A lot of times when people think they have an STD they just ignore it and hope that it goes away. This is because they feel embarrassed about it. If you have a STD you should go to your doctor and have it checked out. Your partner also needs to go to the doctor and be checked as soon as possible. For every day that you ignore the problem you are just asking for the disease to spread and get worse. If you do not treat your STD, you are putting your partner at risk. There are other consequences such as: continued uncomfortable symptoms, development of precancerous conditions, infection and possible damage of reproductive organs, infertility, transmission of the disease to babies during childbirth, heart disease, brain damage, blindness, and death.

             There is also a chance that you may have more than one STD at the same time. One STD may cover up another STD that can have a more serious health risk. It is also possible for one STD to make it easier for you to get another STD. .

             When a doctor tests for STD"s it can be done a couple of ways. The first is just a physical diagnosis. The second is by blood testing and other laboratory tests. If you are sexually active you should have a STD screening as part of your regular check up. .

             The best way to protect yourself from getting a STD is to practice abstinence. Abstinence is when you voluntarily refrain from engaging in sexual activity. This can be interpreted in two different ways, the first is not having sexual intercourse at all, and the second is not having any genital contact. If you do not want to practice abstinence, you could practice safer sex.

             Safer Sex Precautions:.

              Always use a latex condom and spermicide for anal and vaginal intercourse.

              Always use a latex barrier (condom, dental dam) for oral-genital sex.

              Limit your number of sexual partners .

              Avoid sexual contact until both you and your partner have been tested for pre-existing STD"s.