Choosing the Right STD Testing for You

STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) is getting fairly common. There are different STD testing that can suit your situation depending on your specific risk factor. For those who are sexually active and has a multiple sex partner, you need to keep yourself protected and get tested. This is essential since a person can be infected without knowing about it. In normal circumstances, the person carrying the disease will not show any symptoms.

STD Testing That You Will Need

You will need to know what type of STD testing you will need. You should also be aware on how often you need to be tested. The frequency and the type of screening process will depend upon your risk factor, sexual behaviour, and age.

Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia

Your STD testing will depend if you are sexually active and you are below 25 years old, if you are a woman and you are more than 25 years old who has a multiple sex partners, a man having sexual intercourse with man, or if you are having sexual intercourse against your own will. STD screening for Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia can be performed using urine test. The doctor may also swab on the cervix of the women or on your penis.

Hepatitis, Syphilis and HIV Testing

Several health authorities are encouraging individuals to get HIV testing. Individuals should include this as a part of their regular care especially if you are an adult who is 13-64 years old. The younger adults need to be tested if they have high-risk factors. Yearly STD testing is recommended for sexually active individuals.

Hepatitis screening is advised for those who are born in the year 1945 and/or 1965. The incidence of hepatitis on this age group is higher. Aside from that, this health disorder will show no signs until you are on the advanced stage. If the STD testing shows that you have been exposed to the hepatitis virus, there are vaccines available to suppress the virus.

Individuals should request for Hepatitis, syphilis and HIV testing in case they have been tested positive for another STD disease. Individuals who have multiple sex partners and those who use IV drugs should also get tested. Those who are planning to get pregnant or those who are pregnant should also be screened. Doctors will be testing you for syphilis by taking a blood sample.

Genital Herpes

There is no recommended testing that exists for Genital herpes. This STI can be transmitted even if the person is not showing any signs of the virus. Your doctor may get a sample from you and ask you for your health history during the STD testing. Negative result does not necessarily mean that you are cleared of this condition.

There are different types of STD testing that will be offered by the health professional. The suitable type of test will depend upon your risk factor, age, and health condition. Never assume that you will instantly get a screening every time that you will get a PAP test or gynecological exam.