Signs of Pregnancy

The Who, What, Where, When, and Why of STD Testing

STD testing is important for those who are sexually active. Who is a candidate for STD testing? When should you be tested for STDs? Learn what everybody ought to know about STD testing and how getting tested for STDs has never been easier and more convenient.

STD Testing

STD Testing – The Basics

Everyone, sexually active or not, needs to have basic knowledge of STDs and STD testing. Anyone who is sexually active should receive routine STD testing. The risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease is increased for those who have more than one sexual partner.

STD testing can be performed at your doctor’s office or local lab. There are various types of STD tests, and not all doctors test for the same diseases. Some STDs may be tested for using blood tests, urine, or cell samples.

If you’re thinking of becoming sexually involved with a new partner, both you and your partner should be tested first. If you have more than one sexual partner, STD testing is recommended yearly.

The Importance of STD Testing

STD testing is important to protect your health and the health of your partner and future partners. The spreading of STDs is preventable. Diseases such as Condyloma, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis are easily curable with simple antibiotics. Chlamydia, for example, is an asymptomatic disease that, if left untreated, can cause reproductive problems and infertility. And if you are lucky enough to have a baby, he or she may be born with pneumonia or conjunctivitis as a result of your Chlamydia. But in order to treat these STDs, you must be aware of them. STD testing is the first step.

Do I Need an STD Testing?

Summary by Tim Leach

Although you engaged in protected penetrative sex, you may possibly still be at risk of infection – be aware that some STDs, such as herpes, can be transmitted through oral sex. Of course, if you have had unprotected penetrative sex with a stranger, you should strongly consider visiting a local STD testing clinic – if you are worried about confidentiality, many of them offer anonymous STD testing.

You want to have unprotected sex with a long term partner.

Before having unprotected sex with a partner, it is recommended that both you and your partner take some comprehensive STD testing. While the pill does prevent pregnancy, it provides no protection against STDs, and STD testing is recommended for both you and your partner before you engage in unprotected sex. Complete STD testing is usually standard procedure in pre-natal medical care at several points during the pregnancy – ask your OBGYN if you need further information.

If you have three or more sexual partners in one year, it is strongly recommended that you undergo comprehensive STD testing, even if you engage in protected sex with all of them. If you are worried about your STD testing appearing in insurance documents, many clinics offer anonymous STD testing.

While some STDs can only be contracted through direct sexual contact, HIV, hepatitis and several other STDs are transmitted through contact with infected blood. The risk is especially high with shared or previously used needles, but if you have ever injected yourself with drugs or steroids you should go to an STD testing clinic to get tested.

If I’m Already Infected, How Can STD testing Assist Me?

By Isaq Naser

STD testing let you to recognize you have a disease early enough to avoid complications. Early detection with scheduled STD testing can help you stay healthy. Some STDs are curable. Others are treatable.

We’re all familiar with HIV, but did you know that the presence of other STDs actually raises your risk of becoming infected with HIV if exposed to it? So by being tested for STDs, you’re actually helping to prevent becoming infected with HIV. In addition, if you have already been infected, early detection can help prevent the virus from turning into AIDS. Grasp it before it has time to proceed with routine STD testing.

You can also read information about Morning After Pill to avoid yourself from unplanned pregnancy.