Nowadays, it’s quite normal for young people to be sexually active. While this can lead to some great times, it can also put them at risk for sexually transmitted diseases or STDs. This, however, shouldn’t force them to abstain from the practice at all.
Instead, it should encourage them to get tested regularly. Why? Because STDs are more prevalent than ever, and the earlier they’re detected, the more likely they will be able to live a healthy life without medication.
Of course, some precautions can be taken to prevent getting STDs, but sometimes accidents happen. And when they do, it’s important to know the facts about STDs and to not be afraid of getting tested.
The importance of getting tested for STDs
The first thing to know is that getting tested for STDs isn’t something that should be kept a secret. You’re not dirty or impure if you’ve done it. There’s nothing wrong with getting tested for STDs — it just means that you’re taking care of your body and doing as much as you can to live a healthy life.
The second thing is that the earlier you’re tested for STDs, the more likely it is that they can be treated without medication. The younger you are, the less likely it is that the STDs will have progressed to a stage where medication is required.
The third and most important thing to remember in this day and age: STDs are more prevalent than ever before. That’s why it’s so important to get tested regularly, even if you’re don’t think you have it.
Breaking the stigma against STDs
While getting tested for STDs isn’t something you should be ashamed of, there’s still a great stigma associated with it. People who get tested for STDs are often viewed as “dirty” or that they have a low moral standard. This isn’t true at all, however, and research has shown that getting tested for STDs is something that every sexually active person should be doing.
That said, if there’s any reason you might be embarrassed or don’t want to get tested, there are ways to overcome this. One example is to schedule an STD test with a local lab, where you can have it done in private. Not only this, but you can then view the results online, without having to wait for your doctor to give them to you.
If you’re still nervous about getting tested, simply do it with a friend. It’s a lot less embarrassing that way, and the last thing you want to do is cause yourself undue stress by worrying too much about it. That said, it’s important to remember that there’s nothing at all wrong with getting tested for STDs and that more than anything, you shouldn’t be afraid to take care of your body.
How STDs are being treated and managed
These days, many STDs can be treated and managed in a way that’s not invasive and won’t leave people with any side effects. For example, with chlamydia testing is done by taking a swab of the cervix. This will reveal whether a person has an STD within a few days.
Some STDs may require medication, but research results suggest that early detection is the best way to manage them. That’s also why breaking the stigma against these diseases is crucial for research and development.
It’s because it allows people with the disease to come forward and help the medical community, such as being a research participant for HIV studies. This way, research will move forward and help find a cure or better management for STDs.
How often should you and your partner be getting tested?
Ideally, you should be getting tested every six months to a year. That said, if you’re sexually active and it’s been longer than that since your last STD test, you must go in as soon as possible.
If you’re worried about how often is too often, don’t be. It’s better to come in regularly and get tested than it is to neglect your body and not know if you have an STD. The sooner you know about an STD, the more likely it is that it can be treated before it becomes a larger problem.
The bottom line is that an STD test is a necessary part of being sexually active, and you shouldn’t be afraid to get tested for STDs. While it can be embarrassing, it will keep you safe and is something that everyone should do every so often.
There’s nothing wrong with being proactive about your health, so don’t be afraid to get tested for STDs when it’s needed. Plus, this could be a thing that you and your partner can do together because you both know that you’re doing it to stay safe.
