If you suspect that you have contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD), you should see a doctor right away. STDs are diseases that can be contracted through sexual contact with an infected person. In fact, all sexually active adults are susceptible to contracting an STD. While different STDs will result in different symptoms, spotting the signs of an STD is not difficult. Often, they will cause pain in the genitals, mouth or anus. There may also be bumps or growths in those areas. While these symptoms may subside on their own, all patients are advised to visit an STD clinic in Singapore to get tested for all STDs if they experience such symptoms, as complications could develop if these STDs are not treated. Here are five effects of STDs that can happen to you if they are not promptly treated.

Prolonged pain during sex or while urinating

Some bacterial STDs such as chlamydia infect the urinary tract or other parts of the genitalia. This can make the everyday act of urinating painful. Patients infected with chlamydia may not show this symptom until weeks or months after the initial infection, which is why it is recommended that they get tested at an STD clinic in Singapore if they suspect they may have contracted this STD.

Increased risk of contracting HIV

Being infected with STDs will increase your chances of contracting the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV will be able to enter the body more easily when the immune system is weakened by another infection. Unfortunately, HIV is incurable and can lead to the life-threatening condition called AIDS. Protecting yourself from STDs is the best course of action for your sexual health.

Infertility

Without treatment, some STDs advance to cause infertility in both men and women. This can be a problem if you would like to conceive a child in the future. This can be prevented if the STD is spotted and treated in its earlier stages. In general, a parent should not be a carrier of any STDs as it could affect their baby’s health negatively.

Loss of sight or hearing

Syphilis is an STD that, in its later stages, can impair the body’s nervous system. It can thus cause blindness and deafness, in addition to various other symptoms like genital ulcers and rashes. Depending on where the infection site is, gonorrhoea and chlamydia can also develop into visual impairment if not treated. Thankfully, these infections can be treated with a course of antibiotics.

Death

Finally, there are some STDs that can cause death. When HIV develops into AIDS, the body’s immune system is weakened significantly and makes it very susceptible to other infections, eventually weakening the body till death. Tertiary syphilis infections too can cause death as the damage is done to the body’s internal organs. Because these two diseases can be life-threatening, many patients get tested for these at HIV testing clinics in Singapore.

Conclusion

When left untreated, an STD can cause devastating effects on the body. The first step to getting appropriate treatment for STDs is to get tested. Book an appointment to get tested for STDs now at 6802 7208.