Table of Contents:
- How important is STD testing?
- Signs You Should Test for STDs
- What happens if STDs Are Left Untreated?
- Conclusion
Experiencing unexplained symptoms that have you scouring the internet for answers? Feeling a little paranoid about having unprotected sex? We’ve compiled the top 6 signs that you should get tested for STDs, so you can stop doom scrolling through WebMD and take the next steps toward protecting your sexual health.
But first…
How Important is STD testing?
The old adage, ‘what you don’t know can’t hurt you,’ couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to STDs. In fact, what you don’t know could hurt not just you, but your sexual partners, too. Here’s why you need to know if you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Many STDs can be effectively treated with antibiotics or other medications if detected early. Delaying diagnosis and treatment can lead to more serious health problems, including infertility, chronic pain, and even death in some extreme cases.
Plus, knowing your STD status early can help prevent the spread of the disease to others. Some STDs can be transmitted even if there are no visible symptoms, so it's important to get tested regularly if you are sexually active.
It’s not just about your physical health — worrying about your status can affect your mental health, too. Knowing your STD status can provide peace of mind and reduce anxiety about your sexual health. It can also help you make informed decisions about your sexual partners and protect yourself from future infections.
If you have an STD, it's important to inform your sexual partners so they can get tested and receive treatment if necessary. This can help prevent the spread of the disease to others and promote safer sexual practices.
Overall, getting tested for STDs is an important part of maintaining your sexual health and protecting yourself and your partners from the spread of disease. It's important to get tested regularly, particularly if you are sexually active and have multiple partners.
6 Signs You Should Test for STDs
Without further ado, here are the 6 signs it’s time to get tested. If any of the following apply to you, get tested for STDs ASAP:
- You’re sexually active and haven't been tested in the last year. It’s recommended that sexually active adults get tested at least once a year, and more often if you have new or multiple partners.
- You have had unprotected sex or suspect that your partner might have an STD. It’s always a good idea to take an STD test if you have been exposed or might have been exposed to an STD as some sexual infections can be asymptomatic.
- You notice any unusual symptoms, such as pain during sex, genital sores, unusual discharge, or a burning sensation while urinating. There are many uncomfortable symptoms that could indicate an STD, and treatment in most cases is simple. So don’t wait to get tested and get treated.
- You're starting a new sexual relationship. Before you dive into your next sexual relationship, be sure to get tested to keep you and your new partner healthy.
- You are in a high-risk group, such as people with multiple sexual partners. The risk of sexual infection is higher for this group, so test more regularly (every 3-6 months) if this describes your situation.
- You were treated for an STD approximately three months prior. If you were treated for an STD 3 months ago, now is a good time to ensure treatment was successful and confirm your negative status.
What Happens if STDs Are Left Untreated?
While the effects of untreated STDs vary depending on the type of STD and the time left untreated, in general, they can pose several dangers and health risks, from infertility to increased risk of other infections.
Relatively common STDs like chlamydia and HPV can cause serious complications. Certain types of STDs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause inflammation and scarring in the reproductive system, which can lead to infertility in both men and women. Some STDs, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, including cervical, anal, and throat cancer.
Other sexual infections can lead to chronic pain or put you at risk of further infection. Untreated STDs can develop into pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) causing chronic pelvic pain which can interfere with daily activities and quality of life. Having an STD can also increase the risk of contracting and transmitting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
Untreated syphilis can cause damage to the nervous system, which can lead to neurological problems such as dementia and paralysis. Syphilis can also cause damage to the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
It’s important to check your STD status regularly to avoid health complications from untreated STDs. A good rule of thumb is to get tested for STDs every time you switch partners. If you have new or multiple partners, it’s recommended to test every 3-6 months. If you’re with one long-term partner, you can opt to test for STDs once a year, so long as there are no concerns of sharing needles, tattoo equipment or otherwise.
Conclusion
Remember that early detection and treatment of STDs is important for maintaining overall sexual health and avoiding serious complications caused by untreated STDs. If you're sexually active, it's a good idea to get tested regularly, even if you feel healthy and have no symptoms.
Experiencing one of the 6 signs you should test or just need a regular checkup? We’ve made STD testing more accessible than ever with a completely at-home STD test — no more awkward, invasive appointments at the doctor’s office and no messy mail-in samples required. Know is faster, more convenient, and more affordable than any other STD test on the market because protecting your health shouldn’t be a hassle.