Possible exposure to an STD

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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).

Credits

Author	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Editor	Alison Allen
Editor	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
Last Updated	February 9, 2007

Last updated:	February 09, 2007
Author:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
Editors:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer

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