From Days to Minutes, Why Speedy STD Testing Matters
Table of Contents
- Risk of Getting an STD from an Infected Partner
- Prevalence of STDs: Global View
- Why Is STD Testing Important?
- Types of STD Testing
- Caring About Your Sexual Health
- Know Your STDs
1. Risk of Getting an STD from an Infected Partner
The risk of your acquiring an STD from an infected partner depends on a number of factors. Correct and consistent use of a barrier method such as internal condoms, external condoms, or dental dams every time you have sexual contact may significantly reduce your risk for acquiring the infection. It is very important to remember that no barrier method is 100% effective in preventing the acquisition of an STD.
They also never cover the entire genital area; therefore, there are areas of the skin that remain uncovered. Certain parasitic infections, such as pubic lice, also known as "crabs," that live in the pubic hair in areas where protection does not cover. In that case, it is still possible to acquire an STD with the use of the barrier methods.
Having sexual contact without barrier protection greatly increases the chances of acquiring your partner's active STD. This includes all forms of sexual contact: oral, anal, or vaginal.
2. Prevalence of STDs: A Global Perspective
Presently, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five people in the U.S. have an STI. The big health concern of STDs and STIs is not confined within the U.S. but globally. According to the World Health Organization, the U.S. records more than a million STIs daily across the globe.
Certain statistics further outline the far-reaching prevalence of STIs worldwide. The most prevalent bacterial STI is chlamydia, with an estimated 131 million new cases occurring every year worldwide. This is followed closely by gonorrhea at an estimated 78 million new cases that are reported annually. Syphilis, which presents serious health consequences if left untreated, contributes another six million new cases annually.
Human Papillomavirus: a viral STD causing genital warts and some cancers. It is phenomenally common; about 90 percent of both men and women acquire an HPV infection at some point in their lives. Over two million cases of trichomoniasis infections were reported in the U.S. in 2018.
3. Why is STD Testing Important?
It follows that testing for STDs must be done on a regular basis, as presented by the medical guidelines and practitioners, especially when your partner has tested positive already. Most STIs or STDs are asymptomatic in nature; this means the patient will not necessarily reveal symptoms of such an ailment. For example, approximately 70% of people infected with trichomoniasis do not develop any symptoms. Due to this fact, they may not even know they have become infected.
This innately means that if your partner happens to test positive for an STD, then there is a good likelihood that you too are infected, especially if you have not been using any barrier protection and having safe sex. Testing will ensure you know early enough to treat the infection and prevent complications or further transmission.
4. Means of Testing for STDs
For most people, the convenience factor and practicality of testing for STIs from home prevail. Testing kits are available just about anywhere, and many of the testing kits can be taken in the comfort of your own home in privacy. The testing procedure involves buying a testing kit, obtaining a sample, which may be urine or blood, depending on the kind of STD being tested, and then mailing the sample for analysis. If ordered through STDRapidtestkits.com, however, you have added convenience of instant results. Results from these test kits are immediate, with no waiting involved as may be the case when you undergo conventional laboratory analysis.
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Remember, though, that different STDs require different tests, so you want to make sure you are getting the proper test based on a diagnosis provided either to you or your partner. Also, it is highly recommended to confirm these at-home test results with a health professional and further discuss future treatments.
5. Protecting Your Sexual Health
Good sexual health is not only regular testing but also the use of safe methods of sex: correct and consistent condom use, vaccine-preventable STDs such as HPV, keeping in regular contact with the healthcare provider.
Also, open communication with your partner about sexual history, STD status, and safe sex is a good thing. A positive result of STD can be quite an emotionally stressful situation; however, it should be treated with empathy, understanding, and non-judgmental communication.
6. Know about STDs
Sex and STD education is a kind of prevention/early detection. See our other guides-most of which are on individual STDs-for more information.
Sexual health is a part of health. When your partner tests positive for an STD, you certainly should get tested too. Yet nobody is sure of acquiring it from a partner, but it is highly probable to take place without any kind of protection. After all, knowing the real prevalence of STDs and that regular testing will be in order may prevent possible damage to one's health and help one become better equipped with the ability of taking good care of one's sexual health. Besides, honesty with your partner and your doctor, as well as responsible sexual conduct, will contribute to a healthy and well-informed sex life.
