An STD is a sexually transmitted disease; it is usually passed through bodily fluid during sexual contact. Medically sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a term used because some diseases are an infection first, after it causes symptoms it becomes a disease. If caught early enough most STI's can be cured.
Are you at risk?
Most women have taken a risk at some part in their life when it comes to sex, the risks that we take could be dangerous. Thinking about the fact that up to half of woman risk getting an infection some time in our life, we should remember STI's could be with you for a lifetime. They can also put stress on a relationship, be a cause birth defects, cause infertility and could lead to major illness, and the worst case death.
Test for STDs
If you are currently having sex with a partner, stop or make sure you use a condom until you both have been tested. You can go to your GP and get free STD testing. Most hospitals have specialized clinics called genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics. Your doctor or health specialist will assess your risk factor to certain STDs before testing. Some clinics like Planned Parenthood frequently test for STDs as a standard yearly procedure. If you feel you could not approach your GP there are private health clinics which will test you for STDs, but this service is not free.
There is no one method to test for all STDs, it depends on which STD you are being tested for. Testing can involve a pelvic and a physical exam, this is where a doctor or health professional will look for signs of infection, warts, rashes or discharge. They may take a blood sample, urine sample or a fluid or tissue sample. A swab will be used to collect a sample, this will then be examined under a microscope. Do not assume because you have been tested for one STD you have been tested for them all.
Home test for STDs
There are a number of home testing kits available now, where you can test yourself for certain STDs. The test can be used in the privacy of your own home; some claim you could have the test results within 24hours. Some of the clinics will only test for STDs which can be detected in a urine sample, such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Herpes. Some companies do offer HIV testing kits, you will need to prick your finger with the instrument provided. This will be then sent off to the company, who should return the results to you.
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