Possible exposure to an STD
If you are sexually active, you may be concerned about being exposed to a sexually transmitted disease (STD). You may be able to reduce your risk of an STD by following the suggestions in the Prevention section of this topic.
If you have been exposed to an STD, your partner has told you that he or she has an STD, or your partner has symptoms of an STD, it is important to be evaluated by a health professional even if you do not have symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment of an STD can reduce the risk of complications from the infection and reduce the risk of transmitting the infection.
Note:
- Do not have sexual contact or activity while waiting for your appointment. This will reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to your partner.
- Women should not douche. Douching changes the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina. Douching may flush an STD up into your uterus or fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
| Author: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA | Last Updated: February 9, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease | |
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