Who Needs an STD Test, and What is the Required Testing Frequency?

Sex is a pleasurable experience for many people, but intimate contact with another person can give you an STD (sexually transmitted disease). 

Research shows that one in two persons have an STD before their 25^th birthday. While young men and women are the most vulnerable, STDs also affect people over 50 years. STDs are more common than many people think, but the stigma associated with sexually transmitted diseases prevents most persons from getting the help they need.  

If you feel comfortable talking about your sexual health but need information regarding STD testing, the expert information below will guide you. 

Who needs STD testing?

If you are sexually active, STD testing at least once every year is necessary. However, if you do not engage in safe sexual practices, have several sex partners, or share intravenous needles, you should test for STDs every 3 – 6 months. 

STDs are curable and treatable, especially when diagnosed early. Even those without a cure can be adequately managed. 

What does STD testing involve?

STD testing in London may be part of your annual health check. For women, the STD testing may be done during a well-woman exam, and the doctor will take a Pap smear to check for cell changes in the cervix that may indicate cervical cancer. The cervical cell changes are usually due to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. 

You may also have a blood test to check for STDs such as syphilis and gonorrhoea. Health experts recommend HIV testing at least once if you are between 13 – 64 years. Your STD testing may also include the following whether you are in a high-risk group or not. 

• Hepatitis 
• Herpes
• Trichomoniasis 

Depending on your sexual history and symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend other STD testing. 

When to get tested?

You should get tested for STDs if you engage in unsafe sex, but you need to wait for a couple of weeks before the test to get an accurate result. Some viral infections, such as HIV, take a while to show, so ask your doctor the right time to get tested for adequate care and treatment. 

If you experience symptoms of an STD or think you have contracted an STD, ensure you contact your doctor immediately. 

Should I test for STDs if I want to conceive?

If you plan to conceive or are already pregnant, you would need to test for HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis. Your doctor may also recommend testing for gonorrhoea and chlamydia. If you engage in high-risk sexual activities, such as having sex without a condom or sex with multiple partners, test for STDs frequently during your pregnancy to avoid passing an STD to the baby. 

What If I experience symptoms between my STD tests?

In some cases, STDs are present, but symptoms do not show. This makes regular STD symptoms necessary. If you notice uncomfortable or usual symptoms between your yearly exams, visit your doctor for testing. These symptoms include:

• Pain during sex 
• Dark urine 
• Itching around the anus, vagina or penis 
• Bumps, blisters or other lesions around the anus or genitals 
• Pain while urinating 

Some STDs also cause general body symptoms such as:

• Fever 
• Swollen lymph glands 
• Unexplained fatigue 

Your healthcare provider may recommend antibiotics or other treatments for a bacterial STD or antiviral medications for viral infections like herpes. 

How do I prevent STDs?

The only way for STD prevention is abstinence from skin-to-skin intimacy and sex. STDs such as HPV can be contracted through intimate contact, even without penetrative sex. However, you can limit your risk of contracting STDs by adhering to the following safe sex practices. 

• Use a condom during every sexual intercourse 
• Have one monogamous partner
• Get HPV vaccine, if you are at a high risk 

You can visit https://www.sticlinic.london or reach our clinic on to schedule an appointment for your STD test.