Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are more common than you may think. In fact, there are more than 20 million new cases of STDs every year in the United States alone. Despite this prevalence, only 12% of young people, who account for half of all new sexually transmitted infections, have been tested recently. Since everyone who is sexually active can get an STD, getting tested is highly recommended.
Even if you or your partner appear to be healthy, you may still be infected since STDs don't always cause symptoms. This means it's possible to get or spread an infection without knowing it. Skin-to-skin contact is the main way to transmit STDs like HPV, syphilis, and both types of herpes. Sores are the main problem with syphilis, but the varieties of HPV that cause cancer and the varieties of HPV that cause genital warts are easily transmitted through skin contact.
The herpes strain HSV-1, which causes cold sores, can be transmitted through normal family contact, which is why 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 have it. HPV has a well-known connection to cervical cancer, but it can also cause cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus. Every year, about 20,000 women and 12,000 men are affected by cancers caused by HPV. Health care providers test people for chlamydia and gonorrhea using a urinalysis or swab. Swabs are taken from the inside of the penis in men or from the cervix in women.
The sample is then studied in a laboratory. Screening tests are important because if you don't have symptoms, you may not know you're infected. Having sex with more than one person can increase your chances of getting an STD. So, if you have multiple partners or if you sleep with someone who has multiple partners, it's important to get tested. Sexually transmitted diseases are common, but the types of STI tests you need may vary depending on your risk factors.
It's very important to get tested if you've had unprotected sexual contact or if you discover that your partner has an STI. Even if you don't think you have an STD or are in a monogamous relationship, you should get tested at least once. A study by three STD clinics found that 66% of positive tests came from asymptomatic people - meaning that many people don't realize they have an infection until they get tested. Your partner deserves to know if you have a serious STI or if you can get a more common STD on your part. Knowing your status is essential for protecting yourself and your partner from any potential health risks associated with STDs.
