Five Reasons Routine STD Testing is Important
A large percentage of those that are sexually active do not get tested enough. There are often feelings of anxiety, guilt, and even shame when it comes to testing for STDs. Some patients may not know where to go for confidential STD testing, while others are worried about the STD testing procedure itself. Additionally, there are some people that do not feel comfortable discussing STD testing procedures with their family care physicians. However, STD testing is an important part of everyday health for the following reasons.
Early detection is very important when it comes to STDs
Ignoring STD testing procedures does not stop a person from getting an STD. It simply stops them from getting the treatment and care that they require. Many of the possible STDs are not that serious, as long as they are identified early enough. With early detection, they can be handled with medications and in very rare cases, with a surgical procedure. However, ignoring the symptoms of an STD can lead to health problems, a decrease in fertility, and a worsening of the STD.
STDs are easily spreadable
When people are not aware that they are carrying an STD, they can pass it onto others. In fact, the STD quickly spreads and becomes a widespread problem. People are not aware that they are a part of the spread, but they are passing the STD onto people who then, in turn, pass it on to others. Most STD procedures are quick, not painful, and affordable. The spread of many STDs could be prevented with frequent visits to the local community health clinic and STD testing procedures.
There are some life threatening STDs
Although the majority of STDs can be cured with a prescription medication, there are some that can be life threatening. It might seem too overwhelming to test for these STDs, but knowledge really is power. Even if you learn that you are positive for one of these STDs, you can begin treatment that can prolong your life expectancy. With increased medication and new treatments, people who are HIV positive, for example, are living longer than ever. Also, they are not passing this potentially life threatening disease onto other sexual partners. The cost of STD testing is affordable, especially at a local community health clinic, and the knowledge is worth every dollar spent.
The possibility of pregnancy
Being sexually active can lead to pregnancy, even unwanted pregnancies. Having an STD that you don?t know about can complicate the pregnancy process. You can pass it onto your baby and because a babies immune system is not yet developed, it can be life threatening. Even if you schedule prenatal care after finding out about a pregnancy, it does not guarantee that the obstetrician will test for STDs, unless specifically requested. You are also more likely to have problems during the pregnancy and could find yourself making more emergency visits to the local emergency room. The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey reports that the average ER visitor pays total costs of $1,318 and a mean cost of $615 for each visit. You will also waste a lot of your time in the ER, with the mean wait time between 2003 and 2009 going up by a quarter, from 46.5 minutes to 58.1 minutes.
It can impact your emotional health
The constant worry and wonder of your STD health can also wear on your emotional health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rates of depression in elderly people can range from 3% to 13.5%. This number can be even higher in those dealing with daily worries about STD health.
A large percentage of the U.S. population does not practice healthy STD testing. Being sexually active also means that you should schedule routine STD tests. It is important to understand your sexual health to prevent the spread of STDs, to know your true health, and to potentially save you or your baby?s life. There is nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to STD testing.
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