When Should You Undergo Tests for Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

It shouldn’t be an exception to undergo tests for STD or sexually transmitted disease. It should be a rule.

STD testing is a responsible thing to do. (jlp)

In many countries, people undergo tests for STD periodically, while only a small proportion of citizens decide to take this step in some countries. On the one hand, it’s quite understandable that people are afraid of tests for STD because they may get a positive result, but on the other hand, it’s a very liberating feeling to face the truth. Even if you don’t harbor positive feelings towards STD testing, there are certain moments in life when it’s highly advisable that you undergo tests for STD. So, what are these moments? Find out below.

New relationship

    
You can never be completely sure with whom you’re sharing the bed, and even if you think that you know the person well, there are probably some things that you know nothing about. So, before you decide to have sex with your new partner, you should consider STD testing just to make sure that everything is all right. This doesn’t mean that you have to give an ultimatum to your partner to undergo tests for STD, but suggest that you undergo the tests together. After all, your health and lives are at stake.

Before pregnancy

It’s important to undergo tests for STD before you decide to have a baby, regardless of the fact that you had done them at the beginning of your relationship and have been faithful to each other all this time. Some sexually transmitted diseases have a long incubation period, meaning that you may be infected despite the negative result of testing. So, it’s important that you both undergo tests for STD even if you show no symptoms of infection just to exclude any risk. For instance, it’s a known fact that syphilis or hepatitis B can stay dormant for several years and cause no symptoms, but they spread from a mother to her child through the mother’s blood flow and can cause premature birth or even stillbirth.

Even condoms don’t always protect you against sexually transmitted diseases. (jlp)

Cheating

Even if you didn’t have full blown sex during your affair, it’s advisable that you undergo tests for STD because some sexually transmitted diseases can be contracted during oral sex or intense kissing and foreplay. Tests for STD should also be carried out if you had protected sex because gonorrhea, herpes and chlamydia can be transmitted despite protection or even without actual sexual intercourse.

Changes in your body

As some sexually transmitted diseases stay dormant for a long time and don’t cause any symptoms, it may happen that the result of STD testing is negative. So, if you notice an unusual rash around your genital area, a change in the smell of semen or other physical changes you can’t explain, immediately make an appointment with your doctor. Not only is this a responsible thing to do for yourself and your partner, but it can also save your life.