STD Test – Symptoms & Testing Procedure
Unprotected sex may sound wild and interesting but can become a curse in sexual life. How? Well, sometimes lack of knowledge or basic health issues can lead to many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) because of sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. This not not only affects your sex life but also the physical health. A sexually active person should educate himself/herself on STDs, about how it spreads, its symptoms and what can be done to avoid it.
Dr. MK Sharma throws some light on the symptoms and testing procedure to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
STDs : What are they? Sexually transmitted diseases are infections that can be transmitted through any kind of sexual activity involving mouth, penis, vagina, and anus. There are many types of STDs and STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections). These include names like:
- Trichomoniasis
- Vaginitis
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Chlamydia
- Hepatitis B
- Genital warts
- HIV/AIDS
You Can Have STD Without Knowing It – Know the Symptoms Sometimes, no symptom is observed and people may pass the infection unknowingly.
- Unusual discharge from penis/vagina
- Sores, warts, itching, redness in the pubic area
- Experiencing pain during urination
- Frequent urges of urination
- Vaginal odor
- Abdominal pain
- Anal bleeding or itching
Risk Factors Such diseases can happen with anyone due to unprotected sex with infected person but apart from sexual activity, there are other factors that can amplify the intensity the problem. It includes:
- Drug abuse
- Using shared needles, needles, damp towels, etc.
- Using infected needles for tattoos
- Social stigma about such problems which makes people uncomfortable in discussing problems
According to Borgenproject.or, around 30 million people were infected with STDs/STIs in 2019. These problems can further affect the reproductive as well as physical health of the body. Going for an online STD test is the most convenient way to know if you are suffering from such medical problems.
- Who should opt for an online test for STD?
- When you start a new relationship (intimate)
- If you are having unprotected sex with your partner
- If you (or your partner) have been into physical relationship with multiple partners
- Anyone who observes the symptoms of STIs.
- Ruptured condom during sex
- Skin contact with discharge (infected)
- Babies whose mother are infected with STIs
Where can you get it done?
Pathological labs and hospitals: There are many labs and hospitals that can help with the testing for many common STDs like gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, etc.
Pharmacy stores: Many testing kits can be purchased from pharmacy stores for HIV tests. But this option is limited to this STD.
From the doctor’s office: A trusted and specialized doctor can help with the testing process of various STIs and hence one must seek medical advice immediately. He will guide and recommend the tests that you are required to undergo for a clarification on the health condition. If you are looking for a “sexologist near me” and unable to find one, then you can book an appointment with Dr. M.K. Sharma. He can help with the diagnosis process and the treatment as well.
What can you expect in a STD test?
- Blood and urine test
These two tests are quite common tests that are suggested to find the presence of STI. It can help in checking various STDs like:
- gonorrhea
- syphilis
- chlamydia
- HIV
But it is observed that the result of these tests is not enough to identify because many STDs like HIV take a couple of weeks to become detectable in the tests.
Swabs : Sometimes, your doctor may use vaginal, cervical, or urethral swabs for STD examination. People who have anal sex need to take a rectal swab to identify infection in the rectum.
Pap smear & HPV testing : Pap smear is a test that helps in finding the signs of anal/cervical cancer. People with HPV infection (HPV-16 & HPV-18) are at a high risk of these cancers. Hence a Pap smear test can’t help with STD identification and people are suggested to go for HPV test and then opt for pap smear (if required). It is suggested that every sexually active person should undergo HPV test at least once in their lifetime.
Physical examination : Many STIs like genital warts, herpes, etc can be diagnosed with the help of physical examination. One should take care of their sexual health themselves. STDs are quite common and can happen to anyone. So, if you observe any symptoms or problems regarding your private parts, don’t panic. Instead look for a well known sexologist near your area and get medical help. If not treated at the right time it’s a deadly disease.