If you’re sexually active, and especially if you have had multiple partners or don’t always use protection, you need to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STD). The good news is that testing is quick and easy and will safeguard your health and that of your partners.

Here are answers to some of the leading questions you might have.

What Are STDs?

STDs include HIV, genital herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, genital warts, hepatitis C and HPV (cervical cancer). These diseases and medical conditions are all serious, some can be life-changing and a few are even fatal if left untreated. But despite the seriousness of these diseases, many exhibit few if any symptoms until the damage has been caused. What they have in common is that they are passed from one sexual partner to another.

Who’s at Heightened Risk?

Anyone having sexual relations can contract an STD, but there are lifestyles and activities that can put us at heightened risk. The risk is higher for anyone who…

• Has started a new relationship
• Has had more than one sexual partner
• Has had sex with a partner who hasn’t been tested
• Has neglected to use protection even occasionally
• Is a man who’s had sex (especially unprotected sex) with another man
• Has tested positively for any STD in the past

How Are the Tests Conducted?

Getting tested for STDs is usually a quick and easy process, and the healthcare workers conducting the tests will always respect your privacy and never be judgmental. Depending on the disease being tested for, you might only need to get a blood test, a genital swab or a urine analysis. It won’t take long, and the information you learn couldn’t be of greater importance.

Feel free to ask any additional question you might have before beginning the process.

Take Action Now

As you can see from reading this, testing for a sexually transmitted disease is of critical importance to both you and to any and all of your past or current sexual partners. STD testing will have another positive impact on your life — it will put your mind at ease.

Call DuPage Immediate Care at 630-282-6002 to get tested.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/in-depth/std-testing/art-20046019

http://www.ashasexualhealth.org/stdsstis/get-tested/