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How Can You Prevent STDs: A Guide to Testing and Prevention

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is an infection that is spread between people during sexual contact. STDs can cause symptoms that range in severity from minor discomfort to death. According to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), STDs are the most common spread diseases in the US other than the common cold and flu.

Dr. Stanley Friedell, Northwestern Women's Health Associates S.C Describing about STD

How Can You Prevent STDs

The only way to fully protect yourself from contracting an STD is by abstaining from sexual activity. There are other ways that you can greatly reduce the risk of contracting an STD.

Practice Monogamy – Knowing your sexual partners and committing to a monogamous relationship will greatly reduce your chances of contracting an STD. It is wise for both people to be tested for STDs before entering into a sexual relationship.

Use Condoms – Using a male latex condom is a valuable tool in the prevention of STD transmission. Using a spermicide will help with lubrication and kill some of the potential viruses.

Reduce Partners and Risky Practices – The more sexual partners you have the higher your risk for STDs. Additionally, breaks in the skin caused during sexual activity make it easier for diseases to be passed back and forth.

Vaccination – There are immunizations available that help with prevention of STD transmission. HPV vaccines are given to both teen girls and women through age 26 as well as teen boys and men through the age of 21. It is best to receive three doses of this vaccine before becoming sexually active. Additionally, at birth and as part of the childhood vaccination schedule the hepatitis B vaccination is given.

Testing – The best way to avoid spreading STDs is to undergo testing. Ensuring that you and your partner are free of STDs before entering into a relationship will help avoid transmission.

Testing For Prevention of STDs

Most people who are infected with an STD have such mild symptoms they don’t suspect anything and show no signs or symptoms at all. When patients attend their annual obstetrics and gynecology appointment it is vital that they discuss the potential for STD exposure. During this check up your obstetrician can test for a variety of STDs.

According to the CDC the transmission of STDs is a major public health challenge in the United States.

“CDC estimates that there are approximately 19 million new STD infections each year — almost half of them among young people 15 to 24 years of age. Yet, most infections have no symptoms and often go undiagnosed and untreated, which may lead to severe health consequences, especially for women. The only way to know for sure is to be tested. Talk to a health care provider about which STD tests are right for you.”

The STD tests that are available to you through your gynecologist in Chicago can identify the following STD’s:

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Hepatitis, Viral
  • Herpes, Genital
  • HIV/AIDS & STDs
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
  • STDs and Infertility
  • Syphilis
  • Trichomoniasis

Prevention of STD transmission relies on testing. If people do not know that they have been infected with an STD they are at risk of passing the disease to others. At Northwestern Women’s Health Associates our providers recommend annual STD testing for all patients who are sexually active and have multiple partners within a year. If you have additional questions about STD testing or think you may be experiencing symptoms contact our OBGYN office in Chicago and schedule an appointment.

If you have asked how you can prevent STDs the answer is that you should start by getting tested as soon as possible.

DISCLAIMER: All information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as medical advice. Northwestern Women’s Health Associates shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.

 

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women’s healthcare, our team of experts is dedicated to providing every woman highest level of sensitive, specialized care

At Northwestern Women's Health Associates

your unique needs are our highest priority.

Making use of advanced technology and staying on the cutting edge of women’s healthcare, our team of experts is dedicated to providing every woman who visits our office with the highest level of sensitive, specialized care. At our office in Chicago, you can receive exceptional obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) services from any one of our highly skilled doctors, including Stanley Friedell, MD; Abbie Roth, MD; Regina Belmonte, MD; Sharon Wise, MD; Julianne Morton, MD; Whitney Dunn, MD; Aleena Lakhanpal, MD ; and Margaret Kistner, MD. With their combined expertise, this team of board-certified doctors at Northwestern Women's Health Associates makes it possible for you to receive efficient, personalized care from the preeminent women’s hospital in the Midwest.

Success Stories

  • 5 Star Review
    "Wonderful experience with Dr. Julianne Morton @ NW Women's Associates. I've recommended her to countless girlfriends. Being a first time mom, I went through many physical symptoms and emotions that accompany pregnancy. She is extremely thorough, patient, and has wonderful bedside manner. I felt confident going into delivery with Dr. Morton taking the lead with my delivery. Wonderful practice!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Morton is absolutely amazing. She cared for me throughout my first pregnancy and we found her to be kind and caring and straightforward - could not have asked for a better experience! Dr. Dunn ended up being on call during my delivery and she was great as well. I have always found the nurses and office staff to be friendly and on top of things - very happy with the practice!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "I had to have a laproscopic hysterectomy done by Dr. Friedell and all went fabulously! They were very detailed in pre-op which made a lot of difference. I came out of surgery feeling great and post op I was back to work within two weeks. Everyone at the practice, at the hospital, at pre-op were incredible."

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr.Julianne Morton is amazing! I was recommended by a friend when I moved to the Chicago area and was looking for an OB-GYN. I have seen her for two years in Chicago for my yearly exam. She is beyond kind and great at what she does. Dr.Morton makes you feel very comfortable and is such an incredible doctor! I have recommended her to all of my friends as well who need a new gyno/OB-GYN."

    VIA Google
  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Morton is a really great doctor. She has an incredible bedside manner and makes you feel comfortable. She makes sure to ask if you have any questions and will happily answer all of them with you. Would highly recommend!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Friedell is amazing! He helped delivered my first baby and the whole process was super smooth and stress free. All the staff in the office are super friendly too. Highly recommend!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr Freidell is extremely knowledgeable, thorough and really cares about his patients. He is very good at getting to the root of the problem, especially with overlapping symptoms. He guided me through all my options and their implications. I will highly recommend him and his team."

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  • 5 Star Review
    "I love Dr. Belmonte. I have been going to her since 2006! She rocks!!! She is straight to the point, I love that about her. When I leave her office after seeing her I always feel great, like a just left a good friends house or something!"
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  • 5 Star Review

    "I can not tell you how wonderful my experiences have been. Dr. Sharon Wise is my doctor and she is fantastic. She is straightforward and honest about treatments and procedures. I enjoy her sense of humor, and I found her bedside manner when delivering my son to be excellent. "

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