Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can occur in anyone who performs sex. Some STDs are treated easily, but others are incurable or even life-threatening. Though every sexually active person has an equal chance of getting an STD, teens have higher risk due to the lack of STD awareness. Therefore, it’s really crucial to know what puts you at risk of STDs and how to recognize early symptoms of an STD. Symptoms of STDs can vary from each disease you get. But abnormal discharge, sores, swollen glands, fatigue, and fever are early symptoms of an STD for teens you should know. Read to know more detail.
According to the CDC, half of all STDs occur in young people between the age of 15 and 24. It means that teens are more likely to get an STD, what the reasons are. Take a look at the following reasons to know
Many teens with an STD even don’t know that they have had it because it doesn’t show up symptoms. These asymptomatic symptoms can be diagnosed through testing. But many teens are shy to get tested. Until they have specific symptoms, they get tested and detect their STDs.
Related: Why Teens Have a Risk of HPV Infections Even Without Having Sex
Teens have a higher risk of developing STDs
While many teens have STDs without symptoms, others may have early symptoms. If you see any abnormal signs in the body, especially the genitals, you should see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. These signs may be early symptoms of an STD, including
Note if you have these symptoms as they may signal your STD. Generally, normal discharge should be watery and odorless. When the color, texture, and smell discharge occur, they signal some troubles in your body. Unusual discharge or burning urination could be early symptoms of some STDs, such as
Burning urination and unusual discharge are the early symptoms of an STD
Pay close attention to some small sores, or a cluster of bumps in the genitals or mouth. They may tell some STDs, like
Several STDs are hard to know because they don’t show up symptoms. Occasionally, the symptoms of these STDs are similar to the flu. They may be a cough or sore throat, stuffed nose, and fatigue. So many teenagers ignore them. If you experience flu-like symptoms, consult with your doctor soon. For example, flu-like symptoms can signal syphilis or HIV.
Besides, fatigue that combines with loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and nausea can indicate your hepatitis.
Flu-like symptom is another sign of an STD
STDs can also cause swollen glands and fever. If you’re suffering from fever and your glands are tender, it may be the sign of genital herpes. Generally, the glands are swollen near the area of infection or the groin.
Itching and burning sensations in the genitals aren’t normal symptoms. Itching in the genital area can be a sign of genital herpes, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. So if you usually notice itching in the genitals, you should think about an STD.
Itching in the genital area may indicate your STD
If you have some early symptoms of an STD, here’re things you should do
Only your doctor knows what happens to you, so you should see your doctor if you think you have an STD. The doctor may examine your symptoms and give you some tests to diagnose what your STD is. Urine test, blood samples, a Pap smear test, and a swab test may help to detect your disease.
You need to follow your doctor’s instruction to treat your STD. While some STDs are easily treated with antibiotics, others are incurable. For example, genital herpes and genital warts aren’t treated completely. But your doctor may prescribe medication and alternative therapies to treat. If you have genital warts, some topical creams, like Imiquimod or Vidarox are helpful to treat. Or if you’re diagnosed with herpes, antiviral medications and creams, such as Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, and Prosurx are helpful.
See your doctor if you think you have an STD
STDs are highly contagious through sexual contacts. Thus, it’s really important to know how to prevent them from passing.
STDs are common for sexually active people, but teenagers are put at high risk of developing them. Based on the above early symptoms of an STD for teen, you may recognize your STD and see your doctor check for sure.
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