Alright, bestie. Let’s get deep for a minute. Talking about getting a STD check can feel seriously intimidating. It’s normal to feel a little anxious or just unsure about what to do next. But taking care of your sexual health? That’s an absolute power move. Because really, your sexual health plays into other areas of your life too. That’s especially true if you have intrusive or disruptive symptoms.
You have goals, aspirations, and plans. Don’t let STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) stop you from getting where you want to be.
At ThriVe, we’re your village. We want to help you achieve your goals and honor your health decisions. That’s why we offer our services at no cost. When you need an STD test, finances shouldn’t keep you from getting answers. You deserve to get your glow back. That’s why we’re here today: let’s talk about how to totally own your health — no shame, no stress.
Why should I get tested?
Ever feel like “I feel fine, so I must be good, right?” Well, here’s the thing: a lot of STIs (sexually transmitted infection) don’t show any symptoms right away (or at all). But just because a disease doesn’t present itself right now, doesn’t mean it won’t negatively affect your future. So even if you’re feeling fine, it’s possible there’s something going on beneath the surface. The only way to know is with an STD test. Testing is quick and easy (just a swab, blood or urine sample, depending on the infection).2 And if the test results are positive, it’s important to get treatment as early as possible, even if it’s not causing tons of issues right now.
Some STIs (like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis) are caused by bacteria. Other infections (like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, genital herpes, and HIV) are caused by viruses. Some of these can be cured completely, and others need more complicated management. But there are medications to help with all of these.1 It’s important to get treatment early before the infection turns into a disease.1
The CDC suggests testing for anyone who’s been sexually active.3 And if you’re pregnant, it’s even more important to make sure you and your pregnancy are in the clear. Whether you’re thinking about abortion, adoption, or parenting, knowing about your health is a must for making the best choice for you. And you are totally capable of making this decision. STD screenings are also part of our pre-abortion services here at ThriVe, which can help you in your decision-making process. All at no cost, of course. We’re here to support you with information about your choices, no matter what.
Gaining health confidence: step by step
So we’ve established that it’s important to actually get tested. But how to get started? It can be hard to know what to do or where to go, especially if this is new to you (and you’re feeling stressed). Totally understandable! Alright, let’s break it down into steps, so this feels less overwhelming and more like a solid plan. Because making plans is empowering, and you deserve the very best care. Here’s how to handle this like a boss:
1. Do a “Brain Dump” on Your Sexual Health
Grab a notebook or your phone, and take a few minutes to jot down everything you can remember about your sexual health. Write down any symptoms you’ve had, any questions you’re worried about, and notes on past partners or encounters. This info can be super helpful for the medical provider and give you peace of mind.
2. Take Note of Symptoms and Timelines
Even if your symptoms seem small or random, like fatigue or a weird stomach issue, write it down! When did it start? How often do you notice it? The more info you have, the better the healthcare team can help you.
3. Consider Your Partner’s Health
It can be tough to bring up STDs with your partner. Maybe even a little awkward. But thinking about your partner’s health is part of the process too. Have they had any symptoms, and do they know their status? This info can help your provider get a clear picture. In a healthy, safe relationship, you should be able to talk about these things.
4. Make Your Appointment
A provider that offers STD testing should be a safe space for confidential, no-judgment testing. Here at ThriVe, you can get no-cost, confidential STD checks and care in an environment where you can just breathe. The medical team will walk you through every step and help you understand what’s up — with zero judgment.
5. Bring Your Notes to the Appointment
Bring everything you’ve jotted down! It’ll help you feel more prepared to ask questions and be ready to answer any that come your way. Think of this as self-advocacy—you’re showing up for yourself, and we’re here to back you up. You’ve got this.
6. Consider Hitting Pause on Sex for Now
Did you know that there’s a movement of women taking charge of their health by putting themselves first? These women have decided, “Why deal with the extra stress of testing or feeling unsure about my health? I’ll protect myself by delaying sex for now.” Even if you’ve been sexually active in the past, it’s worth considering.
The risks involved with sex (outside of a committed monogamous relationship) can make the idea of taking a break from sex very appealing. A moment of celibacy gives you a chance to focus on getting answers and taking care of yourself. There’s zero shame in taking a break if that feels right for you! This decision is all about you feeling confident in your future and health. We’ll back you up no matter what you decide.
If you’re feeling nervous, just remember that ThriVe is your spot. We’re here to support you without any judgment. Whether it’s your first test, or you’ve been through this before, we’ll make it as easy as possible. You deserve to leave feeling more in control and confident.
It’s powerful to be informed
Testing isn’t just about knowing your status — it’s about empowerment, respect, and making sure you’re looking out for you. Show yourself some love, and take care of yourself. We want to help you soar in your goals and ambitions. Don’t let your STDs or uncertainty about your sexual health get in the way.
So, let’s work together to keep you healthy, confident, and stress-free! You got this, and we’re here to support every step of the way. Make your STD test appointment when you feel ready- we’ll be here for you.
Sources:
1 https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/index.html
2https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/in-depth/std-testing/art-20046019
3 https://www.cdc.gov/sti/testing/index.html
