Anyone who engages in sexual activity runs the risk of contracting STIs, which are a common occurrence. Unfortunately, a lot of people are reluctant to get tested for STIs because of the stigma attached to it or because they don’t believe they are at risk. Waiting to get tested for STIs, however, might seriously harm your health. Infertility, persistent pain, and even cancer can all be avoided with early STI detection and treatment. In fact, over 20 million new instances of STIs are reported each year in the United States alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Don’t put off getting tested until it is too late.
Importance of early STI testing
An crucial part of managing your sexual health is being tested for STIs. The spread of infections to others and long-term harm to your body can both be avoided with early STI identification. Since many STIs have no symptoms, you could be infected without even being aware of it. You can identify and treat STIs before they cause major health issues by getting tested frequently.
Early STI testing is crucial for women in particular because some STIs may lead to infertility, persistent pelvic pain, and even cervical cancer. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other STIs can result in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which harms the reproductive organs and impairs fertility. The cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, and throat can all develop cancer as a result of HPV, another frequent STI. These long-term health issues can be avoided by treating these STIs early on.
Risks of delaying STI testing
Delaying STI testing can have negative health effects. STIs can result in long-term health issues like cancer, chronic pain, and infertility if they are not treated. Additionally, some STIs can be transmitted through sexual activity, which might result in the infection of new people.
Delaying STI testing can also make infections more challenging to treat. The severity of an infection’s symptoms can increase the longer it remains untreated. As a result, the infection may be harder to treat and the healing process may take longer. Delaying STI testing can also make it more challenging to identify the illness’s origin, which can make it harder to stop the virus from spreading to other people.
Common STIs and their symptoms
STIs come in a variety of forms, each with distinct symptoms and curative treatments. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HPV, and herpes are a few of the most prevalent STIs.
Antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial illnesses like chlamydia and gonorrhea. These infections can cause pelvic pain, discharge, and pain when urinating. Regular testing is crucial since these infections can lead to serious long-term health issues if left untreated.Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can cause sores, rashes, and fever. If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious health problems such as blindness, dementia, and even death.
Genital warts and cancer can both be brought on by the viral virus HPV. Although there is no treatment for HPV, some kinds of the virus can be prevented using vaccines. Regular HPV testing is necessary to identify any problematic cells early.
Herpes, a viral illness, can result in sores and blisters. Herpes has no known treatment, but antiviral drugs can lessen the intensity and frequency of outbreaks. If you have any symptoms or believe you may have been exposed to the virus, it’s critical to get tested for herpes.
What to expect during an STI test
It takes only a few minutes to get tested for STIs. The majority of STI testing require a blood sample or a urine sample. You could also be required to provide a sample swab of the affected area, depending on the test.
A healthcare professional will take a sample of blood or urine during the examination for analysis. If a swab is required, the clinician will take a sample from the afflicted area using a cotton swab. After that, the sample will be taken to a lab for evaluation.
STI test results are often available within a few days (some tests available within the same day). Your healthcare practitioner will offer treatment options and guidance on how to stop the illness from spreading to others if you test positive for a STI.
Conclusion
A crucial part of managing your sexual health is being tested for STIs. Infertility, persistent pain, and even cancer can all be avoided with early STI detection and treatment. Don’t put off getting tested until it is too late. It’s crucial to undergo routine STI testing if you have a sexual lifestyle. If you haven’t been tested recently, ask for a STI test and discuss your sexual health with your doctor. Keep in mind that early detection is essential for keeping your sexual health and avoiding the virus from spreading to other people.
If you believe you’ve been exposed to an STI/STD and need an appointment for STD testing (STI testing), schedule an appointment at any Modern Urgent Care site by clicking the link below!