STD testingSTDs or sexually transmitted diseases are spreading at a horrifically fast rate. Millions of cases are newly detected with STDs every year which is worrisome. Almost half of the individuals who perform sex suffer from STDs at least once in lifetime. If left untreated, STDs can result into serious health issues, like infertility, blindness, cancer or organ damage. Unfortunately, people are afraid and ashamed of getting themselves checked and treated for STDs. In fact, with anonymous STD testing, they don’t have to worry at all. And sometimes people are just not aware that they have contracted a STD and so, the disease spreads and eventually takes a serious form.

When to Get Yourself Tested for STDs?

For any individual involved in sex, testing for STDs is a good idea. It is especially good if:

  • You are about to get involved in a new relationship
  • You are thinking about not using condoms
  • You have come to know that your partner has deceived you
  • You have more than one partner
  • You notice symptoms suggestive of a STD

If you are in a mutual monogamous relationship for long and both of you had tested yourself before getting engaged in the relationship, regular STD testing may not be needed for you.

What to Test for?

STDs vary to a large extent. It may be quite confusing exactly which one to test for. It is advisable to discuss your sexual past with your doctor honestly. STDs you might need to be tested for are:

  • Gonorrhea
  • Chlamydia
  • Syphilis
  • Hepatitis B
  • Trichomoniasis
  • HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

Usually you are not tested for herpes by your doctor unless you ask for the test or have a known exposure.

Ask for a Test

Don’t be under the impression that you will be automatically tested for all the STDs during your annual health checkup. You have to ask your doctor to do your test. You should also try to know what the tests are and why they are being done.

Caring for sexual health is nothing to be ashamed of. If you are in doubt about something, don’t hesitate to ask. The more truthful you are, the better treatment you will get. Your doctor won’t be able to help you without knowing the truth.

Where to Test?

The testing can be done at your doctor’s clinic or at a free clinic meant for STD testing. You can choose between the two. Many STDs are notifiable, i.e. the doctor has to report them legally to the government if positive results are found. This is to be done because the record is then used by the government to track the disease and improve public health. Such notifiable STDs are:

  • Gonorrhea
  • Chlamydia
  • HIV
  • Hepatitis
  • Chancroid
  • Syphilis

For some STDs, at-home tests are available too. However, you have to remember that they are not always dependable. Ensure about the FDA approval for that test. Alternatively, approach a reputable lab.

If you get even a slight doubt about your sexual health and/or STD infection, don’t hesitate to get tested and eradicate the dangerous disease before it’s too late. Visit CheckSTDs.com to get through information on how to do anonymous STD tests.