What Are the Long-Term Effects of Untreated STDs?

January 10, 2025

STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) can have serious consequences if left untreated. Educating yourself and understanding how to avoid STDs can help preserve your long-term health.

Women’s Care Center provides complimentary STD testing and treatment. We’re here to ensure you can make health decisions and promptly receive the care you need. Schedule an appointment today to learn more.

In the meantime, keep reading to learn about STDs and their long-term effects.

Get the Facts

Bacteria, parasites, or viruses cause STDs. They are spread mainly through sexual contact, though they can also be contracted through shared needles, blood transfusions, and more. If a woman is pregnant, untreated STDs can pass to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth.

Not all STDs have symptoms, so if someone is sexually active, they should proactively seek STD testing to assess their health.

However, signs of STDs include:

• Painful or burning urination
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge
• Discharge from the penis
• Sore, swollen lymph nodes (often in the groin but can be elsewhere)
• Sores or bumps on the genitals
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Lower abdominal pain
• Fever
• Rash

Without regular testing and treatment as needed, STDs can create long-term complications, including:

• Pelvic pain
• Pregnancy complications
• Eye inflammation
• Arthritis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Infertility
• Heart disease
• Certain cancers (i.e., HPV-associated cervical and rectal cancers)

Your health is the priority. Getting tested for STDs and staying on top of your sexual and reproductive health is smart, assertive, and can protect you from future issues.

We are here for you. By knowing the signs and symptoms of STDs and learning how to protect yourself, you can manage your health confidently.

Complimentary STD Testing & Treatment

Women’s Care Center provides complimentary STD testing and treatment in a nonjudgmental environment. We check for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.

You owe it to yourself to take advantage of these services. We’re here to educate you, answer your questions, and more.

Make an appointment today.