Every adult and adolescent must have at least one STD test. STD checking is to find out whether you have a sexually transmitted disease or not. What Are STDs? STDs are sexually transmitted diseases.
This disease most often occurs and is spread through sexual contact. Sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, Chlamydia, Genital Herpes, Gonorrhea, and some hepatitis, syphilis, and trichomoniasis, can occur when you engage in unhealthy sexual activities.
Why should you get an STD test?
Most STDs do not cause specific symptoms. Therefore, testing is the best and only way for you to find out if you are infected with an STD. Whoever you are, when you have had sex such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex, you have the possibility of being infected with an STD. Nothing wrong if you contact the doctor or the nearest clinic to get a test or consult about it.
When Should You STD Test?
Don’t be afraid if you have ever had sexual contact with someone, and found signs of an STD, you can consult your doctor and clinic that provides the STD test. STD symptoms can indeed come and disappear with time, but this does not mean that STD goes away from your body. If you experience health problems related to STD, see a doctor immediately to get the right treatment.
STD Symptoms
Symptoms caused by STD are different, depending on the type of STD. These signs can indicate a person infected with STD include:
– Lumps or sores around your genitals, thighs, and buttocks.
– A strange discharge appears on your penis or vagina.
– Feelings of burning and heat when you urinate.
– irritation, itching, swelling, or pain in your penis, vagina, vulva, or anus.
– Often feel tired and experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, aches, and swollen glands.
– However, these symptoms can also occur due to fungal or bacterial infections that are not STD.
So doing the test is the only way to know for sure whether you have STD or not. Talk with your doctor or nurse about what type of sexual activity you have (vaginal, anal, oral), whether you use condoms during sex or not. Data from you will help medical experts to analyze sexual symptoms for later testing or the best treatment for you.
Who is recommended should be tested for STD?
People Who Had Unprotected Sex
For those who had unprotected sex, getting an STD test is very important. Or if you find out that the partner you are having sex with is suffering from an STD, you must be tested. Some STDs like HIV can cause health conditions that are damaged from time to time, even if you do not feel any symptoms at this time. Remember, STD can also spread to other people who have sex with you.
Sexually Active People
If you are sexually active, getting tested for STDs is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. Make sure you have an open and honest conversation about your sexual history and STD testing with your doctor and ask whether you should be tested for STDs. If you are not comfortable talking with your regular health care provider about STDs, many clinics provide confidential and free or low-cost testing.
Teenagers and Adults
Adults and adolescents from ages 13 to 64 must at least be tested for HIV once. Women under the age of 25 who are sexually active must be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Women 25 years or older who have risk factors should also be tested for STD every year.
You never know whether your sexual activity is safe. Especially for those who have a new sex partner, multiple sexual relationships, or with people who have an STD indication should also be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women should test for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B during early pregnancy. Pregnant women who are at risk should also be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea. STD testing for pregnant women should be done regularly, as needed to protect the mother and her baby.
Gay and Bisexual
All men who have a gay or bisexual partner must also be tested at least once a year. Gay and bisexuals who are sexually active must be tested for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
Those who have many sexual partners or with strangers should be tested more frequently for STDs. For example, for intervals of 3 to 6 months. Anyone who has unprotected sex or uses a drug injection must be checked at least once a year.
