Unsafe sex practices put you at risk for sexually transmitted diseases or STDs. Even if you have no symptoms but only a slight suspicion, get yourself screened for an STD. It is embarrassing to ask your health provider to test you for STD, but not doing so can be a matter of life and death.
Important STD tests you NEED to take
There are different tests for different sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Based on the symptoms (such as sores, discharge, or pain), the kind of test someone gets is done. STD screening also depends on the person's medical and sexual history.
Based on the person’s history and symptoms, the doctor takes the following samples to diagnose STDs.
Based on the person’s history and symptoms, the doctor takes the following samples to diagnose STDs.
- a blood sample
- a urine sample
- a swab of the inside of the mouth
- a swab from the genitals (urethra in men or the cervix in women)
- a swab of any discharge or sores
Besides the different types of STD tests, you must get your throat and backside checked. According to new research published in the Sexually Transmitted Diseases journal, STD screening is incomplete without examination of the throat and backside.
Why do you need extra screenings?
A study by the researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine observed 10,389 people, 4,402 of them women, who visited STD clinics in Baltimore. Apart from the standard protocol for gonorrhoea and chlamydia to screen the genitals, urine and blood tests, throat screenings along with rectal test was also performed.
Presence of chlamydia or gonorrhoea infections outside of the genital area was found. Chances of misdiagnosis in women who had only received genital and urine screenings were high. 14 percent of chlamydia infections and more than 30 percent of gonorrhoea infections would have gone unnoticed without the right screenings.
STDs in an area other than the genitals go unnoticed, 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 get thorough diagnosis and treatment. Gonorrhoea and chlamydia are not fatal but the bacterial infections can cause health problems if left untreated.
Presence of chlamydia or gonorrhoea infections outside of the genital area was found. Chances of misdiagnosis in women who had only received genital and urine screenings were high. 14 percent of chlamydia infections and more than 30 percent of gonorrhoea infections would have gone unnoticed without the right screenings.
STDs in an area other than the genitals go unnoticed, 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 get thorough diagnosis and treatment. Gonorrhoea and chlamydia are not fatal but the bacterial infections can cause health problems if left untreated.
When you are going for STD screening, it is a good idea to talk to your gynaecologist about extra-genital screenings. This is particularly important for those who have engaged in oral or anal sex or do not use protection during sex, or have multiple sexual partners.
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