The Importance of STI Testing and How it Can Protect You and Your Partner
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Sexual health is of utter importance in everyone’s life. Imagine you and your friends having a great time at a celebration or party. You got drunk and decided to take part in sexual activity, and in such situations, you might not consider using protection. Such scenarios in your life can lead to severe issues such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These infections can restrict your sex life. Mistakes happen, and we sometimes make wrong decisions, but the crucial part is how we react to those decisions. Worry not! Stay with this blog until the end and equip yourself with all the information about STI testing and precautions to stay safe.
What is Sexual Health, and Why is it More Essential During Carnival Season?
As stated earlier, sexual health is essential for everyone and needs constant attention even more so during the Carnival season. You might get yourself into sexual activity with multiple partners or just one partner. Either way, this can lead to consequences like unwanted pregnancies, STIs, and sexual violence.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?
STIs are usually spread by sexual contact. Bacteria, parasites, or viruses can cause them. STIs can be passed from person to person via semen, blood, vaginal or other bodily fluids. There are various types of STIs. Let’s learn about some of them in detail. As per the WHO, more than 1 million people are acquired by STIs daily. Hence, STI testing is essential.
HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Human Immunodeficiency Virus causes AIDS. HIV can make your immune system weak and prone to serious infections or even cancers. One of the most common ways of getting HIV is through unprotected sexual activity with an infected person. HIV might not have major signs, but a few patients may experience HIV symptoms such as:
- Headache
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Rashes
- Muscle aches
- Swollen glands
The most accurate way to identify this virus is by getting tested. You can book an online appointment on Cellmaflex and book your STI testing.
HPV - Human Papillomavirus
It is a group of around 200 viruses that can affect the mucous and skin membranes of the throat, mouth, anus, or genitals. Some HPV can lead to warts, while some can even cause cancer. There may not be any signs for several years of infection. However, some might develop warts in the infected areas. This might differ in texture, color, or size. They might be multiple or single, leading to bleeding, pain, or itching. Warts can grow on the vulva, throat, mouth, anus, cervix, vagina, or penis.
HSV - Herpes Simplex Virus
This can cause infections in your brain, nerves, mucous or skin membranes. There are 2 main types of HSV:
- HSV-1- It usually causes oral herpes, which affects your lips and mouth.
- HSV-2- It usually causes genital herpes, which affects your anus or genitals.
Sometimes, both of these types can lead to either genital or oral herpes. This is spread directly via contact with an infected person’s fluids, sores, and blisters. You may experience outbreaks of sores and blisters in the affected areas. These are known as herpes outbreaks and occur when your immune system is weakened through any injury, illness, stress, or some other aspects.
Chlamydia
This is a bacterial infection of your genital tract. It might also affect your throat, joints, rectum, and eyes. This condition might not have any signs for a few weeks or months. However, a few might experience symptoms like:
- Burning or painful urination
- Unusual discharge from the vagina or penis
- Bleeding or pain after or during sex
- Conjunctivitis or eye irritation
- Arthritis or joint pain
How to Avoid Contracting STIs?
Being aware of your sexual health and protection might assist you in avoiding these infections. The only assured method is to prevent any kind of sexual contact. Nonetheless, while engaging in any sort of sexual activity, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of STIs.
Protection before sex
- Talk with your partner about their sexual history
- It is vital to get STI testing along with your partner before engaging in sex.
- Try avoiding any type of sexual contact when you’re drunk or under the influence of drugs.
Communicating openly with your partner is crucial. However, not every STI patient does not have to have signs or symptoms. Hence, STI testing is the only method to make sure.
Sexual health practices
Following barrier methods can reduce the chances of getting STIs. These methods are:
- Ensuring usage of dental dams or condoms while having oral sex
- Using gloves while manual penetration or stimulation
- Using internal or external condoms while having penetrative sex
Maintaining hygiene before and after the intercourse can also help you avoid contracting STIs:
- Rinsing off after sexual contact
- Urinating after having sex can help you prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Cleaning your hands before getting into any sexual contact
How Often One Should Get STI Testing?
The frequency of getting tested for STIs relies on various factors. Some of the basic guidelines are:
- If you are actively taking part in sexual activity, you must at least get tested once a year.
- If you recently had a sexual partner, get STI testing before having sex.
- If you are engaged in sexual activity with multiple partners, then you should get STI testing once around 3 to 4 months.
- If you have any symptoms of STIs mentioned in the blog above, get tested as soon as possible.
Where to Get STI Testing?
We hope you all are now aware of the importance of sexual health and why STI testing is so crucial for everyone, especially during the Carnival period. However, now you don’t have to wait in queue to book an appointment for your STI screening. On Cellmaflex, you can book your STI test just by sitting in the comfort of your home.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information is strictly for informative purposes. It is not intended to be used in lieu of professional medical advice, inclusive of diagnosis or treatment. It is strongly advised that you seek a doctor’s medical advice on any treatment or medical condition that you learn about.
Want to know more? Here are some suggestions:
World Health Organization – Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
NHS – Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Cleveland Clinic – Are STIs and STDs the Same Thing?
WebMD – Pictures and Facts About STDs
The British Medical Journal – Sexually transmitted infections
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence – Sexually transmitted infections
