If your partner has informed you that they may have come into contact with or contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD), the first thing you want to do is determine whether you have been, in fact, been infected. It is also crucial to be tested if you even suspect you may have an infection. This is necessary so that you can receive treatment as soon as possible if needed.
The Importance of Being Tested
Both sexually-active men and women are at risk for contracting STDs. These diseases can create a variety of health issues, so it’s important not to postpone being tested at a clinic where confidential STD testing is available. Furthermore, if you do test positive, you will need to inform your partner or partners so that they can be tested and receive treatment as well.
Commonly Reported and Notifiable STDs
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in the United States, Chlamydia is the most common STD that requires notification. While men may have symptoms, women may not. When left untreated, however, women may develop pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause the following issues and conditions:
- Infertility
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Chronic pelvic pain
Gonorrhea, according to the CDC, is next on the list of common STDs that require notification. It, too, can cause pelvic inflammatory disease in women and lead to the same issues as Chlamydia.
The CDC reports that Syphilis “is associated with significant complications if left untreated and can facilitate the transmission and acquisition of HIV infection.” When pregnant women have syphilis, the fetus may also become infected, which may cause stillbirth or infant death.
There are, of course, other STDs. In addition to being tested, when applicable, it’s important to become aware of the health risks associated with these diseases.
How to Obtain Confidential STD Testing
Some people’s urgency to become tested may lead them to a hospital emergency room. Fast STD testing is available with less waiting time and lower costs when going to a walk in health clinic instead. It is also possible to obtain at home STD testing.
When you have a busy schedule, you may be inclined to postpone being tested, especially if you aren’t experiencing symptoms. In this situation, you can visit an after hours urgent care clinic. In addition to being able to visit same day STD testing centers, you can also obtain STD testing kits for at home STD testing.
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