STDs are sexually transmitted infections involving bacteria, viruses and parasites. They can cause health problems such as complications during pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.

It’s important to get tested on a regular basis. There are a number of places in Erie PA that offer confidential testing at an affordable price.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is caused by a bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae and infects the body’s mucous membranes. It can be a serious infection and can cause problems in women, men, infants and other people.

Symptoms of gonorrhea are usually felt within a few weeks of being infected, but they can take months to develop. Around 1 in 10 infected men and almost half of infected women do not have any symptoms at all, which is why gonorrhea can sometimes go untreated for long periods of time.

If a woman has gonorrhea during pregnancy, it can pass to her baby in the birth canal and lead to health complications for the mother and child. It can also cause problems for a newborn’s eyes, including red and thick pus in the eye or conjunctivitis. If gonorrhea is diagnosed in a pregnant woman, it is important to treat it immediately. This can help reduce the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, low birth weight and death in the baby.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It affects both men and women, but it mostly occurs in young people.

This infection can be a serious problem for women, especially if it is untreated. It can lead to a number of health problems, including pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancy.

It can also cause lung and eye infections in babies born to mothers who have chlamydia. Symptoms for women include pain, itching, and discharge from the vagina or penis, and bleeding after sexual intercourse.

For men, symptoms can include pain, discomfort or swelling of the testicles. A genitourinary discharge or burning sensation when passing urine, and pelvic or lower abdominal pain are also common.

Get tested at least once a year for chlamydia. This is especially important if you have unprotected sex, change sexual partners frequently, or live in an area where chlamydia is a problem.

HIV

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the main cause of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

The virus damages cells in the immune system, making it harder to fight infections and cancers. AIDS can develop over time, but treatment can delay or prevent this.

Getting tested is one of the best ways to avoid AIDS and live a long, healthy life. You can get HIV tested in a doctor’s office or a laboratory.

To prevent HIV infection, use condoms correctly every time you have sex and limit your number of sexual partners. You can also talk to your health care provider about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which involves taking a specific HIV medicine every day.

HIV can be transmitted through penetrative sex (anal or vaginal) and by sharing injection drug equipment, including syringes and needles. It can also be passed from pregnant women to their fetus or from breastfeeding mothers to their babies.

Syphilis

Syphilis is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can cause long-term damage to your health. It is also a leading cause of HIV infection and can affect your reproductive health, especially in pregnant women.

In its early stages, syphilis can appear as a painless sore on your genitals, rectum or mouth. Usually, this first stage is called primary syphilis and it goes away on its own after a few weeks or months.

A person with untreated primary syphilis can go on to develop a more serious disease called secondary syphilis. This disease can affect the nerves, brain, eyes and heart.

Syphilis is a common STD that can be treated with prescription medication. Once you’re cured, you won’t be infected again and you can prevent the spread of the infection to other people.