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STD Testing - Things To Know Before Your Appointment
Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are becoming very common these days especially among the youth. So, it is recommended to everyone, who is sexually active to get yourself tested for Sexually transmitted disease. The possibility is more if you have more than one partner and have unprotected sex.
Most of the people do not have a clear idea about STD testing and what does it involve actually? Remember every STD requires different test and medication. Also not every doctor can treat you for a particular sexually transmitted disease. For some STD's like human papillomavirus (HPV) and genital herpes, not everyone can be practically tested for these. So, the testing is very limited, people with signs and symptoms and only high-risk groups are given these tests. Even if you have got yourself tested for everything, there is no 100% guarantee that you will be screened of all STD's. The only way which gives you full guarantees is through abstinence that is stopping having sex. But in case you have decided to be sexually active and then it is better to have a routine STD testing for a healthy life. Here are some important information on the kind of STD tests and how to get ensured of them being done.
Routine STD testing for women - The minimum thing required is a pap-test, it is a simple procedure which involves the collection of cells from the cervix of your body to test for any precancerous changes or cancer. Cervical cancer is the result of a common STD called HPV infection.
This test is recommended for women above the age of 21. The test should be done no later than three years after the first intercourse of women. The women between the age of 30 to 69 can afford to have pap-test every two to three years only if they have the same sexual partner and is having regular pap-tests for last three years. Women under the age of 25 are advised to take up routine tests for chlamydia.
Routine STD testing for men - Routine STD testing is denied by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines unless and until you are showing some symptoms or you are having sexual practices with men. If you are in any of this category then you have chances of syphilis, HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhea and the tests for all these are recommended. Syphilis and HIV are the most dangerous and life threatening diseases and chlamydia and gonorrhea can put you at greater risk of acquiring other STD's and even HIV. So, it is better you get yourself tested.
Testing For Both men and women - If you are suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned below then get yourself testes as soon as possible.
- Sores in genitals which includes fluid-filled blisters, warts and ulcerations.
- Penis and vagina has some unusual discharge.
- Pelvic Inflammatory disease (PID) can be suspected if you are suffering from abdominal pain along with fever and some unusual discharge from vagina in women.