Sexual activity not only puts you at risk for pregnancy but also for sexually transmitted diseases (STD). If you are sexually active, you should be tested for STDs regularly.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are very common. Millions of new infections occur every year in the United States. STDs are passed from one person to another through sexual activity including vaginal, oral, and anal sex. While less common, STDs can also be passed through any intimate physical contact.
STDs don’t always cause symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms, so it is possible to have an infection and not know it. That is why it is important to get tested if you are having sex. If you are diagnosed with an STD, know that all can be treated with medicine and some can be cured entirely. You have to be vigilant about STD prevention. Complete abstinence from any kind of sexual contact is the only sure way to prevent STDs. If you’re sexually active, it is important to have only one partner and to talk about your plans to remain exclusive with each other. Barrier methods of birth control, such as condoms, may help reduce your risk of getting most STDs (Mayo Clinic).
It’s important to have an open and honest conversation with your provider about your sexual history. We know your questions may sometimes feel embarrassing, but we’re here for you with no judgment.
If you are sexually active, getting tested for STDs is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. Make sure you have an open and honest conversation about your sexual history and STD testing with your health care provider and ask whether you should be tested for STDs. If you are not comfortable talking with your regular health care provider about STDs, LaVie will provide confidential and no or low-cost testing.
Below is a brief overview of STD testing recommendations:
All sexually active adults and adolescents from ages 13 to 64 should be tested at least once for HIV.
Annual chlamydia and gonorrhea screenings of all sexually active women younger than 25 years, as well as older women with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted infection.
Syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B screening for all pregnant women, and chlamydia and gonorrhea screening for at-risk pregnant women starting early in pregnancy, with repeat testing as needed, to protect the health of mothers and their infants.
Screening at least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea for all sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). MSM who have multiple or anonymous partners should be screened more frequently for STDs (e.g., at 3-to-6 month intervals).
Anyone who has unsafe sex or shares injection drug equipment should get tested for HIV at least once a year.
Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
If you think you might have an STD here are 2 simple steps to follow:
There is a window period between when you are infected and when you can first test positive. This window varies with every STD and may take 6 months or more. The most common STDs, Gonorrhea and Clamidia, may take up to 21 days to be detected. LaVie reccomends testing at least 2 weeks after date of potential exposure. Call LaVie to talk with a registered nurse to determine when testing would be best for you.
Everyone deserves to have a chance to make informed decisions about sex. This requires open and honest conversations with your partner. Telling your partner or potential partner that you have an STD is important. Testing and treatment for yourself and your partner(s) is essential in order to prevent the spread of infection and reinfection.
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If you are sexually active, you should be tested for STDs regularly.
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LaVie provides information on birth control but does not prescribe or perform birth control measures, including performing vasectomies or abortions.
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