STD Test

STD Test

STD test is something that no one wants to discuss about, as they think that it is embarrassing, and mentioning STD test would automatically makes others think that they have STD. But, it is very necessary to ignore or set aside that discomfiture, and take the test if you are sexually active. If you are among those individuals who are thinking that getting tested for STD is just an embarrassing thing to be done, you should change that way of thinking because it is better to get tested.

Why You Should Get Tested

Well, there are several reasons why people should take an STD test. One of the very first reasons is because STD can cause unpleasant signs and symptoms most especially once left untreated. Most of the time, they could be so serious which affect fertility. That consequence can be prevented if you will simply take the STD test, letting you to get the most appropriate treatment once found out that you have STD. The second reason is that, once you have already determined that you have STD through an STD test, can help you a lot, and give you enough courage to use protections and prevent spreading your disease. It is simply better to be tested regularly, to know whether there is an improvement in your health condition or nothing.

Types of Tests

There are different tests for STD, and it could be hard to determine which of them should you take. It is because there are tests which must be done consistently. For women, the pap test must be done each time they have visited their gynecologist. That test will check that abnormal cells within your cervix which can indicate STD. Also, women must get tested concerning Chlamydia routinely most especially if they are under twenty-five years old. Other tests for STD  must be brought-out once the signs or symptoms occur. There are so many STDs, that’s why it is very important that you ask the doctor for every specific test.

How Will You Know If You Need STD Test?

People who are sexually active with many different partners in their life are at higher risks for STD, and are necessary enough to get tested constantly. Most individuals with one partner, however does not necessarily mean that there is no need to get tested for STD. Still, it is more secure if you take the STD tests to ensure that you don’t have such disease. Until you are in long-term relationships with uncommitted partner, it is very crucial to have an STD test. It is a great rule to take the test at the very beginning of every intimate relationship that you have. Because, that would help you to prevent its severe development.

What If You Have STD?

Once you have undergone an STD test, and the doctor found out that you have STD, you need to have a regular appointment with him or her. Do not give up and always hope that your doctor can manage what you are going through. Also, you must prevent having an unprotected sex if you know that you have STD, as unprotected sex would cause the spreading of your disease.

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

Post- exposure prophylaxis is a method used for preventing the infection of HIV. It may involve taking the medications for anti- HIV right after the exposure from HIV. It also consists of the combination of two up to three drugs for anti- HIV where someone who is an HIV negative is been exposed from HIV for reducing risks of the HIV infections. In that case, PEP must be taken immediately within seventy- two hours once you there’s a possible HIV exposure. This drug is needed to be taken per day for four weeks.

When it is used?

Post- exposure prophylaxis is used the moment a person is exposed from the workplace up to body fluid which may have HIV. Example of this is when a healthcare worker accidently got needle- stick injury. The time that you are already exposed from HIV on the other setting, PEP may also use after your high- risk exposure from a non- wok related issues like unprotected sex, breaking of condom during sex, sexual assault and needle sharing.

Who should take PEP?

A person who is an HIV negative which can possibly have a high- risk exposure in HIV over 72 hours must consider taking the PEP method. Exposures can have different type but not all them have the same way for causing an infection of HIV. Before you take PEP, you should first discuss your situation with a doctor, nurse or counselor. When your chance of being infected from HIV is lower, PEP may not already be recommended.

It is intended for the prevention of HIV infection and must not be used with someone who is already an HIV positive. When you start taking PEP, HIV test should also be done for determining your HIV status. When rapid testing may not be available, your test result will not also be ready within one up to two weeks, but then PEP may start immediately. Once the result is positive, you will also stop taking the PEP and your doctor will now decide if you will need an HIV treatment.

Is PEP also an alternative for other prevention methods like condoms and clean needles?

If you are wondering whether PEP is also an alternative for other methods, well the answer is definitely NO. It is just only for emergency purposes. Apart from that, it should not also be replaced other preventions methods like condoms and clean needles. If someone will consider taking this, he/she should not use it regularly for preventing HIV infection.

  • PEP is not the same with your pill that prevents pregnancy. It will only require taking them for several times per day within the entire month.
  • Medications are also expensive that cause other side effects like diarrhea, fatigue and nausea.
  • You are not guaranteed that PEP may prevent infections of HIV.
  • It provides no significant protection from other sexually transmitted diseases.

Taking these method is also a great way for monitoring your HIV status. With this, you will know what other precautions that you will use for treating your HIV infection by other alternatives. So, it is best if you are also regularly having an appointment with your doctor.