STD Testing Info

With millions of new cases of infections every year in the US, STDs are a danger that everyone needs to be aware of. But while there are thousands of STD testing clinics throughout America offering anonymous STD testing, many people still don’t know under what circumstances they should take a test. Here is a list of five occasions when comprehensive STD testing is essential; some of them are common sense (after unprotected sex with a stranger, for example), but some times it isn’t so straightforward…

You have a one night stand

Even if you engaged in protected penetrative sex, you may 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 concerned 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 tests. It is a common misconception that the contraceptive pill protects against sexually transmitted diseases. While the pill does prevent pregnancy, it provides no protection against STDs, and testing is recommended for both you and your partner before you engage in unprotected sex. Many STDs can be completely asymptomatic, so just because you don’t have any obvious symptoms does not mean you or your partner haven’t been exposed. It may not be very romantic, but STD testing at the beginning of a new relationship is essential for safe health and peace of mind.

You are pregnant

Another strange myth is that pregnancy offers protection against STDs. It does not; more seriously, there are a number of STDs that can cause complications during pregnancy. Some (such as Herpes, HIV and Syphilis) can be passed on to the baby as it is born. Comprehensive 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.  

You have three or more sexual partners in a single year

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. It is also recommended that all sexually active women under the age of 25 should take a Chlamydia test at least once a year, as the disease is extremely common and rarely shows symptoms. If you are worried about your tests appearing in insurance documents, many clinics offer anonymous STD testing.

You have injected drugs or steroids

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.

Tim Leach is the Marketing Manager of USA Lab Testing, providers of STD testing

In this day and age, we’ve all been told that STD testing is important for those who are sexually active, but there is a lot more to know about STD testing than “just do it.” Who is a candidate for STD testing? What’s involved in the process? When should you be tested for STDs? Why is it so important? Learn what everybody ought to know about STD testing and how getting tested for STDs has never been easier and more convenient.

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. This means anyone who participates in sexual activity of any kind, not just vaginal intercourse, is at risk. 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. You may need to have multiple tests depending on your sexual history and possible symptoms.

When it comes to STD testing, the sooner you have it done, the better. Like most diseases, the earlier it is caught, the easier it will be to treat. If you have symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease, the best thing to do is to have yourself and your partner tested. 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 truth is that most people who transmit STDs don’t even know they have one. That knowledge can be obtained in a simple test and can help protect both you and your partner.

The spreading of STDs is preventable. Diseases such as Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are easily curable with simple antibiotics. But in order to treat these STDs, you must be aware of them. STD testing is the first step.

You have a responsibility to receive STD testing, not only to protect your partner and to prevent the spreading of STDs, but also to yourself, your body, and your health.

We’ve all heard about STD testing and how it can help prevent the spreading of STDs. But all the information, all the attention, all the fuss about STD testing is about more than just protecting the health of others – it’s about protecting yourself too.

Why Should I be Tested for STDs?

Anyone who is sexually active should be tested for STDs, because we’re not all-knowing. Not everyone who has a sexually transmitted disease knows about it – in fact, most people don’t. Let’s forget for a moment that you could unknowingly be spreading STDs and endangering the lives of others. Let’s put aside the concern for them, just for now, and focus on you.

Because many sexually transmitted diseases, such as Chlamydia and gonorrhea, may show no symptoms at all, the only way to know you have one is through STD testing. 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.

If I’m Already Infected, How Can STD Tests Help Me?

STD tests allow you to know you have a disease early enough to avoid complications. Chlamydia can be treated and even cured so you never have to suffer its consequences.

Early detection with routine STD screenings can help you stay healthy. Some STDs are curable. Others are treatable. Just because you may have an incurable disease, does not mean you’re doomed. There have been many medical advancements in the treatment of STDs.

We’re all familiar with HIV, the virus that can lead to AIDS, but did you know that the presence of other STDs actually increases 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. Catch it before it has time to advance with routine STD testing. HIV is a treatable disease, and many people who have it receive treatment and go on to live normal lives because of early detection.

The truth of the matter is – knowledge is power. And the more you know about your own body, the more power you have to control what happens next.