Why Is It Important to Get STD Testing Done?

It is recommended to go for STD testing every once in a while depending on your risk level of getting an infection. If you have a lot of casual sex, with or without the use of protection, you should try your best to get tested since this is the best way of detecting an infecting and addressing it as early as possible. It is a fact that most people cannot identify an STD infection even with symptoms and most people would normally brush it off as a hormonal thing especially in women which increases the importance of getting tested often.

 

Some STDs Are Not Only Sexually Transmitted

 

Adults above the age of 21 are advised to go for STD testing often regardless of whether or not they have sex. This is because some infections are passed by simple skin on skin contact such as oral herpes. It is easy to ignore an infection when you are not sexually active since you do not expect it and that is why you should take time to get tested before anything else.

 

Early Detection Equals Effective Treatment

 

Some STDs are life threatening, and that is why the earlier you discover them, the better for you. HIV testing is important so that the virus may be caught in its early stages before it weakens your immune system too much hence exposing you to AIDS. By treating an infection early enough, you also save your partner from infection if they weren’t already infected.

 

To Prevent Spreading

 

If you have a new sexual partner, it is advisable that you get STD testing first before moving on since it ensures that your new partner doesn’t get infected if you have an STD. This is why couples are advised to get tested together since it promotes trust between the two and allows you to start off with a clean slate.

 

To Ensure That a Previous Infection Cleared

 

Taking medication for an STD doesn’t necessarily mean that it will completely clear up, so if you had an infection and you’re feeling better, it is best if you get retested. This is meant to ensure that the infection that you had was treated successfully since if it didn’t clear up completely, you could have an even worse infection which may be difficult to treat.

 

So as Not to Pass an Infection to Your Baby

 

If you have just found out that you are pregnant, you should get HIV testing so that if you are infected, you can be sure that your child will be fine. An STD testing is also recommended since they can also affect the baby hence causing complications.

 

If you suspect that you may be infected, it is best to get HIV testing so as to be sure of your negative status or get HIV PEP if you think you were exposed to the virus. Testing is usually so simple done by a medical professional and you will have your results back in a short period of time.