STDs or sexually transmitted diseases frequently show no symptoms. Only via testing can you be certain you don't have an STD. Therefore, discussing undergoing STD testing with a doctor if you have previously had any form of sexual contact that might spread STDs, such as anal, vaginal, or oral sex, is crucial and extremely beneficial for your health and wellbeing. The following is important information on when and how to consider STD testing.
Signs and Symptoms of STD
Speak to a doctor or nurse about being tested if you've had sexual contact with someone else and you detect any symptoms of an STD. Over time, STD symptoms may appear and disappear, but the STD is still there. Even though it's typical for STD symptoms to be so little that you don't notice them, you should still consult a doctor or an urgent care center if you feel out of the ordinary about anything.
Various STDs have various symptoms. However, the most common STD symptoms include:
- Lumps and sores on and around your genitalia, thighs, or butt cheeks
- Strange spotting in your penis or genital area
- Needing to urinate a lot or feeling burned when you do
- You might also feel in the penis, vagina, vulva, or anus severe itchiness, soreness, inflammation, or swelling.
- Fever, body pains, swollen glands, and fatigue are flu-like symptoms.
These symptoms can all be brought on by conditions that aren't STDs, such as acne, urinary tract infections, or yeast infections. You can determine what sort of tests or treatment you might require with the assistance of your doctor or an urgent care center.
Should I Consider STD Testing?
You should get frequent STD testing if you're sexually active or in a committed relationship. Depending on the window period, you should be tested if you suspect you may have been exposed to any STDs. While some tests look for the bacteria that causes the sickness, other tests track your body's immunological response or capacity to combat the pathogen. The immune reaction often takes longer to detect than the infection in your blood.
The STD determines how long the window will be open. Tell your doctor which STD you may have so they can advise you on the ideal time to be tested. Additionally, they could advise being tested again in the future. These general testing guidelines provided by the government Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, advise the following people to especially get tested:
- Minimum of one STD test for everyone aged 13 to 64.
- Young ladies who are sexually active: yearly gonorrhea and chlamydia test.
- All expectant mothers for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B testing.
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea tests for all pregnant women at risk.
- HIV testing will be done yearly on people who share needles or have unprotected intercourse.
- Bisexual and homosexual males who engage in sexual activity should also obtain regular HIV testing every 3 to 6 months and annual examinations for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
Conclusion
STD testing is important to be carried out for anyone young and particularly sexually active. However, The abovementioned signs and symptoms can greatly help you understand if you should get an STD testing now or afterward. If you require same-day STD testing, visit an urgent care center today for the most prompt medical assistance.
