How do you know when you have a STD as oppose to just an ordinary infection? What are the syptoms of Herpes?
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You asked,"How do you know when you have a STD as opposed to just an ordinary infection? What are the syptoms of Herpes?"
The second question is easier. Herpes usually causes painful, sometimes itchy, sores. The sores often small out as little blisters called vesicles and often have some watery drainage onto the skin, but not a drainage from the penis or vagina, usually. Often there is a mild fever, especially with the first outbreak. The herpes viral stays in the skin for at least many years. When the infected person gets stressed, emotionally or physically, then the sores can come back.
Your first question is very complicated. There are many different kinds of sexually transmitted diseases and many "ordinary infections". I don't know which ones you are most concerned about.
I can give you some general guidelines, though. First, if you have a burning feeling when you urinate get your urine tested and let the doctor decide whether STD testing is needed. If you have a discharge (from the penis or vagina) get checked for STDs.
Condoms are very important in reducing STDs. Other contraceptives like foam and diaphragms help also, but birth control pills, shots or implants don't help much. Having sex with drug users is very risky. People who use IV drugs (shoot up) are at very high risk for getting AIDS and Hepatitis B and C.
The best way to keep from getting STDs is to not have sex. Having sex with only one person also helps prevent STDs.
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Paul Hunter, MD family physician
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