Why Getting Tested for STDs Is Always a Good Idea

Living a purposeful and balanced life requires taking good care of your psychological, physical, and reproductive wellness. Hence, undergoing a routine test for STDs should be a mandatory health protocol especially if you have an active sex life, engage with several partners or perform high-risk activities like having unprotected sex or sharing used sex toys. 

Irrespective of a person’s identity, history, or status, the need for STI testing is recommended by experts and health professionals. Routine STD screening can help you improve your sexual health and lead healthier and safer lifestyles. Learn more about the importance of routine STI testing in this blog.

Consequences of leaving an STD untreated

Leaving an STD untreated for a prolonged period of time can lead to severe health consequences. Some of these effects may be long-lasting and can even lead to untimely death. Keeping the following ramifications of undiagnosed STDs in mind, you cannot ignore the importance of getting tested for STDs as a routine protocol for maintaining overall quality of health. 

Chlamydia

Oftentimes, individuals infected with this STD are asymptomatic. Hence, sexually active people should get tested for STDs frequently. Untreated Chlamydia can result in:-

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women, potentially leading to chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. 
• Men may develop Epididymitis, leading to infertility and, in rare cases, reactive Arthritis.

Syphilis

Syphilis has different stages, with severe consequences in its later stages. Untreated Syphilis can result in:-

• Damage to the heart brain, nerves, and other organs
• Blindness
• Paralysis
• Dementia
• Untimely death 

Gonorrhea

Like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea patients can also be asymptomatic. However:-

• Chronic Gonorrhoea in men can lead to Epididymitis, a bacterial infection of the epididymis that causes pain, swelling, and irritation in the scrotum as well as fertility problems.  
• Prolonged Gonorrhoea in women, like Chlamydia, can progress to PID, chronic pelvic pain, fallopian tube scarring, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis commonly causes discomfort and irritation in the genital area, particularly in women. However, if left untreated Trichomoniasis can create an environment of inflammation in the genital tract increasing your risk of contracting more severe infections like HIV.

HIV/AIDS 

The immune system is drastically weakened by HIV, which can lead to AIDS if neglected which may lead to an unexpected death by increasing the body’s vulnerability to malignancies and malicious infections.

Hepatitis B

Long-term Hepatitis B can lead to:

• Liver damage
• Cirrhosis
• Increased risk of liver cancer

When should you get tested?

Considering your sexual habits and risk factors, determine whether being tested for STDs is an effective approach. The following important circumstances call for considering STD testing:

 

• If you are experiencing STD symptoms: It is very vital and urgent to get checked if you have blisters, rashes, itching in the genital area, uncomfortable or painful urination, or unusual vaginal discharge. The above signs are typical for several STIs,  and early detection is crucial for timely treatment. 
• If your partner is experiencing STD symptoms: Both of you must get diagnosed with STIs if your partner shows indications of one. So that you can find the infection’s origin and carry out the appropriate treatment.
• If your partner has tested positive for an STD: You must also be tested if your partner’s test results indicate they have an STD. Screening may be necessary for silent STDs in order to figure out if treatment is necessary. 
• If you have engaged in high-risk sexual activity recently: Your chance of getting an STD might be increased by sharing sex toys, having multiple sexual partners, and engaging in unprotected sex. Even if you don’t have any symptoms in such scenarios, it’s advisable to get checked frequently in order to identify diseases early and stop any problems. 

Importance of getting tested for STDs

One of the most important steps in regaining your sexual wellness is getting tested for STDs. You need to be responsible and ensure the safety of your intimate relationships. The following are strong points in favor of the significance of receiving an STD test:

 

• Early Detection: Numerous STDs have modest symptoms that are simple to ignore or have no signs at all. To detect these infections early enough to allow for prompt treatment and avoid consequences, routine testing is the only method to do so.
• Avoiding Transmission: Sexual partners may unintentionally contract STDs from an undiagnosed person. From protecting yourself, getting tested can lower the general spread of STDs in your local area.
• Infertility Prevention: Some STDs, like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, can result in PID in women, potentially causing infertility. Testing and treatment can help prevent this devastating consequence.
• Timely Treatment: Several STIs may be treated with drugs such as antibiotics and addressing them early on can help prevent more significant health issues down the road. 
• Ectopic Pregnancy Prevention: STDs can increase the risk of life-threatening ectopic pregnancies. Early detection and treatment can reduce this risk.
• Organ Damage: Left untreated, STDs like Syphilis can cause damage to various organs, including the heart and brain. Early treatment can prevent these debilitating complications.
• Reducing HIV Risk: Open sores and ulcers can result from some STDs, such as Syphilis and Herpes, which raises the possibility of catching or spreading HIV. Detecting and treating STDs early on can help reduce this risk.
• Safety for Newborns: Untreated STD-carrying mothers can pass the illness to their unborn children during childbirth, which could seriously harm the unborn child’s health.
• Privacy and Confidentiality: Most testing options prioritize confidentiality, ensuring your personal health information remains secure.
• Wide Access to Testing: STD testing is more accessible than ever, with various options available, including clinical testing, online testing services, and affordable or free testing at clinics and health departments. 

 

Avail top-notch STD testing services from Affordable Rapid Testing, AZ

Now that we have already addressed why STD testing is always a good idea, you must be thinking about the next looming question; “where can I get an STD test near me?” While there are a myriad of options available, you can put your full confidence in Affordable Rapid Testing, Arizona. 

 

With dedicated walk-in testing centers in Phoenix and Scottsdale, they aim to provide excellent STD screening services in Arizona. They ensure accuracy and timely results through reliable and efficient testing options. They have various STD testing panels that cover a wide range of infections and most importantly, they prioritize your privacy and confidentiality. For additional information about their services, please visit the Affordable Rapid Testing website.