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STD Checkups for Good Sexual Health

By HERWriter
 
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Are you sexually active? Do you have multiple partners? Here’s some advice from the experts: get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that every year in the United States, there are around 19 million new cases of STDs. More than 20 different STDs have been identified. They include: chlamydia, bacterial vaginosis, syphilis, gonorrhea, genital warts, genital herpes, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), human papillomavirus (HPV), trichomoniasis, and hepatitis.

If you think you may have been exposed to an infection or have had unprotected sex, getting an STD test is a great way to protect your sexual health. Do it even if you show no symptoms. That’s because many infections don’t cause any symptoms. People can have a sexually transmitted infection and be completely unaware of it. And as a result, get or spread infections without ever having a warning sign that something is wrong.

Some common symptoms of STDs include genital sores, fluid-filled blisters, ulcerations, warts, itching, and/or vaginal discharge. Abdominal pain or fever along with unusual vaginal discharge may be symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Here’s the thing though, don't assume you're receiving STD testing every time you visit your doctor for a gynecologic exam or Pap test. If you need a test, you need to ask for it.

There is no single test for every sexually transmitted disease. Tests are specific to each infection. Depending on the infection, different types of tests are needed. And some infections can be tested for in more than one way. Tests may include a physical exam and giving a blood, urine, discharge, tissue, cell, or saliva sample.

Each year and/or before starting a new sexual relationship, those who are sexually active should get tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV. Since September 2006, the CDC has recommended doctors routinely test every patient for HIV, regardless of their risk.

Women should get a regular Pap smear to be checked for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer can be a result of HPV infection.

If you know you’ve been exposed to syphilis, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, hepatitis B, chancroid, and bacterial vaginosis, then – don’t delay – get tested.

Untreated STDs can result in serious health problems. There is no cure for some. They also can cause infertility, birth defects and lead to major illnesses and death.

Talk candidly with your doctor about your concerns. By getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases, you can improve your sexual health.

Sources:
WomensHealthZone.com
PlannedParenthood.org
About.com – Sexually Transmitted Diseases
MayoClinic.com
CDC.gov

Add a Comment6 Comments

Well of course check ups are important if your active there's so many different STDs out there and so many people contract them every year.

I think everyone should get tested yearly. It should be part of a persons yearly check up.

October 26, 2012 - 4:49pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I myself have had genital herpes for almost 2 years now. Once I broke up with the person I got it from, I felt like I had to navigate the waters all by myself.I have to say that http://www.herpespal.com has been a blessing, its great being able to talk to other people in the same situation. I personally have found peace and happiness. If you haven’t, you will. Ignoranceand denial is not the solution. Be informed… Learn the truth… Here. Which has more than 680000 memebers according some news and it have provided many services such as chatting,blogs,test center,forum etc. I am still glad that I had the opportunity to confirm that having Herpes doesn't have to be a limitation.

April 22, 2011 - 7:23am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I myself have had genital herpes for almost 2 years now. Once I broke up with the person I got it from, I felt like I had to navigate the waters all by myself.I have to say that http://www.herpespal.com has been a blessing, its great being able to talk to other people in the same situation. I personally have found peace and happiness. If you haven’t, you will. Ignoranceand denial is not the solution. Be informed… Learn the truth… Here. Which has more than 680000 memebers according some news and it have provided many services such as chatting,blogs,test center,forum etc. I am still glad that I had the opportunity to confirm that having Herpes doesn't have to be a limitation.

April 22, 2011 - 7:19am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I myself have had genital herpes for almost 2 years now. its great being able to talk to other people in the same situation. I personally have found peace and happiness. If you haven’t, you will. Ignorance and denial is not the solution. Be informed… Learn the truth… the best herpes dating site herpesmate.com has more than 680000 memebers. according CNN and it have provided many services such as chatting,blogs,test center,STD couselor,forum etc. I am still glad that I had the opportunity to confirm that having Herpes doesn't have to be a limitation.

April 21, 2011 - 10:39pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

what we know from this article is that,STD testing is must needed for sexually activer,cuz this kind of person are exposed in STDs.and some STDs such as herpes is infective even symptoms are absent.i m glad there is some orgnization (CDC) still care about our condition, I myself have had genital herpes for several years,and the same time i want to express my thanks to a website STDfish.com, i found my group and my mew friends here. in a word, many thanks.

April 21, 2011 - 6:14pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Thank you. This really helped me on my research essay!

April 21, 2011 - 1:50pm
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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