Far too many people think that the only time they need to be tested for sexually transmitted infection (STI) is when symptoms are present. This approach not only leaves you at risk of harm, but also increases the chance that you might spread an infection to others without your knowledge.
At Christos Doctors Inn Walk In Health Care in Lauderhill, Florida, Christopher Smith, MD, and his team aim to share the latest guidance on all areas of wellness, including women’s and and men’s health. Here are five reasons to schedule an STI test.
To be clear: Many STIs don’t present a clear set of symptoms. That’s part of why sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates are so high in America. Many people are spreading these infections without knowing they’re infected themselves.
However, recognizing the signs of a sexually transmitted infection can help you know to get tested promptly. When symptoms are present, they might include:
Some of these symptoms would be difficult to ignore, while others could be easily presumed to be caused by another condition. Getting tested whenever unexpected symptoms arise takes the guesswork out of it so you know what you’re facing and so you can get prompt treatment if needed.
Wearing internal (female) or external (male) condoms is the best way to protect yourself against many forms of sexually transmitted disease. But condoms aren’t failproof, and there are times when you might wonder if your condom use served the intended purpose.
If you suspect that a condom did not remain in place for the duration of your sexual encounter, or if there’s evidence that a condom tore during use, getting tested is the right course of action. You can call our team at Christos Doctors Inn Walk In Health Care to determine the right timeline for testing, as it takes time for an STI to show up on a test.
Anytime you have unprotected sex, you are at risk of contracting or spreading an STI. Coming in for testing is the best way to know your status and take action as needed.
Abstaining from all forms of sexual activity is the only way to truly prevent contracting a sexually transmitted infection. But being involved in a mutually monogamous relationship in which both partners have gone through STI screening is the next best bet.
If you’re in a relationship with a new partner, getting tested is a great way to not only understand your own disease status, but to communicate to your partner that preserving your sexual health is a priority.
Don’t shy away from asking your partner to get tested, too. STI testing should never be a shameful experience; it’s simply another part of routine healthcare.
Some sexually transmitted diseases can affect your fertility. If you’re planning to add to your family, both partners should be tested prior to conception. Many forms of sexually transmitted disease can be cleared through simple treatment paths, so knowing your status can help you avoid complications when it comes to your fertility.
If you have an infection that can be spread to your baby during pregnancy or childbirth — for example, syphilis, gonorrhea, HIV, genital warts, or genital herpes — it’s important to take action to reduce those risks. You can be treated for some conditions, and you can take steps to avoid transmitting the infection to your infant.
If you’re having sex, even if you’re in a long-term relationship, you should include STI testing in your routine health tasks. Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections is a simple process. You can discuss testing during a routine health exam, or you can schedule a visit for the express purpose of getting screened.
If you’re ready to know your status, online booking offers a convenient and confidential way to set up an appointment for testing at Christos Doctors Inn Walk In Health Care, or you can give us a call to talk to our scheduling team. We also offer walk-in services.
