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STDs Specialist

Gwen Allen, M.D. -  - OB/GYN

Gardena Women's Center

Gwen Allen, M.D.

OB/GYN located in Gardena, CA

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have become a concern for many Americans, with more than 20 million reported cases each year. Dr. Gwen Allen, an experienced OB/GYN at the Gardena Women’s Center in Gardena, California, diagnoses, treats, and educates women of all ages about prevention and the dangers of common STDs. If you think you may have an STD, it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible. Call or schedule an appointment online at the Gardena clinic today.

STDs Q & A

How do I know if I have an STD?

STDs are very common and can be transmitted from person to person through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Many people don’t have symptoms right away, but you can still get tested for STDs, many of which are easily treated.

Common STD symptoms include:

  • Blistery sores around your mouth or genitals
  • Growths around your genitals or anus
  • Small bumps on your skin
  • Pubic lice
  • Itching around your genitals
  • Vaginitis
  • Difficult or painful urination

These symptoms can be signs of herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, or a number of other STDs. Fortunately, if you get treatment early, most of these conditions are not life-threatening and can be cured.

How soon can I be tested for an STD?

If you’ve had unprotected sex or you’ve been exposed to an STD, you can get tested within a day or two. It’s important to make an appointment as soon as possible, even if you don’t yet have any symptoms.

You should also refrain from having sex with anyone until you’ve been tested, to avoid spreading the disease to another person. You can transmit an STD even if you don’t have symptoms.

Are all STDs curable?

Many STDs are curable with medication, but not all of them are. HIV/AIDS is incurable, although the symptoms can be treated and you can live a healthy lifestyle to keep the disease from getting worse.

Herpes is another incurable STD characterized by blistery sores around your genitals. Antiviral medications are often effective in shortening or eliminating outbreaks altogether, so it’s possible to live a healthy life.

How can I prevent STDs?

One of the best, most effective ways to prevent STDs is to abstain from sexual activity. Additionally, when you are in a long-term monogamous relationship, be sure that both you and your partner test negative for any sexually transmitted diseases. As long as you are both free from STDs and only engage in sex with each other, you can avoid contracting an STD.

If you do have multiple partners or you’re unsure if your current partner is free of STDs, it’s important to protect yourselves by using condoms or abstaining from sex until symptoms are gone. Condoms reduce the risk of transmitting STDs between partners, but may not provide complete protection.

If you have concerns about STDs, call or make an appointment online to get tested today.