Have you been wondering if you have a sexually-transmitted disease (STD)? Why not schedule a visit with Dr. Lawrence Tran, your family medicine provider, for STD testing? In addition to testing, Dr. Tran offers STD treatment and counseling in his Burbank, CA, office for patients in the Burbank and North Hollywood areas.
How STDs spread
Anyone who is sexually active can get an STD, no matter what their age. The diseases spread from one person to another during sex or from skin-to-skin contact in some cases.
Types of STDs
HIV/AIDs may be the best known type of STD, but it's certainly not the only disease that can be spread through sexual behavior. Other types of STDs include:
- Chlamydia
- Herpes
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
- Genital Warts
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Why STDs need to be treated
STDs can cause mild to severe health problems, even if you don't experience any symptoms. For example, women who have HPV are at increased risk of cervical cancer, which can occur years after exposure to the virus.
Gonorrhea, an STD that often appears in the vagina, penis, throat or rectum, can cause infertility or ectopic pregnancy, while untreated syphilis can cause hearing loss, birth defects, or heart, brain, hearing, joint or vision damage.
Symptoms of STDs
Depending on the type of STD you have, you may notice these signs or symptoms:
- Discharge from your penis, vagina or anus
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Bleeding between periods
- Pain in your testicles
- Bleeding
- Genital sores
- Genital warts
- Headaches
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Weight loss
- Hair loss
It's important to be tested for common types of STD if you're sexually active or have had sexual contact with someone who has a disease.
Testing and treatment options
During your visit to the North Hollywood area office in Burbank, CA, your doctor will explain STD testing procedures to you. He may recommend a blood, urine or fluid test, depending on the type of STD. If you test positive for an STD, you may need to take a medication to get rid of the infection or keep it under control. Antibiotics and anti-viral medications are often prescribed for STDs.
Do you need STD testing? If you live in Burbank, CA, North Hollywood or surrounding areas, call (818) 391-1028 to make an appointment with Dr. Tran.