But, am I REALLY at risk?
Yes. You are. If you are sexually active, you are at risk for STIs or STDs. Unless you and your partner have always been completely monogamous – neither has ever had another sexual partner - you both should get an
STD test.
Common STDs such as HIV, the virus that can lead to AIDS, gonorrhea, syphilis and Chlamydia often don't show outward signs and are highly contagious through sexual contact even if symptoms are not evident. Even if symptoms are present, they may be mistaken for less dangerous infections such as flu or urinary tract infections. A simple blood or urine test can identify the presence of these diseases and infections as well as many others.
STDs and STIs are spread through infected partners.
Unless you choose not to have sex or if you and your partner are uninfected and have a long-term monogamous relationship, routine
STD testing for a wide variety of STDs and STIs is typically recommended. Often physicians will only order one test or will not order any tests if there are no symptoms. STIs and
STDs don't always show symptoms. Many times patients are embarrassed to go to a physician for an
STD test or are concerned about who will find out.
That's why PERSONALABS puts you in the driver's seat. Our recent exposure and ultimate STD/STI tests give you confidential results for a wide variety of
STDs and STIs. While it is tempting to test for only one STI or STD when you suspect that you may have been exposed to a specific infection, sexual activity with high-risk individuals may have exposed you to multiple STIs and
STDs. But, you're in charge. If you only want to test for one infection, that's entirely up to you. It's your choice.
When should you be tested for STDs or STIs
If you believe you've been exposed to an STI or STD, you should be tested. If you find out that your sexual partner has had previous sexual encounters and has not tested for STIs or
STDs, you should get an STD test. Although STDs and STIs don't immediately show symptoms, you should have your blood tested if symptoms of an
STD/STI develop, such as:
- Unusual discharge from your vagina or penis
- Genital sores, fluid-filled blisters, ulcerations or warts in the genital area
- Abdominal pain or fever along with unusual vaginal discharge in women. These could be symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). If left untreated, PID can cause infertility.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) encourages HIV testing, at least once, as a routine part of medical care for anyone between the ages of 13 to 64. The CDC also advises yearly HIV testing for anyone who has had more than one sexual partner since the last test.
Women – it is important to note:
Do not assume that you are being routinely tested for STD/STI during yearly gynecological exams. STDs are not routinely screened during annual pap smears.
Specific guidelines – STI and STD:
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia have similar symptoms, but unfortunately often have no symptoms at all. Each of these infections is caused by different bacteria and must be treated separately. Annual screening is recommended if:
- You're sexually active under age 25
- You're older than 25 and at risk of STDs or STIs for the following reasons:
- You have a new sex partner or more than one sex partner
- You have sex with someone who has or recently had other sex partners
- You do not use condoms during sex within a relationship where one or both partners are having sex with others.
- You're a man who has sex with men
These infections can also significantly increase your risk of acquiring other STDs such as HIV.
HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis
Get tested for HIV, AIDS syphilis and hepatitis A, B or C if you:
- Have tested positive for gonorrhea or Chlamydia. These diseases significantly increase your risk of acquiring other STDs and STIs.
- Use intravenous (IV) drugs or share needles or syringes
- Have had a sexual encounter with more than one partner since your last test.
- Believe you may have been exposed
- Are a man who has sex with men
- Have consumed food or water contaminated (or potentially contaminated) with fecal matter. This most often occurs in areas where adequate running water and plumbing facilities are unavailable. Although often associated with third-world countries, these conditions can also be prevalent after natural disasters.
If you've recently acquired HIV, AIDS, syphilis or hepatitis A,B, or C, you may test negative initially.
STD Testing for HIV, AIDS, syphilis and hepatitis A, B and C detect antibodies that your body produces in response to one of these infections. It may take days or several weeks, depending on your immune system, to identify these infections. If you believe you've been exposed and test negative, it is recommended that you are re-tested after your body has had more time to react.
Hepatitis A, B, and C affect liver function and can lead to severe liver damage and liver cancer. While some cases of hepatitis A can be transmitted through water or food that is contaminated with fecal matter, often, all forms of hepatitis are transmitted through sexual contact or needle sharing. Vaccinations are available to help prevent Hepatitis A, B, and C.
