If you are sexually active, it’s important to get screened for STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) on a regular basis. There are a variety of tests for different STDs, so you can choose the one that’s right for you. Let’s discuss what STDs are, why it is important to get tested regularly for STDs, what your options are at an STD screening appointment, and where you can join Kent, Washington, for confidential and comprehensive STD testing and treatment. What Are STDs? Sexually transmitted ... [Read More]
STD
Treatment Options for STDs
In 2018, a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 1 in 5 people in the US had an STI (sexually transmitted infection), accounting for 68 million infections. Almost half of the STIs were among young people aged between 15-24. An untreated sexually transmitted disease (STD) could lead to potentially serious long-term health complications, particularly in women, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and cancer. Fortunately, most STDs are ... [Read More]
Women’s Health: The Importance of Regular Exams
Health promotion and disease prevention are the cornerstones of a healthy society. Decades of research have changed the focus of medicine and healthcare from treating illness to preventing it in the first place. We also now know that one size does not fit all in healthcare. Different groups of people have different health risks and needs. These groups may be defined by age, gender, social life, ethnicity, genetics, and many other characteristics. Women’s health is a specialized area of ... [Read More]
How Does PrEP Work to Reduce HIV Infections?
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication is a recently developed strategy for the prevention of HIV infection. HIV-negative individuals are prescribed PrEP therapy (in the form of a daily pill) to lower the risk of becoming HIV-positive when exposed to the virus. PrEP is a proven prevention treatment that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2012. Why It Works If exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) occurs, PrEP can stop the virus from taking residence and ... [Read More]
The Long-Term Effects of STDs
Almost 20 million Americans contract a sexually transmitted disease (STD) each year. That statistic may or may not surprise you, but those who are afflicted with an STD – both men and women – could face dire consequences if they allow the embarrassment and stigma attached to these diseases to prevent them from seeking immediate medical help. The most common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, chancroid, herpes, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis B and C. Some of these diseases respond quickly and ... [Read More]