Everything You Need to Know About STD Testing is Here!
Sexually-transmitted diseases are caused by sexual activity and promiscuity; it spreads diseases. That’s been known, you know, about 400 or 500 years, that somehow these diseases are spread. If a fault comes with people because of their behavior, but it isn’t to be placed on a burden on other people, innocent people, why should they have to pay for the consequences? Ron Paul
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that more than 20% of the population in the United States is suffering from STD/STI. That makes it one person in every five is dealing with this deadly disease. This analysis report encompasses the results for – hepatitis B virus (HBV), chlamydia, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), human papillomavirus (HPV), trichomoniasis, HPV, syphilis, and much more.
This made people in the United States spend a whopping amount of $16 billion as the overall medical cost in 2018. Talking about the most affected age group, it ranged in between 15 to 24 years.
STD – A brief
STD (sexually transmitted diseases) are often referred to as STI (sexually transmitted infections). Such disorders are passed from one individual to another via sexual contact. It’s usually through oral, anal intercourse, or vaginal contact. However, in some cases, it may transmit via an intimate physical connection, ensuring easy transmission. This is because infections including – HPV, STDs, or herpes can be transmitted from skin to skin.
The insights into STD reveals its 20 different types giving an idea of how deadly it can be for the sufferer. Some of the most common and hazardous types include – pubic lice, chlamydia, HPV, HIV/AIDS, Trichomoniasis, genital herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, and much more.
Unfortunately, most sufferers do not receive instant treatment or medical considerations for STD in the world. This is because most symptoms of STD are hard to notice, especially when in the initial stage. Moreover, the gloomy stigma around STDs demotivates people to initiate the treatment or at least get tested.
If it’s left untreated for a long time, one may suffer deadly health issues leading to infertility, cancer, or death. Des this puts many people in doubt of who should be tested for STD? If you are also dealing with the same, here are answers to all your questions.
Some alarming conditions to undergo an STD test immediately are –
- You are entering a new relationship
- You and your partner are pondering over the use of condoms.
- You have multiple intercourse partners
- You show slight symptoms of STI for the past few weeks
- Your partner cheated on you and has many other partners
- You do not use protection with your partner
In a mutually monogamous courtship, if both partners are tested right before entering into a new relationship, there is no need to undergo STI or STD testing. However, the safest choice is to get tested and follow a hygienic regime to avoid this deadly transmission.
Common symptoms to consider are –
This health disease can have a range of symptoms and early signs, including zero visibility of any symptom. That’s what makes it the deadliest health issue to suffer. Here is a brief on the symptoms to keep in mind –
- Consistent discharge from the penis
- Uneven bumps or sores on the genitals in the rectal area
- Odd-smelling penis or vaginal discharge
- Excessive pain during intercourse
- Constant pain in the lower abdominal
- Fever
- Rashes on feet, hands, and trunk
- Experiencing bloated burning sensation and pain during urination
- Vaginal bleeding
- Swollen lymph nodes (especially around the groin area)
What are the common risk factors associated with it?
A sexually active individual is at a higher risk of being exposed to sexually transmitted diseases. Some most known and noticed risk factors leading to increased risk are –
- Sexual contact or connection with multiple partners – The more partners you change or have for intercourse, the more you put yourself at risk. This is a harsh truth for all monogamous consecutive courtships.
- Unprotected sex – Anal or vaginal penetration via an STD/STI suffering individual who isn’t using protection leads to STI or STD transmission. However, oral intercourse may be less risky, but it isn’t safe in all conditions.
- An individual forced to have intercourse – Handling heinous crimes like – physical assault or rape can disturb your mental state. This often makes people avoid social gatherings or even seeing a practitioner. But it’s necessary to see a doctor, receive treatment, and practice rapid STD testing before it leads to cancer or any other deadly health problem. This will help you begin the medicine as soon as possible if required.
- Drug injections – Needle sharing is the second prominent reason behind the increasing cases of STD and STIs. If you use an infected needle used by an infected person, you will likely suffer from hepatitis C, HIV, hepatitis B, etc.
- Misuse of recreational drugs or alcohol – Any substance misuse can take a toll on your health badly. This makes you more prone to STD or STIs, leading to cancerous cells in the body.
- Male who undergo treatment or medication to treat erectile dysfunction – Men who desire drugs like Revatio or viagra are more likely to get in touch with STD or STIs. Here, ensure that you take all safety and hygiene measures during intercourse to keep yourself and your partner safe. If not, it can lead you both into a deadly health condition. In such situations, try to use protection to avoid any risk.
While you judge your health based on these symptoms, don’t forget to see these signs in your partner’s health too.
Takeaway –
STI or STD is turning out to be a common health issue among young lads. Unhygienic intercourse practices and inappropriate use of medical equipment have turned out to be some prominent reasons behind it. The virus may be deadly, but fortunately, there are STD testing options available to sail through this fatal disease. During the STD testing process, ensure that you discuss and share your entire sexual history in detail. This helps the practitioner better understand your case and treat you accordingly.