STD Testing: When and Why Should You Get Tested?

Sexually Transmitted Diseases, or STDs for short, have been increasing rapidly over the past few years. All over the world, there are daily reports on people who have been infected. Even though protective measures are generally simple and easy to use, many people neglect them, and the results are often catastrophic. STD testing is able to detect any disease that has been transmitted through sexual intercourse. So if you are feeling suspicious, you had better do that sooner than later.

When is the Right Time to Test?

If you are worried about infections, you should check out STD testing. HIV testing is not the same, although the latter is included in the former. You need to question yourself and see if you could have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease somehow. Through unprotected sex (anal, vaginal or even oral), many infections can be transmitted. Some of them come with symptoms, whereas others are asymptomatic.

Some of the most frequent symptoms in STDs include small bumps in your genitals and in the area around. These can be an indication of genital warts or HPV. In addition, you may feel irritated in your genitals and have a burning sensation when you pee. Women may also experience discharge from their vagina, which smells and looks strange. The same discharge can happen to men, but less frequently.

Of course, getting some of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have been infected by an STD. There are many other things that cause the same symptoms. This is why you need to proceed with caution and go ahead with STD testing. Especially if you do not use condom and have sexual intercourse with multiple partners or with a partner that you do not know, HIV testing is also a must.

Why Should You Get Tested?

First of all, ignorance is not bliss in this case. Then, most STDs are perfectly treatable. Particularly if you catch them at an early stage, you can deal with them effectively. In addition, by not knowing you might infect others through sexual intercourse. This will create a vicious cycle of constant infections, affecting people you obviously care about.

Even in the unfortunate event of having been infected, you need to know as early as possible. In this way, you can rest assured that you receive proper treatment.

Will HIV PEP Protect You?

HIV PEP only protects you in case you receive treatment within 72 hours after having been infected. Even then, it only protects you against HIV. It does not help you fight off other sexually transmitted diseases. So HIV PEP can only be described as an emergency option.

There is nothing to substitute protective measures against STDs. However, if you think that you have been infected, it is perfectly OK to consult with your doctor immediately and seek STD testing. The sooner, the better, of course!