It is essential to get tested if you think you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) as some STDs can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Moreover, having an STD increases your chances of getting other STDs, such as HIV. The best way to find out if you have a sexually transmitted infection is to get tested right away to avoid spreading it to others. Having an open and honest conversation about your sexual history and STI testing with your doctor is the best way to protect your health.
If you don't feel comfortable talking to your regular healthcare provider about STDs, there are many clinics that offer confidential, free or low-cost testing. The following is a brief description of the recommendations for testing for STDs. Information on testing for STDs for healthcare providers can be found here. You can quickly find a place to get tested for STDs by entering your zip code in the form below.
Find an STD testing center near you. You can have an STD without knowing it as in many cases, there are no symptoms. That's why many experts prefer the term sexually transmitted infections (STIs), since you can have an infection without symptoms of the disease. This is just one of the reasons why STI testing is important, as many people don't realize that these problems are increasing.
Another reason you should include STI testing in your health care program is that most STDs are highly treatable, especially in their early stages. Sexually transmitted diseases are common, but the types of STI tests you need may vary depending on your risk factors. The bottom line is that STI testing gives you valuable peace of mind and gives you an opportunity to stay one step ahead when it comes to your sexual health and avoid some potentially serious complications. To address this awareness goal, we've put together the following five reasons why you should include STI testing as a regular part of your health care program:
- It encourages honest communication with your sexual partners about STI risks and safer sex.
- It helps detect infections that may not have any symptoms.
- It helps prevent the spread of infections.
- It helps detect infections early so they can be treated.
- It helps protect your overall health.
However, whatever you decide to do, it's extremely important to get tested to make sure you haven't contracted an STI.
