Did you know that 1 out of 5 American adults suffer from STIs? STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) have become a major concern. However, most of them are treatable if detected early. These infections don’t cause any symptoms at first until they get severe. The only way to find them is early STD testing. Learn about STI testing in this article. Log on to www.doralhw.org for a consultation.

Why should you consider STI testing and how often?

STI testing is the best way to prevent STIs. It also allows you to opt for early treatment to prevent severe complications and their spread. If you’re a sexually active person, it’s a clever idea to get tested for STIs. And you should get tested if:

• You’re about to get into a new relationship.
• You and your partner never use condoms or other barrier methods of birth control.
• Your partner hasan affair.
• You and your partner have multiple sex partners
• You have symptoms that indicate an STI

Keep in mind that if you’ve been in a long-term monogamous relationship and both you and your partner were tested before entering the relationship, you may not need regular STI testing. However, in case you weren’t tested before, then one or both may be living with an undiagnosed STI for years. That’s why you should get tested.

Generally, doctors don’t test for STIs, even during routine wellness exams, unless you ask them for STI testing including which tests you want and why. CDC recommends people should get tested if they fall under these categories:

• Anyone aged between 13 to 64 should get tested for HIV at least once in their life, or if they are at risk of potential exposure.
• Sexually active women under 25 years old should get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia yearly.
• Women who are 25 years and older with multiple sexual partners or partners with an STD may get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia yearly.
• People with high-risk pregnancies may need to be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia in early pregnancy.
• Sexually active gay men, bisexual men, or other men who have sex with men should be tested for syphilis, chlamydia, HIV, and gonorrhea every 3 and 6 months if they have multiple or anonymous partners.
• Anyone who practices safe sex but is at risk of infection or shares drug injection equipment should get tested for HIV yearly.

Which STI tests should you consider? 

Many different STIs and specific variables like your gender and sexual history come into play when deciding which test to take. Your doctor may recommend specific testing by learning more about your sexual history and lifestyle. Your doctor may recommend you take one or more of the following:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• HIV
• HPV
• Hepatitis B
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis

Your doctor may not recommend testing you for herpes unless you had exposure or ask for a test.

What can you expect during the test?

During the test, the doctor first asks about your sexual history and if you have ever had a sexually transmitted disease. Your doctor then conducts a visual or pelvic examination. A look at the affected area helps the doctor to understand whether you need further testing or you’re healthy.

If the doctor feels like you may have contracted a sexually transmitted disease, then, you need further tests such as blood/urine/swab tests or an internal examination if you’re a woman.

Your sexual health is essential for your health and the well-being of your body. If you don’t go for regular check-ups, you could end up with complications that cause pain and anxiety. Regular check-ups are essential to ensure your sexual health stays on track. You also take active steps to maintain your sexual health by using protection and keeping the area clean.

Results

If your test results are negative, you don’t need to worry because you’re healthy. If you test positive for an STI, then the doctor may recommend additional testing or create your treatment plan if the doctor is sure about your underlying disease. If you’re diagnosed positive you need to avoid sex with your partner and he/she also needs to be tested to ensure that your partner is not infected, or you are passing infections back and forth.

Normally, you may feel many emotions like shame, anger, and fear. But it also helps you realize that getting tested helps you prevent severe complications that are harmful to you and your partner. And you’re getting the right treatment at the right time. You can also share your concerns with your doctor.

Regular STI testing allows you to maintain good sexual health. As STIs are very common in sexually active people, they need to take preventive measures to ensure that they aren’t infected. The only way to find that is regular STD testing, especially if you are going to have a new partner, have multiple partners, or have a partner cheating on you, etc. Prompt treatment improves your chance of getting cured and stops its spread. So, take the necessary action on time by consulting with your doctor for STD testing.

If you need help with STI testing, visit our infectious disease clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help. Doral Health and Wellness has several urgent care clinics around New York that can cater to your family’s medical needs. We also have the best medical providers, physicians and staff that are highly trained in their respective specialties. To know more about the locations of our urgent care clinics, you can visit us at Doral Health and Wellness. If you are looking for urgent care near you, you can visit Doral Health and Wellness Urgent Care. We provide urgent care for common illnesses and injuries. Additionally, we also provide comprehensive care for any related injuries and health problems. We also offer other services, such as vaccinations, immunizations, and blood testing. For more info, visit us or call 1-347-384-5690.