Is it normal to feel depressed about having an STD?
If you discover that you have an STD, or think you have one, it’s normal to feel embarrassed, worried, and even angry. Most people have some kind of emotional reaction. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone. STDs are very common. Twelve million STD infections occur every year. It’s also important to seek help. Confide in your doctor or healthcare provider and begin treatment. Taking control of the situation may help you manage your feelings. Back to top • Can I test myself for STDs? It’s not a good idea. While some STDs may present identifiable symptoms, such as discharge or warts, many are not easily identifiable. Even more are asymptomatic (without symptoms). At this point, diagnosing STDs requires clinical training or laboratory tests. Currently there are no home tests for STDs available, although this may change in the future. A home HIV test was recently approved by the FDA and is available. If you think you have an STD, talk to your doctor or a healthcare provider. Bac
