible so that you can begin treatment.
- Herpes – HSV 1 & 2
Herpes is another very dangerous STD that many people don’t realize they have until it is too late. This STD can be extremely difficult to detect and even more difficult to treat. It is possible to have herpes for years before you even notice any symptoms. Both HSV 1 and 2 are viral infections that are capable of remaining in the body indefinitely. In fact, studies have shown that up to 50% of people with herpes don’t even know they have it. While it is possible to treat herpes, it is almost impossible to cure it. It is important to get tested for herpes as early as possible. The only way to know for sure if you have herpes is to get tested.
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
HPV is a very dangerous STD, especially for young people. This is because it is a “sexually transmitted virus” that can cause genital warts. However, it is also possible to contract HPV through oral sex and other types of intimate contact. Because HPV is so common, many people don’t realize that they have it until it has progressed to a more advanced stage. While it is possible to treat HPV, it is almost impossible to cure it. When dating someone new, it is important to remember that looks can be deceiving. Just because someone has nice clothes and good hygiene, it doesn’t mean that they are free of STDs. It is important to protect yourself from STDs by using protection and getting tested regularly. By being aware of the risks and getting tested early, you can put yourself in a better position to avoid serious health issues.
Conclusion
There are many different STDs out there. While some of them can be treated and cured, others cannot. It is important to get tested for STDs regularly so that you can catch any diseases early on. If you think you might have an STD, it is important to get tested. Not only will this help protect you from further infection, but it will also help you prevent further transmission. It is important to remember that it can take some time for the results to come back, so it is important to get tested as soon as possible.