For many people, the prospect of going to your doctor for a sexual health test or STI check up may seem daunting, but adopting a proactive approach to your sexual health can help prevent long term complications including infertility.
What Exactly Are STIs?
Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are infections passed on through close body contact or an exchange of bodily fluids.
Why Get Tested?
Many individuals who have an STI may not exhibit any obvious signs or symptoms, which means that sexual infections can remain unnoticed and undetetced. Regular testing and practising safe sex by using condoms are the most effective ways to monitor and control your sexual health. Leaving STIs untreated can cause unpleasant symptoms and lead to long term complications including infertility.
When Should I Get Tested?
Regular sexual health check-ups are recommended once you start having intercourse, when you start a new relationship, or change sexual partners. If you and your sexual partner are planning to cease using condoms, it is highly recommended that you consult your doctor beforehand and get tested. If you have engaged in unsafe sex or are exhibiting symptoms including pain, discharge or itching in the genital region.
Where Should I Get Tested?
Sexual health checks and STI testing can be performed at your local doctor's surgery, family planning clinic or sexual health centre. Getting tested is simple and pain-free.
How Will I Know What Test to Have Done?
Unfortunately there is no single examination to detect all sexually transmissible infections. During your consultation your doctor will ask you questions about any signs or symptoms you may be experiencing and will also discuss your previous sexual history. Utilsing this information from your discussion, the doctor will then assess which tests are required to be carried out. Although STIs including gonorrhoea and chlamydia can be detected soon after you have been infected, even if you do not show obvious signs or symptoms, some STIs such as HIV will not show a positive result as quickly. (Your doctor will advise you on when re-testing is necessary.)
How Are STIs Tested?
The type of sexual health test you will undergo depends upon which STI your doctor is testing for.Generally speaking, you will have either a urine test. swab. blood test or a simple physical examination to detect STIs.
If you have anby specific questions or concerns pertaining to sexual health checks or sexually trasnmitted infections, you should consult your doctor for more information.
