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When will you need a STD test?

When will you need a STD test ? image

When will you need a STD test?

STD screening is important for everyone who is sexually active with more than one partner (or with single partner who have multiple partners). The nature and intervals at which these screening tests are performed vary; depending on several factors. The aim of performing screening tests is to identify, manage or treat sexually transmitted infections as early as possible in order to minimize the risk of complications.

STIs are sexually transmitted infections that may occur without symptoms. The infection can lead to disease. If there are no symptoms then STI screening should be considered in order to initiate treatment before the onset of disturbing symptoms.

Most Common STDs in United States

When do you need STD Screening?

When you don’t see any symptoms and still think you’re having a sexually transmitted infection, you should go for screening. STI screening is very important based on the risk profile. Depending on your lifestyle, your doctor can recommend the test that is most suitable for you. Indications of STD screening are:

Types of STD Screening Tests

There are several types of STD screening tests. In most cases, a fresh sample of genital secretions or blood is needed to make the diagnosis. If you have an active sore or a weeping ulcer, it is ideally recommended to take the secretions in a swab for easy detection of infectious agent. Rapid HIV tests are also available to be used in the domestic setting and can give accurate results within 20-minutes.

Screening is important for you and your partner. It serves to alert individuals against infections that are silent or asymptomatic. If an infection is identified early, effective treatments can reduce the risk of complications several folds. For example, long standing gonorrhea may lead to pelvic inflammatory disorder and infertility in females; which is absolutely preventable with care and early treatment.

References

1. Peters, R. P., Nijsten, N., Mutsaers, J., Jansen, C. L., Morré, S. A., & van Leeuwen, A. P. (2011). Screening of oropharynx and anorectum increases prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection in female STD clinic visitors. Sexually transmitted diseases, 38(9), 783-787.

2. DiClemente, R. J., Sales, J. M., Danner, F., & Crosby, R. A. (2011). Association between sexually transmitted diseases and young adults’ self-reported abstinence. Pediatrics, 127(2), 208-213.

3. http://www.cdc.gov/std

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