Adding to the worry of having contracted an infection, the thought of sexually transmitted diseases carries stigma.
That is, those who are infected or even think they are infected, stress about social speculation and perception of their lifestyle, often times, feeling shame or guilt.
However, some might take solace in knowing that STDs are incredibly common facts of life.
In fact, it is estimated that each year the United States handles 15 million new cases.
It should also be noted that some infections, like vagititis, affects the sex organs but is not transmitted sexually.
Diseases and infection cannot be determined by how a person looks or acts, specifically with STDs, which have a tendency to show no symptoms, mild symptoms, or cycle between latent and overt stages.
This is most dangerous for women, who experience STD related symptoms only 25 percent of the time.
Therefore, it follows that ignorant of what is happening in one's body, people unwittingly spread infections...
act now and take an STD test Look, Listen, and Learn Receiving an STD test, or in some cases more than one test, is the only way to know your status.
It is important for those choosing to be sexually active to stay observant and be careful with their bodies and the bodies of their partners.
While those who participate in unprotected sex with multiple partners have a higher risk of contracting any and all infections, anyone who has exchanged blood, semen, or vaginal fluids with another person should talk with a doctor or health care provider and make an appointment to take the appropriate tests.
Before, During, and After There are several factors on may consider when determining to take any STD test.
For women, having an STD test performed during a routine vaginal exam (pap smear) is convenient and increases the chances of identifying any possible infections, including but not limited to HPV.
An STD test should also be considered by those starting a new sexual relationship, those experiencing atypical systems (discharge/urination pain,) those using drugs intravenously, those participating in unprotected sex, and expecting mothers, with many infections passing form mother to unborn child.
More practically, before receiving an STD test take time to choose an STD testing center that is best for you.
Many health organizations like Planed Parenthood or the CDC have hotlines and websites enabling people to receive counseling and a list of test sites.
Once a site has been chosen, ask the health care provider if they offer anonymous/confidential testing.
This is not just word play, while all tests are confidential, some places give special consideration for HIV/AIDS testing, never connecting names to test results.
It is also important to understand how and when results are received.
And of course, know how much it will cost.
If money is a problem check listings for free or reduced priced testing services.
Other wise, if insurance is in place check the specifics of the policy, not all providers will cover all STD tests.
During the exam, be sure to be honest with the health care provider.
The fear of judgment or stigma is real, understandable, and natural but it can interfere with receiving thorough care.
Therefore, be candid about your experiences.
Give the health care provider an honest account of your sexual background.
STD screenings are always confidential so please feel free to share the type of sex typically had (vaginal, anal, oral), number of partners, gender of partners, type of contraceptives used, frequency of contraceptive and drug use.
Describe any symptoms experienced and any other exposure risks.
Also, not all doctors perform all the same tests.
For example, HIV/AIDS exams are typically not included in routine health screenings.
Do not assume that the health care provider if an STD test is needed.
Only you know your body and your experiences, so ask for and tell health care providers all that you need.
After the test take time to appreciate the limitations of medical science.
Test can deliver false reading, particularly it can take anywhere from two days to six months for an infection to show.
In such cases re-testing is most advisable.
That is, those who are infected or even think they are infected, stress about social speculation and perception of their lifestyle, often times, feeling shame or guilt.
However, some might take solace in knowing that STDs are incredibly common facts of life.
In fact, it is estimated that each year the United States handles 15 million new cases.
It should also be noted that some infections, like vagititis, affects the sex organs but is not transmitted sexually.
Diseases and infection cannot be determined by how a person looks or acts, specifically with STDs, which have a tendency to show no symptoms, mild symptoms, or cycle between latent and overt stages.
This is most dangerous for women, who experience STD related symptoms only 25 percent of the time.
Therefore, it follows that ignorant of what is happening in one's body, people unwittingly spread infections...
act now and take an STD test Look, Listen, and Learn Receiving an STD test, or in some cases more than one test, is the only way to know your status.
It is important for those choosing to be sexually active to stay observant and be careful with their bodies and the bodies of their partners.
While those who participate in unprotected sex with multiple partners have a higher risk of contracting any and all infections, anyone who has exchanged blood, semen, or vaginal fluids with another person should talk with a doctor or health care provider and make an appointment to take the appropriate tests.
Before, During, and After There are several factors on may consider when determining to take any STD test.
For women, having an STD test performed during a routine vaginal exam (pap smear) is convenient and increases the chances of identifying any possible infections, including but not limited to HPV.
An STD test should also be considered by those starting a new sexual relationship, those experiencing atypical systems (discharge/urination pain,) those using drugs intravenously, those participating in unprotected sex, and expecting mothers, with many infections passing form mother to unborn child.
More practically, before receiving an STD test take time to choose an STD testing center that is best for you.
Many health organizations like Planed Parenthood or the CDC have hotlines and websites enabling people to receive counseling and a list of test sites.
Once a site has been chosen, ask the health care provider if they offer anonymous/confidential testing.
This is not just word play, while all tests are confidential, some places give special consideration for HIV/AIDS testing, never connecting names to test results.
It is also important to understand how and when results are received.
And of course, know how much it will cost.
If money is a problem check listings for free or reduced priced testing services.
Other wise, if insurance is in place check the specifics of the policy, not all providers will cover all STD tests.
During the exam, be sure to be honest with the health care provider.
The fear of judgment or stigma is real, understandable, and natural but it can interfere with receiving thorough care.
Therefore, be candid about your experiences.
Give the health care provider an honest account of your sexual background.
STD screenings are always confidential so please feel free to share the type of sex typically had (vaginal, anal, oral), number of partners, gender of partners, type of contraceptives used, frequency of contraceptive and drug use.
Describe any symptoms experienced and any other exposure risks.
Also, not all doctors perform all the same tests.
For example, HIV/AIDS exams are typically not included in routine health screenings.
Do not assume that the health care provider if an STD test is needed.
Only you know your body and your experiences, so ask for and tell health care providers all that you need.
After the test take time to appreciate the limitations of medical science.
Test can deliver false reading, particularly it can take anywhere from two days to six months for an infection to show.
In such cases re-testing is most advisable.