Discussing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and testing for them is often associated with unnecessary shame.
This shame may even stop you from asking for the test, putting you at risk for developing further medical complications.
Below, Christie Cobb, gynecologist and sexual health expert, breaks down everything you need to know about STI testing by answering the 3 most common questions she gets about them.
#1 – Should I be tested for STIs?
Among the most common questions about STIs that Dr. Cobb takes from patients is whether they really need to be tested.
The answer is "anyone who has had intimate contact, whether through oral, vaginal or anal contact - should be tested".
If you have done something with your body, with someone else and their body that could count as sexual activity, you should be tested.
However, if you are not having sex, you do not need to be tested for STIs.
#2 - How often should I be tested?
Another common question is when exactly you should be tested. If you've recently had unprotected sex or suspect you may have been exposed to an STI, you'll need to wait about three weeks to be tested, as some viruses and bacteria may not be visible in a test from the beginning.
Nëse të gjitha testet më pas janë negative, ju mund ta konsideroni veten plotësisht negativ." (Kjo vlen për IST-të më të zakonshme, si klamidia, gonorrea, hepatiti, HIV dhe sifilizi.)
Në skenarët ku nuk keni arsye të dyshoni për një ekspozim të kohëve të fundit, mund të ndiqni rekomandimet e CDC për testimin e IST-ve.
Për shembull, CDC rekomandon që të gjithë njerëzit e moshës 13 deri në 64 vjeç të testohen të paktën një herë për HIV dhe që të gjithë personat seksualisht aktivë me vaginë mbi moshën 25 vjeç të testohen për gonorre dhe klamidia çdo vit nëse kanë "partnere të reja ose të shumëfishta seksuale", ose “kanë një partner me IST”.
Megjithatë, në përgjithësi, Dr. Cobb thotë se një rregull i mirë është që të testoheni përpara se të keni një partner të ri dhe midis partnerëve.
#3 - Për cilat IST më duhet të testohem?
Most STI tests cover a variety of common infections that require blood and urine samples. Tests for HIV, hepatitis and syphilis are usually done with a blood sample, while gonorrhea and chlamydia are assessed with a urine test (or a sample from a Pap test, in women).
Depending on your medical history afterward, you may or may not be tested for other STIs as well. You will receive these additional instructions from your doctor.
Because your individual medical or sexual history may also put you at risk for other STIs, it's worth asking your healthcare provider here for additional guidance as well.
Source: Well & Good
