The Basics of Std Screening

STD screening or STD testing is important for anyone and everyone that is sexually active. It is not the usual general checkup procedure. You need to know when and which tests to perform. These tests may not be necessary, but if it is recommended, then you should know that all STDs are treatable, but not all are curable.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STDs AND STIs

Sexually transmitted diseases, STDs are sometimes referred to as sexually transmitted infections, STIs. This is so because fewer stigmas come with the word ‘infection’. An STI can be asymptomatic and cause disease in the years to come. The best way to check out infection is by screening.

THE MOST COMMON STDs

STDs can be problematic, and you may not have any visible symptoms. Here are some common ones:

• Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia – 

These are the most common infections. They’re often grouped because they are screened for simultaneously. The bacteria causing these infections may not show any symptoms, especially in women. Hence, they may not be aware. They are transmitted through sexual contact with infected persons.

• Syphilis – 

This infection is caused by bacteria. Painless sores are present during the initial stage of this infection. It’s transmitted via anal, oral, or genital contact with infected persons.

• Herpes – 

Whether it is type 1 or type 2 herpes virus, herpes is commonly transmitted via infectious sores from an infected person. Sometimes it may show zero symptoms, but chances of transmission are high. Type 1 herpes shows cold sores, while type 2 shows genital sores. These sores can also appear near the mouth or anus. Taking precautions only when symptoms are visible may not stop the spread of this infection.

• HIV – 

This viral infection can be spread through sexual fluids, infected needles and unprotected sex. Other body fluids rarely carry this virus.

• Hepatitis B – 

A viral infection contracted by blood or semen. It can cause liver problems

• Hepatitis C – 

This viral infection is rarely contracted via sexual intercourse with infected persons. It’s mostly transmitted via contact with blood or skin exposure. 1 out of 190,000 sexual occurrences can be diagnosed with this infection; it can cause liver cancer and chronic liver disease.

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – 

A highly contagious infection that causes genital warts. It is easily transmitted via sexual intercourse and skin contact. Sometimes it could show no symptoms, but in the presence of genital warts, diagnosis plus other tests like colposcopy or biopsy are useful, especially in women.

SO, WHAT’S STD SCREENING?

Checking out for STDs may not necessarily mean you have them. It’s like a wellness check. Whether you have symptoms or not, it’s important you confirm your health status via std testing.  Different persons have different lifestyle and risk exposure. There are no recommendations as to what time the tests should be done so, depending on your risk level, you should be screened.

WHY IS AN STD SCREENING SO IMPORTANT?

For protection! And for information. Every sexually active person must know their sexual health condition. This is to prevent complications; for instance, untreated hepatitis C can cause long-term infertility. Knowledge about this will prompt immediate treatment and reduce the associated risks.

WHAT ARE THE AVAILABLE TESTS?

STDs do not have a particular test. There are various tests out there, depending on the type of infection. Usually, most std testing requires:

• Blood
• Urine sample or,
• Swab test - A swab test involves collecting specimens for testing from the infected area.

These tests identify the presence of a bacterial or viral infection. There are many STD Clinic in London which offer same day std check or rapid HIV tests that produce results in a matter of minutes. You can buy and use them at home..


WHEN AND WHAT SHOULD I BE TESTED FOR?

Since there’s more than one infection, ‘testing for everything’ may be understandable at first, but there’s a downside to that. Consider that some of these std tests may be expensive. Hence, consulting your sexual health care provider is good for proper guidance. The kind of test you should have also depends on your lifestyle and risk level.

Another thing is, in a few cases, like blood testing for herpes, a positive test can be a false positive. False positives may trigger unnecessary anxiety when, in reality, there’s no need to worry.

There are certain instances where a screening test will be needed:

• When you’re sexually active - everyone who is within the sexually active age should get tested for std. It doesn’t matter whether you have one or multiple partners or you are using protection or not. HIV testing is recommended for everyone. Women should be tested for gonorrhoea and Chlamydia because these infections may be asymptomatic than in the case of men.
  
  
• When you’re having unprotected sex – It is a good idea to get tested before having sex with a new partner. But if you don’t want safe sex, it can take a few weeks to months to get a reliable test depending on the infection.
  
  
• Get tested if you have symptoms
  
  
• If you’ve had an infection in the past, you should get tested because the infection might recur.
  
  
• When you’re having sex with multiple partners including sexual workers
  
  
• Baby boomers (people born between 1945 and 1965) should be tested once for hepatitis C.

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