Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a common health concern for sexually active individuals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of new cases of STDs are reported in the United States each year. STDs can cause serious health complications, including infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and certain types of cancer. Fortunately, STD testing or early detection and treatment can help prevent these complications. To get tested, you can opt for STD testing online which is a more convenient option.
What exactly is an STD? STD is an ailment that is frequently transmitted through sexual contact. The only way to determine whether or not a person has been infected with an STD is to undergo STD testing at a doctor’s office or lab.
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis A, B, and C, herpes 1 and 2, HIV, HPV (genital warts), pubic lice (crabs), syphilis, Trichomoniasis, and vaginitis are examples of common STDs. These can be viruses, bacteria, or parasites, among other things. Let’s talk about the distinction.
Here, we will discuss who needs STD testing and why it’s important.
Anyone who is sexually active or has had sexual contact with another person may need STD testing, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or age. This includes people who have had unprotected sex, multiple partners or have symptoms of an STD. It is also recommended that individuals in new sexual relationships get tested before engaging in sexual activity with a new partner.
Sexually active teenagers and young adults are at increased risk for STDs. According to the CDC, young people aged 15-24 account for half of all new STD infections. Young women, in particular, are at risk for serious health complications if they contract an STD. STDs can increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause long-term abdominal pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.
People who engage in high-risk sexual behaviors, such as unprotected sex, anal sex, or sex with multiple partners, are at increased risk for STDs. Other high-risk behaviors include drug use and sharing needles. People who have a history of STDs or have been exposed to someone with an STD should also get tested.
Pregnant women should also be tested for STDs. STDs can be passed from a mother to her unborn baby, causing serious health problems such as blindness, deafness, and intellectual disabilities. Pregnant women who test positive for an STD can receive treatment to reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to their babies.
People who have symptoms of an STD should get tested as soon as possible. STD symptoms vary depending on the type of infection but can include:
- Painful urination
- Discharge from the penis or vagina
- Pain or bleeding during sex
- Sores, bumps, or blisters on the genitals, anus, or mouth
- Itching or irritation in the genital area
- Fever, fatigue, or other flu-like symptoms
If left untreated, some STDs can cause serious health complications. For example, untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to PID, which can cause long-term abdominal pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. HPV can cause genital warts and certain types of cancer, including cervical cancer. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, attacks the immune system and can lead to life-threatening infections and cancers.
STD testing is an important part of sexual health care. There are several different types of STD tests, and the type of test you need will depend on the type of STD you may have. Some STDs can be diagnosed with a simple blood or urine test, while others require a swab of the genital area or anus. Your healthcare provider can help determine which tests are necessary.
STD testing is typically quick and easy. Many healthcare providers offer same-day testing, and some clinics offer walk-in services. Results are typically available within a few days to a week, depending on the type of test.
If you test positive for an STD, it’s important to get treatment right away. Many STDs can be cured with antibiotics, but some, like HIV, have no cure. However, there are treatments available that can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
In addition to getting tested and treated, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting an STD. Using condoms consistently and correctly is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of STDs
Conclusion
No matter what age, gender, race, or sexual affection a person has, STD testing is important. You can contract an STD if you engage in sexual activity. Only abstinence (doing absolutely no sexual activity) can reduce this risk. Sexually transmitted infections can be treated or managed, but only after being correctly identified. Nowadays, STD testing online is the best way to get tested.