Why should I get tested?
Sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs, also called sexually transmitted infections or
STIs) are very common. Every year there are more than 19 million new cases of
STDs in the U.S. By age 25, roughly one in two sexually active people will get
one. If you think it can’t happen to you…think again. Since STDs often show no
symptoms, many of those infected don’t even know it. The only way to know if
you or a partner has an STD is to get tested. Here’s the good news: all STDs
are treatable, and many are curable. Putting off getting care for an STD can
have lasting health effects for both women and men. Left untreated, some STDs
can cause infertility (that is, make you unable to have children). Some can
also increase your risk of getting cancer. And get this—already having an STD
increases your risk of getting HIV and other STDs if you have sex with an
infected partner.
If you
notice any changes or irritations “down there,” or any unusual discharge or
discomfort when urinating, you should see a health care provider immediately as
these may be signs of an STD. However, not all genital infections are STDs.
STDs can often be mistaken for common infections or irritations. For example, bumps
like pimples or hair follicles on or around the genitals may be confused for
genital warts. Women often confuse STDs with yeast infections and other
conditions. That’s why it’s important to see a health care provider, who can
determine what (if any) STDs you should be tested for.
Not
everyone likes to talk about their sexual history. But, before you start a new
sexual relationship, it’s a good idea to talk with your partner about your
sexual history and getting tested for STDs. After all, you are not just having
sex with your partner but with everyone they’ve had sex with…and everyone
they’ve had sex with…and well, you get the point. It can be intimidating to
think about, but taking charge and getting tested will help you take control
over the situation.
Wouldn’t I know if I or my partner had an STD?
The only
way to know if you or anyone else has an STD is to get tested. You can’t always
tell by the way someone “looks.” STDs are very common, and it only takes one
sexual experience to get one. Even more to the point: STDs, including HIV,
often have NO symptoms. Zero. That’s right. So, many people who are infected
don’t even know it! Want to know for sure? Then Get Yourself—and Your
Partner—Tested (GYT). Knowledge is power! Know yourself. Know your status.
GYT.
Which STDs should I get tested for?
STDs are
not like allergies; you can’t do a massive test for all the major ones out
there. STD tests are specific to each infection. You and your health care provider
will decide which STDs you should be tested for. But most importantly you need
to speak up and ask to get tested. You can’t assume that you have been tested
for STDs if you have had blood taken, given a urine sample, or (for women) had
a pelvic exam or pap test. If you want to know, ASK to be tested.
Be honest
and open with your health care provider about your sexual history. They are
there to help you, not to judge you. The doc will help you make important
decisions about test(s) you may need. Certain STDs are so common that your
health care provider may suggest that you get tested regularly for them.
What’s involved in testing?
Okay, so
you’ve decided to get tested. Now what? The type of test—or tests—you need can
vary depending on your age, sex, sexual history, and which STD you’re getting
tested for. Remember, there is no single test that can screen for all STDs.
Your test
may include:
Physical
exam – Your health care provider may examine you for any signs of an infection,
such as a rash, discharge, sores, or warts. For women, this exam can be similar
to a pelvic exam.
Urine
sample – You may be asked to pee into a cup at your clinic/doctor’s office.
Urine samples can be used to test for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Discharge,
tissue, cell or oral fluid sample – Your provider will use a swab to collect
samples that will be looked at under a microscope. These samples can test for
certain STDs, like chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, or HIV.
Blood
sample – Your provider may take a blood sample, either with a needle or by
pricking the skin to draw drops of blood. These can be used, for example, to
test for syphilis, herpes, or HIV.
Make sure
you know what you’re being tested for.
Sometimes
a diagnosis can be made based on symptoms or a physical exam. Treatment could be
prescribed right away. Other times, your provider may need to send a sample
away to a lab. Waiting for results can be stressful. Always follow up! If you
don’t get your results, it’s as good as not having been tested. Don’t assume
your results are negative if you don’t hear back—find out for sure
What happens next if I test positive for an STD?
Okay, so
you have an STD. Breathe. Remember, all STDs are treatable and many are
curable. There are different treatments for different STDs. For some STDs,
there are several treatment options. Here are two examples:
- If you
test positive for chlamydia, you will be given a prescription for an antibiotic
that will cure this case of chlamydia. It is important that you follow the
treatment recommended by your health care provider—completely. Always continue
your medication until it is finished, even if your symptoms have gone away. You
could still get chlamydia again, if exposed to someone who has it. So it’s
important that your partner(s) also get tested and treated for chlamydia before
resuming sexual activity.
- If you
test positive for herpes, you can take medications to treat the symptoms.
Medications are also available to help prevent future outbreaks and minimize
their severity, as well as to lower the chances of passing the virus on to
partners. About one in six adults have herpes in the U.S.—and they live normal,
healthy lives. You’re not alone! You can also join support groups for people
with herpes to help you cope and prevent transmission to others.
How do I tell my partner that I have an STD?
Some
conversations seem really hard to have. Telling someone you have an STD is one
of them. But it’s not just about you. Your partner needs to know so he or she
can get tested and treated if necessary. Everyone gets an STD from someone
else. Part of stopping the spread of STDs is open communication, so Get
Yourself Talking. This is never an easy conversation, but it is a very
important conversation to have. Many couples report that this conversation
actually brings them closer together.
Make a
plan. As soon as you’re ready, you should bring it up with your partner. You
could talk to someone else about it first and practice what you’re going to
say. You could journal about it or practice talking in a mirror. You could even
write your partner a letter. The main point is just to communicate. Be there
for your partner the way you hope he or she would be there for you.
Dr Tango is Consultant Physician with facts and Figures Email-
caremed001@gmail.com Blackberry Pin - 74282d21
