STD Testing

Sexually transmitted diseases are a serious risk. Doctors recommend that everyone be tested for STDs on a regular basis if they’re sexually active. Regular testing is very important, although a lot of people never get tested.

A lot of people believe that they’ll know when they have an STD. This is far from the truth. Herpes, a common STD, impacts 1 out of 6 people aged 14 – 49. A lot of people never know that they have the herpes virus until they have an outbreak. “Shedding,” or the loss of cells that shed off of the skin, can be enough to contract this disease. Herpes is one of the most common diseases.

You need to be tested even if you don’t believe that you have an STD based on your symptoms. A few of the reasons why you should be tested include:

1. Virgins Can Have STDs

A virgin can have a sexually transmitted disease. We’re not talking about STDs which can be transferred from the mother to the child during birth. No. We’re talking about STDs that are transmitted via oral sex.

A person who has oral sex can contract an STD. Oral herpes, for example, doesn’t require sexual intercourse to be transmitted. All it takes is one time to contract oral herpes. Even without oral sex, there’s a chance to spread oral herpes through:

  • Kissing
  • Skin-to-skin contact

So, just because you’re a virgin doesn’t mean that you’re not at risk. A lot of virgins engage in “intimate” contact, which can lead to unknowingly catching a sexually transmitted disease.

2. Cheating Happens

You might be in a monogamous relationship, but this doesn’t mean that your significant other hasn’t had their own sexual experience that they haven’t told you about. It’s unfortunate, but people cheat.

And if a person cheats when you’re in a committed relationship, there’s a chance that he or she has contracted an STD.

Even a mere kiss can lead to oral herpes.

You can have an STD test conducted in just five minutes, and it can help save you a lifetime of agony from an untreated STD or STI. When possible, always request that your partner has a routine STD test performed.

Adults should ask their partner to be tested before they engage in intercourse.
It may seem harsh, but if both of you get tested, you at least know that you’re stopping the spread of diseases and infections.

You’re doing everyone a favor by getting tested.

3. Tests Are Safer Than Untreated Diseases or Infections

Can you have STDs without knowing it? Yes. There are a lot of sexually transmitted diseases that will never cause you to have symptoms. There are also STDs that will not present an issue until you try and get pregnant.

Some diseases, when they’re allowed to progress, can lead to infertility. If you have doubt about getting tested, ask yourself this one question:

  • Is testing better than the alternative?

Yes. If you get tested, you know with certainty that you don’t have an STD. Otherwise, you may be living with a disease or infection that can be easily treated if caught early enough.

4. Cures Might Be Available

Testing is quick and easy, and getting tested makes sure that you have time to seek treatment. Many STDs and STIs can be cured or treated before they progress to serious health issues. HIV, for example, can now be treated and managed.

But if you allow HIV to progress to AIDs, treatment is more complicated and the risks of death are even higher.

Testing can be done fast, and if you find out that you have an STD, you can seek treatment now. Waiting too long only prolongs and progresses the problem.