STD test - What you should know
STDs, such as syphilis, HIV or hepatitis, are more common than you might initially think – but the most common STD is chlamydia. Usually, most of these diseases are easily treatable, but in many cases, they may be transmitted unnoticed and last long.
Getting an STD test is therefore advisable, especially when changing sex partners, to ensure your own sexual health and protect others. How an STD test can look like and what you need to look out for, you can find out here.
STDs - Important aspects
In the case of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), it is important to distinguish whether the infection is bacterial, such as chlamydia, syphilis, or gonorrhea, or viral, such as herpes (HSV-2), hepatitis B, or HIV. Not every disease is immediately curable – in some cases, such as genital herpes and hepatitis B, the viruses can be contained but remain in the body for life. To get an early diagnosis, resolve concerns, identify possible symptoms, and start treatment as early as possible, STD testing is especially important.
STDs, such as syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis, are detectable in the blood, which is why a blood test is done. The skin site is disinfected and the blood sample is collected in a few minutes and sent to the laboratory to be tested for the appropriate antibodies and antigens.
If other diseases are suspected, the STD test involves collecting a urine sample in a sterile urine cup or swabbing to detect fungi and bacteria. There are several types of urine tests, each using a different form of urine: First-stream urine, mid-stream urine, and 24-hour collection urine. Before performing the test, it is recommended that you clean your intimate area with water so that the result is not falsified. Unlike the previously mentioned diseases, these pathogens spread on the mucosa and attack the surrounding area, so they can grow and grow if the infection is left untreated. A urethral swab is used to look for the bacterial cells. If superficial symptoms are evident, these ulcers or vesicles on the genital and anal areas are swabbed and identified.
Possible reasons for a venereal disease test
There are some criteria to use as a guide when considering STD testing. Transmissible infections spread through sexual contact, especially during unprotected intercourse through mucous membranes, saliva, and other bodily fluids.
Do you have many different sexual partners or haveyou changed your partner? If you have had unprotected sexual intercourse , then it is important not to give any further spread of transmissible infections a chance and to get certainty about your own sexual health. Untreated infections may not show their first symptoms for days, weeks, or even years. Also, if you suspect that one of your former partners had a transmissible infection or it is confirmed to you, STD testing is advisable.
If you suspect that you are suffering from an acute infection or have observed changes such as blisters, ulcers, warts, or general skin changes in your intimate area, then you should perform an STD test to be on the safe side. Pain during urination can also be an indication of infection.
Also, if you are concerned and have atypical symptoms or infections and are looking for clarity, an STD test is recommended. The faster communicable diseases are found and treated, the less serious the consequences.
If you are still unsure whether STD testing is appropriate for you, contact your doctor or a counseling center.
Untreated infections
Serious consequences can result from untreated infections due to ignorance or non-consideration. The longer the viruses or bacteria are in the body, the more they spread and damage the body. Thus, you may experience discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse. However, the infection can also spread to damage organs and/or the heart and brain. Untreated infection can also cause infertility, inflammation, and some cancers or severe immune deficiency. Of course, what is important here is what kind of disease it is and how far back the infection has been. In principle, however, it is important to get an early diagnosis and to limit the spread of infections through an STD test.
Positive test - What now?
Anyone can become infected with a transmissible disease. You should not panic, but for the first time give information to your last partners and explain the situation. They should also get tested as soon as possible. Then inform your doctor and start your therapy so that symptoms and spread can be controlled, but in many cases, the disease can be completely cured.
With Probatix, it is now very easy to have an STD test performed and checked on a regular basis. Simply register at Probatix Health and make an appointment!
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