Wondering when you should get tested for STDs? Maybe you’ve had only one partner, or you haven’t been sexually active for very long. It’s totally normal to be curious about it. Here at Thrive+, we care that you’re healthy and confident. That’s why we believe it’s crucial for everyone to know the benefits of getting tested regularly.
Whether you’re sexually active or not, this knowledge can help you make informed decisions about your health and relationships.
1. Early Detection of STDs:
One of the biggest benefits of STD testing is that you can find out if you have one early. Some people don’t show any symptoms with STDs, especially early on, which means you could have an infection without even knowing it. And even without symptoms those infections can spread to partners. Regular testing means that healthcare professionals can identify and treat these infections early, meaning less complications for you.
Mayo Clinc, Sexually transmitted disease (STD) symptoms
2. Peace of Mind:
Knowing your STD status can provide you with peace of mind. It can be nerve-wracking not knowing if you have an STD, especially if you’ve had unprotected sex or multiple partners. Get tested for STDs to know your results. It can ease anxiety and help you make informed decisions.
3. Protecting Your Long-Term Health:
Some STDs, if left untreated, can have serious consequences for your long-term health. For instance, untreated STDs can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which can cause severe pain, future pregnancy complications, and even infertility. Certain types of cancer, such as cervical cancer, can also be linked to untreated STDs. In the worst cases, diseases like HIV/AIDS can be life-threatening. Regular testing and early treatment is important.
American Society of Microbiology, The Dangers of Undiagnosed Sexually Transmitted Infections
4. Making Safer Decisions if You Are Pregnant:
If you or someone you know is sexually active and considering pregnancy, STD testing is crucial. If you choose to continue with the pregnancy, an untreated STD can be transferred to the fetus, potentially causing severe health problems. Getting tested is essential for the health of both the mother and the fetus. Get a no-cost pre-abortion screening at Thrive+ if you’re looking for guidance. If you’re contemplating abortion, an untreated STD can lead to infections and long-term health effects.
CDC, STDs during Pregnancy – CDC Basic Fact Sheet
5. Preventing Passing an STD to a Partner Without Knowing:
STDs can be transmitted to sexual partners even if you don’t have any symptoms. Get tested for STDs so you can prevent unknowingly passing an infection to someone else. It’s not just about your own health; it’s about being responsible and considerate to your partners too.
6. Fostering Open Communication with Your Partner:
Getting tested together with your partner can be a responsible and even meaningful step in a relationship. It shows that you care about each other’s health and well-being. It can also lead to open and honest conversations about sexual health, which is essential for a healthy and fulfilling relationship.
7. Community Health:
Your name and identity are kept confidential when you get tested for STDs. Data collected during testing helps public health officials track the spread of STDs in the community. This information can help identify areas with high infection rates. That means more resources will be able to get to your area. When you get tested for STDs, you’re contributing to the overall health of your community.
STD testing is not just about knowing your own status. It’s about protecting your health, your partner’s health, and the health of your community. It can provide peace of mind and keep you healthy. You can get tested for STDs early to prevent serious long-term health complications. Please consider getting tested regularly if you’re sexually active, or ever have been. It’s a small step that can have a big impact on your life and the lives of those you care about.
How to Get STD Testing
To get tested for STDs is not complicated, and there are different ways you can do it:
- Go to a Doctor or Medical Clinic: The most common way is to visit a doctor or a place like a clinic. You make an appointment, talk to them about your worries, and they will tell you which tests you need based on your history.
- Thrive+ and Other Clinics: Places like Thrive+ and local clinics also offer STD testing. They are known for being private, affordable, and kind. Just find one near you and make an appointment. You can get tested for STDs at Thrive+ at no-cost, and no judgment. Call us today if you’d like to get some peace of mind.
- At-Home Kits: Nowadays, you can also get kits to test for STDs at home. You can order them online or get them from a drugstore. They come with instructions on how to collect a sample, like pee in a cup or use a swab, and then you send it to a lab for checking. If you get a positive result, you’ll want to call your doctor or local clinic right away for treatment. This way is private and easy, especially if you don’t want to wait for an appointment at a clinic. You can always contact Thrive+ and make an appointment to get tested asap.
- Free Testing Events: Sometimes there are events where you can get tested for STDs for free or a small fee. They often happen during STD Awareness Month in April. You can find out about these events from your local health department or community groups. You can always get tested for STDs at Thrive+ for no cost, whenever you need it.
- School or College Health Centers: If you’re a student, your school or college might have a health center that offers STD testing. Check with them to see if they provide this service.
- Public Health Departments: Local health departments usually have STD testing and counseling. These services are often free or low-cost. You can look up your local health department online or call them to find out where and when you can get tested. STD testing is always no-cost at Thrive+.
- Telehealth Services: Some healthcare providers and clinics offer telehealth services. This means you can talk to a healthcare professional online, and they can guide you on how to do the test at home or direct you to a nearby place for testing.
When you get tested, it’s important to be honest with the healthcare provider about your sexual history and any problems you might be having. That way, they can tell you which tests you need and what to do next if you have an STD.
Your privacy is important. The law requires healthcare providers to keep your test results private. You can talk to the healthcare provider or testing place about it before you get tested for STDs if you’re concerned.
Getting tested for STDs is smart. You can visit a doctor or clinic, use at-home kits, find free testing events, check with your school’s health center, or talk to your local health department. No matter which way you choose, getting tested helps you know about your health and do something about it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek help – your health matters, Thrive+ is here to help. If you’re worried about having an STD, come visit us today to get a no-cost STD test.
