Do I Have an STD? Spring Break Edition

Do I Have an STD? Spring Break Edition

Spring break is one of the great collegiate traditions that every student should enjoy. However, after the dust settles many students return home to find a nasty shock waiting for them. Indeed, worse than any sunburn, hangover, or ill-conceived tattoo, picking up an STD can present major health problems –– especially if you don’t receive proper treatment for it. That’s why it’s essential that every sexually active person seeks out STD testing options. So if you’re unsure about your sexual well-being following a spring-break hookup, we’ve got all the information you need here:

“Do I Have an STD?” Signs and Symptoms

The truth is, it can be very difficult to ascertain if you’ve contracted an STD without receiving proper testing for it. That’s because a good deal of STDs are asymptomatic, meaning they don’t exhibit traditional outward manifestations. Additionally, self-diagnosing is dangerous because certain STD symptoms mimic common maladies like the flu. That’s one of the reasons you shouldn’t put too much stock in what websites like WebMD say. Furthermore, certain STDs will lie dormant or latent for a period of time. So if you’ve only just experienced a sexual encounter, it could be weeks before you realize you have an STD.

We Didn’t Go “All the Way.” Should I Still be Worried?

There’s an unfortunate misconception that STDs can only be transmitted through vaginal sex. That couldn’t be further from the truth, though. Most STDs are perfectly capable of transferal through oral, anal, and/or vaginal sex. So even if you didn’t have vaginal sex, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in the clear. Some STDs are more easily spread through anal sex; and you can get a certain strand of herpes just by kissing someone. If you had any sort of sexual encounter while on Spring break, you’re at risk for picking up an STD.

I’m Worried I Have an STD: What Should I Do Now?

In brief: GET TESTED. The first step toward maintaining your health is first determining what you’re dealing with. Otherwise, you’ll be guessing in the dark and won’t be able to solicit proper treatment. The good news is, most bacterial STIs have straightforward cures and can be handled with a quick dose of antibiotics. However, you need to take the initial step to get tested. If you don’t you could end up facing a whole host of horrible issues that are completely avoidable. And remember: always be honest and upfront about your sexual well-being with your partners. It may be an awkward conversation to have, but it’s the only way to curb the spread of STDs.