We Answered The Top 5 Most-Googled Questions About STDs

December 8, 2023
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Sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STDs/STIs) are surprisingly commonplace in the United States. In fact, the CDC reports that about 1 in 5 American adults has an STD.1 With such a common yet personal concern, it's understandable that many turn to Google with their questions. In this post, we're here to provide answers to the top 5 most common searches about STDs/STIs. Our aim is to provide you with accurate, friendly advice so you can stay informed and make responsible decisions about your health, which will, in turn, impact your future.  But remember, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider and get tested if you suspect you’ve been exposed. You deserve to be the healthiest you possible!


What are STDs, and how do they spread?


Sexually transmitted diseases, also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are a group of infections primarily spread through sexual contact. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HPV, and HIV. These infections can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, as well as close genital contact. Some can even be spread through contact with infected blood or needles, while others can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
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What are the symptoms of STDs?


STDs can come with a wide range of symptoms, but here's the catch: many people with STDs don't show any symptoms at all. The CDC reports over 90 percent of people with chlamydia and gonorrhea don’t have symptoms. This is why regular testing is crucial; it helps detect and treat infections early. Symptoms may include:


Unusual genital discharge

Odor

Pain or burning during urination

Genital sores or ulcers

Itching or discomfort in the genital area

Rashes or warts on or around the genitals

Swollen lymph nodes

Flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, body aches)2


Remember, some STDs can lurk silently in your body without showing any symptoms at all, which is why the CDC encourages annual testing for sexually active people who aren’t in a mutually monogamous relationship. 


How can I protect myself from STDs?


  • Refrain from sexual activity which is the only 100% effective way to avoid exposure to STDs/STIs.
  • Be in a mutually monogamous relationship, like marriage.
  • Have open and honest conversations with any sexual partner. Discuss your sexual health and consider getting tested together before engaging in sexual activities.
  • Keep in mind that although condoms do provide some protection, several STDs can still be acquired through skin-to-skin contact.2


Are STDs curable?


Not all STDs are curable, but many can be effectively treated with medication. For instance, bacterial infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can be cured with antibiotics. However, viral infections like HIV and herpes are not curable, but the symptoms can be treated. 


When should I get tested for STDs?


The right time for STD testing depends on various factors, such as your sexual activity, risk factors, and the specific STD in question.
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As a general guideline, consider getting tested:

  • Before starting a new sexual relationship
  • Annually or more frequently if you have multiple sexual partners
  • If you experience any symptoms of an STD


Remember, if you have concerns or suspect you may have an STD, don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment. Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or would like to schedule testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea (the two most common bacterial STDs). Our healthcare professionals would be happy to help you!

September 30, 2026
If you took the first abortion pill, it’s possible to start wishing you hadn’t. The regret may have hit you immediately, or it might have taken a few hours to realize that you want to continue the pregnancy. Either way, there may still be something you can do: abortion pill reversal (APR) may be an option. The first drug used in the abortion pill regimen is usually mifepristone. If you have taken mifepristone but now want to continue your pregnancy, call the Abortion Pill Reversal Network at 1-877-558-0333 right away. Their Helpline is available 24/7 and can connect you with a medical provider who can administer APR. If You Have Only Taken the First Pill Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone. Progesterone helps maintain the lining of the uterus during pregnancy. When this hormone is blocked, the uterine lining thins, and the pregnancy ends. The second drug in the abortion pill regimen is misoprostol , which causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. Abortion pill reversal involves giving progesterone after mifepristone in an effort to allow the pregnancy to continue. Don’t Wait for Symptoms Before Calling You may wonder whether you should wait before deciding what to do. But if you want to try to continue the pregnancy, call first.  It’s critical to start the protocol as soon as possible, ideally within 24 to 48 hours of taking mifepristone. However, you should still call even when more time has passed; it may not be too late. A medical provider can determine whether APR may still be appropriate. Does Reversal Always Work? Abortion pill reversal cannot guarantee that the pregnancy will continue. One published study reported ongoing pregnancy rates of approximately 64% to 68% with certain progesterone regimens, but individual outcomes vary. The important thing is to get medical guidance quickly rather than trying to determine your chances on your own. What if You Already Took Misoprostol? If you have already taken misoprostol, contact a healthcare professional promptly and explain exactly what you took and when. You should also seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms that concern you or believe you may be experiencing a medical emergency. Make the Call Now Changing your mind after taking mifepristone can be frightening, especially when you’re unsure whether there is still time to act. You don’t need to figure that out yourself. Call the Abortion Pill Reversal Network at 1-877-558-0333 as soon as possible and tell them when you took mifepristone. They can explain whether abortion pill reversal may still be an option and connect you with an appropriate provider. You can also contact Collage if you need someone to speak with while you work through your next steps. We’re here to help you. *Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services. **All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
September 7, 2026
Seeing another positive pregnancy test after having had a past abortion may bring up memories or emotions from that experience. If you already know you don’t want another abortion, you may be wondering what other choices you have and whether either feels realistic for your life right now. You have time to learn about your options and the available support. Collage is here to give you a place to discuss your circumstances so you can decide what’s right for you. Schedule a no-cost appointment today to learn more about your pregnancy and what your next steps could look like. And read on to learn more about your pregnancy options besides abortion. Consider What Parenting Would Require You may want to parent but have concerns about whether you can make it work. Finances, housing, childcare, your relationship, work, or school can all influence how possible this option feels right now. Before deciding that those challenges make parenting unrealistic, it can help to identify your biggest concerns individually. Some of those concerns may have solutions you haven’t considered yet. Think about the support you already have, along with what you would need during pregnancy and after your baby arrives. Knowing where the gaps are can make it easier to find resources rather than trying to solve everything at once. Learn More About Adoption If you don’t want another abortion but aren’t ready to parent, adoption is another option. Today, a woman making an adoption plan can have a significant role in deciding what that plan looks like. Depending on the type of adoption, you may be able to choose an adoptive family and decide what level of contact you would like after placement. Open, semi-open, and closed adoption offer different levels of communication and privacy. Speaking with a licensed adoption professional can help you understand these differences, your rights, and what the process would involve before you make any commitments. Discuss Your Options in a Confidential Space Having had an abortion before does not mean you have to make the same pregnancy decision again. Your feelings, circumstances, priorities, or perspective may be different this time. If you know you don’t want another abortion, start by learning what parenting and adoption could realistically look like in your current situation. Collage provides a place to talk about your pregnancy and the concerns influencing your decision. We can also connect you with adoption agencies and community organizations that provide the support you’re seeking. Reaching out doesn’t lock you into a specific decision. Schedule a no-cost appointment with Collage today to get your questions answered and explore the options available to you. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services.
August 11, 2026
If your girlfriend is facing an unexpected pregnancy and considering the abortion pill, you're probably wondering about costs and whether insurance will cover it.
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