Millions of people in the world suffer from sexually transmitted diseases (STD) once in their lifetime and unfortunately, a large number of people do not get treatment for STDs. The main reason is that these diseases are highly appalling and sometimes there are no symptoms that could make a person feel he or she is suffering from STD. If people do not even know they are infected then how can they get treatment? So, there is only one way to know whether you have STD, is to get tested. Fortunately, we have a number of tests options available.
Why Should You Get Tested For STD? Surely, you will be thinking that why you bother to get tested if you are feeling alright but STD testing is very important as the person can be infected without feeling any symptoms. If you are sexually active, you must go to your doctor and ask your concerns and also what tests you need?
You may have heard about STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections), this term refers when the person is infected without any symptoms.
Now the question arises, which type of STI testing you required? How often must you go for the test? Let’s explore here in detail:
Testing for Particular STIs
Have a look at some guidelines for STI testing for particular STD’s
HIV and Hepatitis
You must go for an HIV test if you • Have been involved in sex with more than one person. • Planning to have a child. • Using drugs • If you are forced to engage in any sexual activity.
People who are born in between 1945 to 1965 are suggested to go for Hepatitis C Screening. This disease has no symptoms until it goes to the advanced level.
Genital herpes
This infection also does not have any symptoms and unfortunately there are no good tests available to detect Genital Herpes. Yes, a blood test can help to detect herpes virus but the results cannot be concluded. As the results are not always clear, so on the estimation of test report and level of infection, it can be considered as positive or negative test result.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea
These tests are carried out mainly by the urine test. This test is important if you don’t get any signs that you are having this infection. You must go for this test annually if you • You are an HIV-infected person • You are having sex with the same gender. • You are having sex with a new partner
Human Papillomavirus
This infection can be the cause of the cancer of mouth, throat, anus, vagina and penis. Unfortunately, there are no HPV tests available for men, however for women; there is Pap test and HPV test. Yes, vaccines can be beneficial for protecting men and women from HPV but only when it is carried out before any sexual activity begins.
However, home testing is also available. You can simply collect your urine sample and send it to the laboratory for further examination. You can take the benefit of home-testing kits to take the sample in privacy without going to any laboratory or hospital and you can also find the STD test finder app for your phone. If test results are positive you should consult your doctor for further treatment. At last, I just want to say that don’t feel ashamed to take the STD test. You should also keep in mind that you are going to do a great thing by getting tested, so that if you are infected, you can have treatment in time and prevent the disease from going to the higher stag. So, always go for an annual STD test and take care of your health. You can also find the STD test finder app for your phone