Can You Tell if Someone has a STD?

July 23, 2016

It’s a question we get a lot when we talk with clients or students. They’re aware of some of the dangers of STDs and just don’t have all the information they need to make informed decisions. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) keeps statistics on STDs in the United States. They’ve reported that cases of STDs are on the rise, some at alarming rates. This year there will be 20 million new STD infections in the US, and half of those will happen to 15-24 year olds.  Other reports indicate that 1-in-2 sexually active young people will get a STD by the age of 25. It’s no wonder with those statistics that people want to know how they can tell if someone has a STD.


Can you tell if someone has a STD by looking?

Sometimes, but not usually. Some STDs cause sores, blisters or bumps on or around the genitals. When these sores are present, the disease can spread pretty easily. So if you see something unusual, don’t have sexual contact with that person, (oral, vaginal or anal) even if they try to explain them away as something like acne. Better safe than sorry. In other cases, there may be puss or a discharge from the vagina or penis that you may or may not see. Often, STDs don’t have any visual symptoms that can be identified by the person who has the infection, let alone someone else. This doesn’t mean you can’t get infected from them. It just means that there isn’t a way to be sure by looking.


So what are some of the symptoms of STDs?

As we said, most of the time there may not be any symptoms. When there are symptoms, they can vary depending on which STD is present. Some of the more common symptoms are:

  • abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina
  • painful urination
  • pain during sexual intercourse
  • bleeding between periods for women
  • itching or irritation inside penis
  • painful, swollen testicles


What are the risks of having a STD and not knowing it?

First, if you have a STD and don’t know it, you can’t be treated. This accounts for the increased number of STD cases each year. Many people are spreading STDs and don’t know it. Second, each STD has its own set of risks. For example, if Chlamydia, one of the most common STDs, is left untreated it can spread to the fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can cause permanent damage to the reproductive system, infertility and potentially a deadly ectopic pregnancy. For men, it can also potentially cause infertility. Gonorrhea can have some of the same long-term risks as Chlamydia if not treated and it may also increase your chances of getting or giving HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. So even though you may not even know you have a STD, you may be at risk for some serious side effects if left undiagnosed or untreated.


Get tested.

If you’ve had sex (including oral) and think you might have caught a STD, getting tested is the only way to know for sure. Many STDs are curable with antibiotics. Others are treatable, but not curable. That means there are treatments that manage the symptoms, but will not cure the infection. Finally, there are some that are life threatening. At Collage we currently offer testing and treatment for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, two of the most common STDs in our community, at no cost to our clients. If you think you might have a STD we encourage you to schedule an appointment at either our Grand Island or Kearny offices and find out for sure. Here’s a bit of what you can expect during a STD testing appointment at Collage.


How can you avoid getting a STD?

While condoms offer some protection, they often provide a false sense of security. First, they don’t cover the area around the genitals and this can allow a STD to spread through contact. Second, they are often not used properly which allows for the STD to be passed from one person to another. The CDC says that the most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have sex. If you choose to have sex, doing so in a mutually monogamous long-term relationship, like marriage, is then safest option. For more information on STDs we encourage you to visit the CDC STD page.

What to Do When Friends and Family Are Pressuring You into an Abortion Decision

April 2, 2025
What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty.  Schedule a confidential appointment today.

The Role of Support Systems When Considering Abortion

March 7, 2025
Discovering you’re pregnant when you weren’t expecting can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. A flood of questions may rush in. What do I do? Who can I talk to? How will this change my life? In moments like these, having a strong support system can make all the difference. The people around you—family, friends, a partner, or trusted mentors—can provide clarity, encouragement, and resources to help you navigate your options. Why Support Systems Matter It’s easy to feel isolated during an unexpected pregnancy with high stress and emotions. However, decisions made in isolation can be overwhelming and may lead to regret. Having a support system allows you to process your emotions, ask questions, and consider your next steps with a clear mind. Those who care about you can offer reassurance and help you explore the emotional, physical, and practical aspects of your decision. Avoiding Pressure and Outside Influence Unfortunately, some women experience pressure from their partner, family members, or even friends to make a decision they aren’t comfortable with. A healthy support system respects your right to make an informed choice without coercion. If you’re feeling pressured, it’s essential to reach out to someone who will listen, not dictate. Support should come from those who uplift and empower you, not those who push you into a choice based on their preferences. Seeking Reliable Information It’s crucial to have access to accurate medical information about abortion, its risks, and its alternatives. A strong support system can help you connect with organizations (such as Collage ) that offer factual, judgment-free care. You can also seek help from professional counselors or a mentor, but ultimately, surrounding yourself with people who prioritize your well-being can bring insight and peace of mind to your decision-making process. We’re Here For You At Collage, we understand how important support is when considering your options. We offer free and confidential pregnancy services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, abortion information, and more so you can make an informed choice. Even if you don’t feel you have a support system in your life, you have one with us. Reach out today to learn more about how we’re here for you.

Why Does an Ultrasound Matter if I’m Considering Abortion?

February 13, 2025
If you’re thinking about abortion, an ultrasound is a crucial step to gather essential information about your pregnancy. It provides key details that can help determine which options are available to you and ensures your health and safety as you make this important decision. At Collage , we offer free limited OB ultrasounds to give you the clarity and support you need, as well as more information on your pregnancy options. Ultrasounds During Pregnancy An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your body. These images provide vital insights into your pregnancy, helping you make an informed decision. Here are three critical pieces of information an ultrasound can reveal: 1. The Location of Your Pregnancy An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is located in the uterus. Sometimes, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that cannot result in a live birth and requires immediate medical attention to avoid a life-threatening situation. Even if you’re considering abortion, identifying an ectopic pregnancy through ultrasound is essential to protect your health. 2. How Far Along You Are (Gestational Age) Understanding how far along you are is critical for determining which abortion options you can access. For example, the abortion pill is FDA-approved only for pregnancies up to ten weeks gestation. If your pregnancy is further along, a surgical abortion would be the alternative option available, depending on the circumstances. Period-tracking apps can estimate gestational age, but they lack the accuracy of an ultrasound, which can precisely date your pregnancy. 3. Whether Your Pregnancy Is Progressing Not all pregnancies continue as expected—approximately 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can detect if a miscarriage has occurred so you can follow up with the appropriate care plan. Protect Your Health As you can see, an ultrasound is an essential step in protecting your health and understanding your options. You deserve to make an informed and confident decision and the free limited OB ultrasounds Collage provides will help you to do just that. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our care and support are designed to help you through this crucial time. Let us be a source of strength for you.
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