Symptoms of some common STDs may include painful urination, vaginal discharge, abdominal pain or genital itching. If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away.
Unfortunately, many STDs have no symptoms. That doesn't mean they aren't serious. Left untreated, STDs can cause problems including infertility, birth defects, liver disease and even death. STDs can also cause serious diseases in unborn or newborn babies.
If you know you have an STD, it's important for you to tell your partner(s) in case they are not experiencing symptoms. Otherwise, they may unknowingly infect others or re-infect you after you have been treated.
If you think you have an STD, make an appointment to see your primary care doctor right away. If you are under age 18, you may be eligible for Einstein's free family planning program, which offers examinations, pregnancy testing, birth control and treatment for infections and STDs.
The family planning program is available through Einstein's Teen Health Clinic and the Germantown Women's Center.
To schedule an appointment with one of Einstein's teen health experts, call 1-800-EINSTEIN. Or, find a doctor online.
Learn more about sexually transmitted diseases with information from our Health Library.