Sexual activities including anal, vaginal, or oral sex sometimes spread infections that we refer to as STDs. These are diseases that spread when you come in close contact with an individual or it may also transfer from the mother to the unborn child.
The causes for STDs can be bacterias, viruses or parasites. As a matter of fact within the USA there are millions of people who have some type of STD infection. People between 15 to 24 years of age are more prone to getting the STD infection. The most common diseases spreading sexually are chlamydia, HIV, gonorrhea, etc.
One must take proper treatment for STDs. Not taking the treatment on time puts the lives of both you and your partner at risk. While some STDs may not have a very harmful impact on your health, there are some that come with serious long-term effects like blindness, birth defects, etc. Avoiding treatment for STDs may also lead you to a fatal end.
How to know whether you have STD or not?
STD testing Culver City provides different tests to detect whether a person is suffering from these infections or not. In order to make people aware and active towards sexual health one may also find free STD test in their vicinity.
There are not just one or two reasons for which you should take the STD tests. Rather, STD testing is also a recommendation for the following:
- Women who are under 25 and are sexually active
Chlamydia test and gonorrhea test are a must for all the women under 25 years of age with an active sexual life. Taking these tests every year will help in timely detection and treatment if you are suffering from these diseases. Furthermore, if you have an involvement with a new partner or have multiple partner then your risk of STD testing increases manifold.
- All women who 21 years and above
Pap smear test is the recommendation for all the women who are above 21 years of age. This test helps in checking for abnormalities in the cervix. These abnormalities can be precancerous changes which occur due to HPV.
- Pregnant women
It is a practice that all the pregnant women usually undergo tests for HIV, chlamydia, syphilis, and more. Taking these tests is important for not just the health of the mother but also for the well being of the unborn child.
- Men and women having sex without protection
Having sex without a condom puts you at a greater risk of diseases that transmit sexually. For all the people having sex without protection, going for STD tests regularly is an essential activity.
- People with HIV
HIV is an STD that puts you at a higher risk of getting other STDs as well. People already having HIV must take the STD tests for syphilis, gonorrhea and herpes.
Symptoms of STDs:
Being regular with STD testing is important for a healthy life. However, this recommendation becomes a necessity for all the above mentioned individuals. To understand whether you are suffering from an STD, it is important that you learn about its symptoms as well.
Having the following symptoms is an indication that you must go for STD testing:
- Pain during urination
- Having extreme pain during intercourse
- Vaginal discharge with an unusual odor
- Itching in vaginal area
- Having bumps or sores in genital or rectal area
Different STD test types:
Every STD has its own symptoms. Depending on the symptoms one may need the following tests for STD detection:
- Blood test –
Diseases like syphilis, HIV and herpes need a blood test for detection. In this your health care professional takes blood sample from vein of your arm. This blood sample then goes to the laboratory for proper testing.
- Urine test –
Gonorrhea and trichomoniasis require a urine test. For the test, you need to provide a sterile urine sample. Make sure you are first discussing your symptoms with your doctor and then taking the test as per recommendation.
- Swab test –
Swab tests are useful in diagnosing multiple diseases. STDs like HPV, herpes, gonorrhea and some others require you to take the swab test. In this the provider uses a special swab to take swab from the infection site. For women, vagina and cervic are the sites for swab test. In men, penis or urethra are the infection sites for taking swab samples.
- Lumbar puncture –
This is not a very common test for detecting STDs. The lumbar puncture test becomes important when the symptoms indicate advanced stage of syphilis or herpes infection. In this test, the provider numbs the spinal area and then inserts a thin, hollow needle in the lower spine between two vertebrae. Through this test they collect a small fluid amount for testing.
Bottom Line:
To conclude, one has to be responsible when it comes to sexual health and well-being. Not understanding the importance of STD testing puts you at a great risk. Just by being regular with STD testing and proper treatment, you will ensure that you as well as your partner stays safe and sound. So without any delay make an appointment at the nearest STD testing center. Also have a discussion with your doctor in detail as to how to prevent yourself from the diseases transmitting sexually.
