Importance of STD Testing

STDs are diseases that mostly affect those people who have unprotected sexual relations with one or more partners. Mental distress and physical pain are some of the demerits of getting infected with an STD which is transmitted sexually. Those people who are sexually active should ensure that they go for regular STD tests every once in a while. Being venereal diseases, STDs can affect anyone whether young or old and male or female. Contrary to popular belief, STD tests are usually not the same as gynecological exams performed on women. As long as one is having sexual relations with one or more partners, they should ensure they go for an STD test. In order to reduce chances of one getting infected, it is always important to use protection by using condoms during sexual relations.

Most clinics or centers don’t charge a dime for those going for an STD test. Since the doctor carrying out the test is very confidential, one should not be scared of the results leaking. Not many people go for these tests as they are usually very scared of the test results being positive. If at all one chooses to go for a test, one is guaranteed that they will not be stigmatized in event that they are positive since the doctor doesn’t share the news with anyone else. Private doctors may offer their patients STD test kits or carry out the test in their office.

The most common sexually transmitted diseases that people should go to be tested for are chlamydia and gonorrhea. The reproductive system in both men and women is what is affected when one has gonorrhea. It might be a bit difficult for men to know whether they are infected as they don’t get the symptoms early enough. Some of the common symptoms include sores, burning sensation when urinating and having white, green or yellow pus. As for women, the symptoms of this infection usually develop after two or five days of being infected. An STD test is therefore crucial in order to diagnose the severity and presence of gonorrhea.

The reason as to why chlamydia is known as a silent infection is because one might not notice that they are infected until later on. The symptoms usually start weeks after infection. Having lower abdominal pains, painful periods, painful urination and smelly discharge are some of the symptoms that one experiences. In order to know whether one is infected or not, one should take an STD once in a while.

Seeing multiple partners isn’t wrong but becomes risky when it comes to your physical health. During sexual intercourse, one should ensure that they use protection in order to avoid getting infected.