Herpes may cause a blister on the lips, genital or anal areas, or it may be in an asymptomatic phase in which no blisters or sores are present. Some types require microscopic examination of tissues or of sores. Others require a blood test. If you are at risk through unprotected sexual contact with someone in whom an infection could be present, then do not rely on self-diagnosis. Go to a doctor or clinic for accurate testing.
Antibiotics can be very effective against bacterial infections.
For example, chlamydia and gonorrhea, infections that can be very dangerous, can be treated with a one-dose medication available at the time you test positive for it, Knowles said. Many consequences are not publicly well known. For example, men with asymptomatic chlamydia are susceptible to developing a syndrome called reactive arthritis, which may lead to permanent disability, Knowles said. In women, some STDs can cause infertility, cervical cancer, tubal pregnancy and a transmission of the infection from mother to fetus. Among the many disturbing aspects of the spread of STDs is that the highest rates of infection are among adolescent females.