In this article, we are going to tell you about all you need to know about the sexually transmitted diseases, also known as STDs. You might be wondering whether you or your partner need a test. Every individual should stay informed about STDs in order to protect themselves successfully.
Should you get tested?
If you experience any symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease, then it’s important to get yourself checked before any complications occur. Such symptoms include discharge of genitals, itching and burning sensation during urination.
However, there is a variety of infections that does not cause any symptoms and the individuals carrying them, never learn about it. Others spread diseases without experiencing any adverse effects of the disease.
If you have had sex without any protection such as a condom, female condom, dental dam, or another barrier, then it might be a good idea to get tested if you experience any unpleasant symptoms.
How to get tested?
You can ask your personal doctor to give you an STD test. Many people believe that they might get tested during other examinations. However, this is not true, and you must seek help by yourself.
If you wish, your health provider must give you an STD test if that’s what you want. He will decide what kind of tests to take and whether you need them at all.
Where can you get tested?
There are numerous places where you can receive a free STD testing near you, during the National HIV Testing Day, which occurs on June 27th. Its purpose is to ensure that all Americans are tested for HIV. According to various sources, more than 1.2 million people are living with HIV and every 1 in 8 is unaware of this fact. Authorities believe that 90% of all new infections can be prevented by testing only.
There are about 156,000 Americans who are unaware of the fact that they are carrying the disease, and they can learn this unpleasant fact only by testing themselves. Currently, this is one of the most powerful methods for HIV prevention.
Which type of test should I pick?
Each infection has its own test and there isn’t one universal for every transmitted disease. Ask your health care provider to tell you, which is the best test you can take.
Note that he will ask you some personal questions such as:
- Do you have any symptoms ?
- How many partners do you have? Do you use any protection?
- Have you ever had any symptoms?
- Have you ever had another disease?
- Are you using any unprescribed medications?
- Do you have any allergies?
Your health care provider must take an important decision and tell you, which are the best tests for you. Thus, you must be completely honest with him.
How are the tests done?
Each test requires different things depending on your infection. There are three types of tests:
- Blood – You must provide a blood sample for examination.
- Urine – The individual must provide an urine sample into a special cup for examination.
- Physical examination – Your doctor might have to check your genitals or anus for any problems.
- Tissues and saliva samples are checked under a microscope for any issues.
A simple diagnosis can be made from a physical exam or based on your symptoms. However, in some cases you must give a sample to be tested at a laboratory.