STI TESTING… No Symptoms, No Worries… Wrong!
Unlike a headache or a cold, where symptoms are obvious, sexually transmitted infections
(STIs) can often go entirely unnoticed. STIs may lead to symptoms such as pelvic or genital pain, bleeding, discharge or rash, but more often than not, these infections remain silent.
The ONLY way to truly know is to undergo testing, and the best time to be tested is BEFORE having unprotected sex with any new partner.
If left undetected and untreated, some STIs can lead to serious long-term complications such as infertility and chronic pelvic pain (in the case of chlamydia), cervical cancer (HPV infection), generalised whole body infection (syphilis), chronic liver disease (hepatitis) and immunodeficiency (in HIV). This is why screening for STIs to identify and treat early is essential, BEFORE complications develop. STI testing and detection is also critical for the prevention of transmission to others.
Fortunately testing is quick and easy. This usually involves a blood and urine sample and sometimes may require a swab. Treatment for most STIs is quite straightforward, particularly when detected early.
Prevention is the key, and the risk of acquiring an STI can be almost entirely eliminated by strictly adhering to safe sex practices. This means insisting on condom use at all times until you and your new partner have been fully screened.
STIs are passed from person to person primarily through sexual contact (vaginal, anal or oral). Having unprotected sex, having a new partner, having more than one partner, or engaging in anal sex are factors that increase the risk of contracting an STI. Once sexually active, it is important to have regular check-ups, even in the absence of symptoms.
Often raising the subject of STIs is avoided due to embarrassment or shame. However, sexual health is important and doctors are trained to help you protect yourself from, detect and treat any STIs in a supportive and non-judgemental way. If you are sexually active, you should discuss the need for testing with your doctor at your regular check-up and of course see your doctor as soon as possible if you are concerned that you may have symptoms.