The hysteria surrounding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has waned, and that’s a good thing, but it’s also important to remember that STIs can still be transmitted if you aren’t careful. STIs can cause a lot of pain, discomfort, and health problems for people around the world. There’s no shortage of reasons to get tested for STIs. Preventative measures are necessary and if you have unprotected sex, there is no shame in getting tested to make sure you’re in the clear. Below are five reasons you should get screened for STIs.
STIs Can Have No Symptoms
Depending on the STI, they don’t necessarily have symptoms. You can contract an STI like human papilloma virus (HPV) that may not have any symptoms at all. Most men who contract HPV won’t have any symptoms. Chlamydia can be difficult to detect without symptoms. Gonorrhea can even have no symptoms. Months can go by before you have a breakout with genital herpes. You may not notice the difference after you contract STIs that don’t have symptoms. That’s why it is so important to be tested for them so you don’t spread an STI and can begin treating it immediately.
You Can Start Treatment Earlier
When you get tested for STIs, you can begin treatment earlier should you test positive for something. The best-case scenario is that you test negative for everything and simply have papules. When you get a positive test, it’s important to get treated sooner than later with any STI. You can minimize the symptoms and consequences that can arise from failing to treat one of these infections. You’ll be able to take the necessary medication you have to take to start treatment. For some STIs, HIV for example, knowing you are positive as soon as possible will help keep up your quality of life and help you get the treatment you need to prevent further complications.
Prevent Complications
Whether you have symptoms or not, getting tested for STIs helps you avoid complications that could arise. For example, human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to cervical cancer—especially if gone undetected. You know about the complications of HIV. Syphilis can lead to all kinds of consequences if left untreated. People used to die from it in the past. Bacteria from STIs can also spread to other parts of your body. Whatever the situation, getting screened for STIs is the first step to preventing any further complications if you are positive for an STI. It is never better not to know whether you have an STI.
Avoid Fertility Issues
One of the biggest reasons to get tested for STIs is to avoid any fertility issues. A variety of STIs can lead to fertility issues in women. If left undetected, there could be problems conceiving a baby or bringing the baby to term. There are many complications that could occur when it comes to the fertility of a woman. Each STI has its own consequences on fertility. The best way to avoid issues with fertility is to get screened for STIs.
It is Easy
These days, it is quite easy to get tested for just about every STI. Now there is Hologic universal screening that allows you to get tested for most STIs with a single test. It will be able to tell you if you have contrasted just about every infection, except for HIV, which requires a separate test. Infections are reported in people who are abstinent. It is only possible to know whether or not you’re positive by proper testing.
Furthermore, there are all kinds of ways to get tested for STIs. You can also go to a doctor or a private service that provides testing for these infections. You can even get an at-home test for a variety of STIs. If you are feeling embarrassed about getting tested for STIs, you can do it in the comfort and privacy of your own home and receive the results of the test back quickly. You won’t have to worry about that awkward waiting room or the questions you will be asked.
Of course, STIs are never pleasant. They are annoying, painful, and can lead to all kinds of complications. Whether you are having symptoms or not, it is a great idea to get screened for all sexually-transmitted infections. You can start treatment earlier, prevent complications, avoid fertility issues, or gain the peace of mind that you don’t have an STI. It’s easy these days to get screened for STIs. Get tested today!
