It’s an unfortunate fact that if you’re sexually active, you’ve likely been exposed to an STI/STD. You may be thinking about getting tested, but, let’s be real—it can feel embarrassing. You should never feel ashamed for taking charge of your health!
Today, we’re exploring 4 reasons why you need to get tested for STIs/STDs. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Not All STIs/STDs Have Symptoms
Because STIs/STDs don’t always show symptoms, it is possible to be unaware of even having an infection. For example, up to 75% of women with chlamydia are asymptomatic (not showing symptoms)[1]. It’s very easy for infections to go unnoticed until a partner is diagnosed or if complications arise[2].
The sooner you get tested, the better. Certain infections, like HIV, are much easier to treat when caught early. Early intervention can decrease your risk of developing AIDS and other serious conditions[3]. By getting tested and treated, you can take steps to lower the risk of spreading it to your partner.
2. They’re More Common Than You Think
STIs/STDs are quite common. In fact, more than 25 million sexually transmitted infections occur each year in the United States[4]. The CDC estimates that 1 in 5 people have an STI/STD[5]. If you’re sexually active, there’s a chance you’ve been exposed to an STI/STD at some point, whether you realize it or not.
3. They Can be Transmitted Through Different Forms of Contact
If you’ve never had vaginal intercourse, you may think you’re safe from STIs/STDs. However, some STIs/STDs can be spread through other forms of contact, such as anal sex, oral sex, or kissing:
- Oral herpes[6]
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV)[7]
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)[8]
It’s worth getting tested even if you haven’t had any intimate sexual contact with your partner. This will help prevent any infections from spreading further and allow you both to get the care you need!
4. They Can Cause Lasting Damage to Your Reproductive Health
When left untreated, certain STIs/STDs (such as gonorrhea and chlamydia) can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), an infection of a woman’s reproductive organs[9]. PID is known to increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy and even infertility[9].
PID can be treated when discovered early, but treatment can’t reverse the damage it’s already done. If you’ve had PID before, you’re at higher risk of getting it again. Additionally, it can return if you get reinfected with an STI/STD.
How Often Should You Get Tested for STIs/STDs?
If you’re sexually active, it’s crucial to get tested regularly to protect your health! The CDC recommends that[10]:
- Sexually active teens and adults (from age 13 onward) should be tested for HIV at least once a year.
- Sexually active women should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia once a year, especially if they have multiple sex partners or a partner (whether past or present) who has tested positive for an STD/STD.
- Pregnant women should be tested for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, chlamydia, and gonorrhea early in pregnancy. Repeat testing may be needed in some cases.
STI/STD Testing in Euless, Texas
Looking for STI/STD testing in Euless, Texas? Look no further than Mid Cities Women's Clinic. We offer confidential STI/STD testing and treatment, no insurance needed!
Give us a call at 817-577-4387 or schedule your appointment online today.
Sources
- Patel, C. G., Trivedi, S., & Tao, G. (2018, September). The Proportion of Young Women Tested for Chlamydia Who Had Urogenital Symptoms in Physician Offices. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6823598/
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, September 21). Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/symptoms-causes/syc-20351240#
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, October 21). Early HIV diagnosis and treatment important for better long-term health outcomes. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/early-hiv-diagnosis-treatment-important-better-long-term-health-outcomes
- Sexually Transmitted Infections. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, February 3). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9138-sexually-transmitted-diseases–infections-stds–stis
- Incidence, Prevalence, and Cost of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the United States, 2018. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, March 8). https://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp-newsroom/factsheets/incidence-prevalence-cost-stis-in-us.html
- Oral Herpes. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021, August 8). Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/herpes-hsv1-and-hsv2/oral-herpes#
- World Health Organization. (2022, March 10). Herpes simplex virus. World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus#
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, May 8). Sexually Transmitted Infections. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/sexuallytransmittedinfections.html
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594
- Getting Tested for STIs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024a, April 9). https://www.cdc.gov/sti/testing/index.html