Unsafe sex practices set you at risk for sexually transmitted diseases or STDs. Even in case you have no symptoms but just a slight suspicion, get yourself screened for an STD. It is embarrassing to ask your health provider to check you for STD, but not doing this can be a matter of life and death.
Important STD tests you Want to take
There are different tests for different sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Depending on the symptoms (such as sores, discharge, or pain), the kind of test somebody gets is done. STD screening also depends upon the individual’s medical and sexual history.
Dependent on the person’s background and symptoms, the physician takes the following samples to diagnose STDs.
- A blood sample
- a urine sample
- a swab of the inside of the mouth
- a swab out of the genitals (urethra in men or the cervix in girls)
- a swab of any discharge or sores
Aside from the different types of STD tests, you need to get your neck and backside assessed. According to new research published in the Sexually Transmitted Diseases journal, STD screening is incomplete without examination of the gut and throat.
Why would you require extra screenings?
A study from the researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine observed 10,389 individuals, 4,402 of them girls, who visited STD clinics in Baltimore. Apart from the standard protocol for gonorrhoea and chlamydia to screen the genitals, blood and urine tests, throat screenings along with rectal test was also done.
Presence of chlamydia or gonorrhoea infections out the genital region was found. Chances of misdiagnosis in girls who had only received urine and genital screenings were large. 14 percentage of chlamydia infections and more than 30% of gonorrhoea infections would have gone unnoticed without the right screenings.
STDs within a place aside from the genitals go undetected, they rarely go away on their own and their risks of spreading to other areas of the body through sexual contact is always vital. This is why it’s important to become thorough identification and therapy. Gonorrhoea and chlamydia aren’t fatal but the bacterial diseases can cause health problems if left untreated.
When you’re going for STD screening, it is a good idea to speak with your gynaecologist about extra-genital screenings. This is very crucial for those who have engaged in oral or anal intercourse or don’t use protection during sex, or have multiple sexual partners.
(Pictures:Getty)
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