Unfortunately, STDs are a significant health challenge in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are nearly 20 million new cases of STI’s annually.

As a result, this costs almost $16 billion each year. What’s worse, many cases of STI’s, such as human papillomavirus and herpes simplex virus, go undiagnosed and unreported to the CDC.

If these numbers prove anything, it’s that you should stay educated on what causes STI’s and how they can be prevented. Be sure to order your 247Labkit for help if you think you’re experiencing STD symptoms.

The difference between STDs and STIs has become confusing for many people. The term STD is normally used to identify a collection of medical infections that are spread via sexual contact.

However, some people who are infected don’t necessarily experience symptoms (or even contract a disease), making STDs more of a dated term.

STI is a term that’s become more commonly used to clarify that not all infections become diseases. For example, in many instances HPV (human papillomavirus) will clear up within two years of contraction, never developing in cervical cancer.

Sexually transmitted diseases and infections can have a number of signs and symptoms, including no symptoms at all. Because of this, many people remain unaware they have an STI until they start to experience complications.

Typically, symptoms will begin to occur within a few days of exposure; however, in some instances it may take years before there are any signs.

Signs and symptoms of an STI are:  

• Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area
• Painful or burning urination
• Discharge from the penis
• Unusual or odd-smelling vaginal discharge
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Pain during sex
• Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin but sometimes more widespread
• Lower abdominal pain
• Fever
• Rash over the trunk, hands or feet

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