Which Doctor to Consult for STD?

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Around 6% of the Indian adult population has one or more sexually transmitted diseases (STDs, diseases spread through sexual contact) or reproductive tract infections (RTIs). That’s about 30–35 million cases of STD/RTIs every year.

With sexually transmitted diseases spreading in our community at such an alarming rate, knowing the importance of sexual health and STD prevention is vital — especially if you’re unaware of the symptoms.

In this blog, we’ll explore what doctors to consult when it comes to diagnosing and treating STDs or if you’re seeking advice on preventative measures.

Understanding STDs

STDs can affect anyone, often without obvious symptoms. If they’re not treated early, they can lead to serious health issues like infertility, cancer, or an increased risk for HIV.

Knowledge of safe sex practices, the use of preventive measures like condoms, and regular STD testing are vital for sexual health.

If you’re sexually active, it’s your responsibility to stay informed and take steps to protect yourself and others.

Types of Doctors to Consult for STD

If you suspect that you have an STD, the first thing you should do is see a doctor. In this section, we’ll explore what doctors to consult for STDs and what to consider when choosing a doctor.

4 Doctors to Consult for STDs

Here are the four main types of doctors to consult for STDs.

1. Dermatologists

Dermatologists diagnose and treat STDs that affect the skin (like herpes or syphilis). They perform physical examinations and laboratory tests and prescribe topical or systemic medications to alleviate discomfort and prevent the further spread of the STD.

They can also find out if your skin condition is a result of an STD or an allergy.

Bear in mind that a dermatologist is only trained to treat skin-related symptoms of STDs. If an STD is curable, you might have to see a specialist.

2. Gynaecologists

Gynaecologists specialize in female reproductive health. They’re trained to perform screenings during routine check-ups, prescribe medications, and offer advice on preventing STDs and practising safe sex for conditions like HPV, chlamydia, or gonorrhoea.

Gynaecologists perform pap smears, chlamydia and gonorrhoea screening, hepatitis C and HPV testing, and tests for HIV and other STDs.

3. Urologists

Urologists can help people with STDs by administering medication. A genitourinary specialist (a urologist who specializes in the reproductive system) can treat STDs after a patient has gone through their general physician.

They perform diagnostic tests, offer treatments like antibiotics for gonorrhoea or chlamydia, and provide counselling on safe sex and STD prevention.

4. Infectious Disease Specialists

Infectious disease specialists are experts in complex infections like STDs. They provide advanced diagnostic services, tailor treatment plans (often involving strong antiviral or antibacterial drugs), and counsel patients on preventing future infections.

Choosing the Right Doctor

Whether you want to test for an STD, learn more about preventing them, or treat something you’ve contracted, here are two important things to consider when choosing a doctor:

• Consider your level of personal comfort: For example, a woman might feel more comfortable seeing a female gynaecologist instead of a general physician.
• The doctor’s experience and their approach to patient care: Understand how many years of experience your doctor has. More experience means he or she has most likely treated someone with the same symptoms you might have.

Significance of STD Testing

STD testing is an essential part of overall sexual health and preventing the spread of STDs.

Since many STD symptoms are asymptomatic (showing no symptoms but still damaging), someone with an STD could unknowingly infect another person.

Regular testing allows early detection, which results in more effective treatment.

If you’re looking for some of the best STD specialists in the country, we invite you to book your next appointment with Ayu Health Network of Hospitals.

Our 4.7 Google rating makes us a preferred option for people looking for quality healthcare at an affordable price.

Visit our website to learn more.

FAQs

Which Doctor is Best for STDs?

The best doctor for an STD would be a venereologist. However, we recommend getting tested by your general physician or a gynaecologist first.

What are STD Doctors Called?

Doctors who test and treat STDs are called venereologists. The term is derived from the name of the Roman goddess Venus, who is associated with fertility, love, and beauty.

Does a Urologist Treat STDs?

Yes, a urologist can treat STDs. If a patient’s general physician suspects they have an STD, they usually refer the patient to a urologist.

Should I Go to the Doctor if I Think I Have an STD?

Yes, you should go to a doctor if you think you have an STD. You don’t want to take any risks by not getting your symptoms checked out as early as possible.

Does a Gynecologist Treat STDs?

Yes, a gynaecologist can test and treat STDs. However, if your symptoms aren’t detectable from your genitalia, your gynaecologist won’t know if you have an STD.

How Much Does an STD Test Cost in India?

The price of an STD test in India depends on where you get it. Some clinics offer testing for as low as ?400, while some charge ?30,000 or more for comprehensive testing.

What is the Hardest STD to Treat?

The hardest curable STD to treat is gonorrhoea because it has progressively developed resistance to antibiotics prescribed to treat it. Incurable STDs include hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV), HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV).

Also Read : Which Doctor To Consult For Weight Loss?

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6776942/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36011639/

https://ayu.health/blog/surviving-summer-tips-for-managing-skin-allergies/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25751258/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18984368/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6751565/

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