10 Things You Need To Know About STI Testing
by Julia Gregory
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are serious business, and the unfortunate fact is that they are rarely caught. Many people believe they are practicing safe sex when they actually are not. Here are a few facts you need to know about STIs and safe sex before you brush off your next doctor's appointment.
1 - Some STIs lead to serious consequences.
Untreated diseases, including chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhea can lead to issues like infertility or ectopic pregnancy.
2 - You do not need to ask permission for an STI test.
Even if you are a minor, you do not need parental permission to test for an STI. Of course, your parents may still find out if you are paying for the test with private insurance. On the bright side, some clinics (including Planned Parenthood) may be able to offer discretion with the help of a sliding scale payment plan.
3 - Young people get STIs all the time.
It does not matter how old you are. You are at risk, especially if you are under the age of 25. According to the CDC, this group makes up only one-fourth of those who are sexually active but one-half of all STI cases.
4 - Symptoms are not readily apparent.
Sexually transmitted infections may take weeks or even months to appear, and this is why it is important that you get tested regularly. In fact, it might take up to three months to detect the presence of HIV, and you should always test in between partners.
5 - Know how often you need to test.
The time frame for testing is different for each demographic. For instance, women who have sex with men or women should check for chlamydia and gonorrhea each year, whether they have oral, anal or vaginal sex. Men who have sex with men should also check each year, but those who have anonymous or multiple partners should check every three months. Men who have sex with women should check for HIV and other STIs with each new partner, especially because men often have no symptoms.
6 - You need to test for HIV.
Testing for HIV is essential, especially after having unprotected sex and being involved in a high-risk group. High-risk individuals include those who have had sex with a person who is HIV-positive, do not know the HIV status of a partner, have had multiple partners (or partner with multiple partners), are men who have sex with men or have a history of drug injections. Sex workers should also test regularly.
7 - Pregnant women need to be tested too.
Pregnant women should be screened for gonorrhea and hepatitis in addition to chlamydia, HIV, and syphilis. In fact, some conditions, like herpes, can be passed down to infants during labor.
8 - There are no CDC guidelines for people who are transgender.
Transgender individuals are not granted specific guidelines for STI screening. Assessing one's risk based on genital anatomy and sexual behavior is essential, and speaking to a doctor you trust is always important.
9 - Many people don't realize they are not being tested for herpes.
Most tests do not include those for herpes, and you will have to ask for the blood test, especially if you think you have symptoms or have been exposed. About 1 in 6 individuals have genital herpes but are not aware.
10 - There is no test for HPV for individuals with penises.
Of course, this does not mean that these individuals should not inquire about vaccinations that could prevent passage of the condition to a sexual partner.
It might feel uncomfortable to talk to your doctor about STI testing, but it's totally normal to do so. Plus, it's absolutely necessary for your health. For more information about this and other issues that can affect women's sexual health, contact a professional like Western Branch Center for Women.
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About Me
The decision to move one of my parents into assisted living was one of the most difficult I have ever made. I had extreme feelings of guilt that led to me being at the facility with my parent practically around the clock. It took a few months before I realized that I could not let my own life fall apart from the guilt I was feeling. I also learned that my parent was fine without me constantly hovering around. Since that time, I have had several friends express similar feelings of guilt. I started this blog to help others in the same situation understand not only their feelings about assisted living, but those of their parents.