Understanding STD Testing: A Guide To Early Detection

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), as the name suggests, are severe infections and contagious illnesses that spread mostly through sexual contact. Use this comprehensive guide brought to you by experts of First Response Healthcare Center and stay protected from these diseases. Some STDs are manageable with treatment and medication, while some of them are life-threatening. Understand their causes, and transmission patterns in detail, learn how to detect STDs early, know what are the signs and symptoms of STDs in females and males, and how STDs can be prevented through this blog article. Vaginal, anal, and oral sex can lead to a plethora of STDs. Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Chlamydia, Genital Herpes, HIV, Syphilis, Trichomoniasis, and Gonorrhea are some examples of STDs. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can also spread due to shared use of items like toothbrushes, razors, wet towels, needles, and so on between an infected person and a non-infected person. The different viruses, bacteria, germs, and other parasites present in your bodily secretions i.e. vaginal discharge, semen, saliva, and blood can ultimately lead to different STDs in individuals. Are STDs and STIs the same? They are often used interchangeably, however, STIs and STDs are different. STIs indicate only the entry and presence of bacteria, viruses, and parasites in the body due to sexual activity, whereas STDs develop post the infection phase. It is important to note that STIs don’t always lead to STDs. STIs may come with no evident symptoms. However, STDs can be diagnosed with clear signs that stand out. The list of STIs is exhaustive, but STDs are comparatively limited in number. HPV is one of the most common STDs with about 150 strains of it, out of which around 40 are considered severe and dangerous. Low-risk strains in HPV can cause genital warts and the high-risk ones may even lead to cancers.

Early signs and symptoms of STDs in men include discharge from the penis, genital irritation while peeing, warts, and pain/swelling in the testicles. Others may also experience abnormalities in urination, frequent urination, diarrhea, vomiting, pain during sexual activity, and genital itching. It is usually believed that STDs are more common in women, however, men too need to exercise precautions to keep themselves protected from STDs. Chlamydia, Syphilis, and Gonorrhea are bacterial STIs in men, while Hepatitis A, B, HPV, HIV, and Herpes are all STIs caused by viruses. STDs if left untreated can cause several health concerns like cancers of the prostate and throat, multiple organ failure, ulcers in the genitals, etc. Men who engage in sexual activity with someone who may have multiple partners, men with multiple partners themselves, and men having sex with other male partners are more likely to get STDs amongst other high-risk factors like contaminated blood contact, unprotected anal sex, etc.

Early signs of STD in women may experience discomfort/pain while peeing. They can also get a burning sensation while passing urine, vaginal discharge, rashes, etc. Some women may even have unusual bleeding after sexual activity, irregular periods, pelvic pain, weight loss, fever, and extreme tiredness. Pregnant women need to exercise more caution as both the mother and the baby are at a higher risk. STDs in pregnant women if left undetected and untreated can lead to serious problems of miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth or even baby’s death in extreme cases. Certain STDs can get passed from the mother to the baby while it’s inside the womb, some – during delivery and a few others during breastfeeding.

So, how to know whether you fall under the high-risk category for STDs? If you are someone who engages in unprotected sex often or has multiple partners or if you have been exposed to infected blood during donation or IV infusion, or if you may have shared needles with someone infected already, or if you have had a Sexually Transmitted Infection in the past, there are high chances that you can be at a greater risk of getting STDs. What are the steps you can take to alleviate your risk of contracting STDs?

• Get yourself tested for STDs 
• Discussing your and your partner’s sexual history openly 
• Ask your partner to get tested as well
• Take vaccinations without fail
• Don’t engage in unprotected sex
• Get regular screenings done if you are sexually active
• Exercise discretion while entering into a new relationship

STD testing can include physical examination by the doctor for any rashes or sores in the patient. Lab tests at home can also be a great way to ensure patient comfort and confidentiality as lately, at-home diagnostic service providers can collect your blood, saliva, urine, and genital secretion samples right at your doorstep, for further testing and medical investigation in the laboratory, as per your convenience and flexibility. Pregnant women should ideally test for STIs like Syphilis, Hepatitis B, and C, and HIV. Women who are sexually active should get medical screenings done for STDs like Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Your neighborhood doctor usually recommends STD tests and screenings after understanding your specific case, based on multiple factors like your age and lifestyle, your sexual history, and your gender as assigned at birth.