Do you know the STD status of everyone you’re sleeping with?
If your answer is No, then you’re definitely doing something wrong!
STDs are no joke. A lot of them still have no specific cure, so once contacted, you will have to live on medication for the rest of your life.
Especially in a school environment, where people from different parts of the country with different medical histories converge, you can never be too careful.
There are so many things people are careless about, but health status should not be one of them. Knowing whether your sexual partner is positive or not, could literally save your life.
Talking about STDs should not be a difficult conversation, you should not be shy when it comes to protecting the quality of your health.
Ask your boyfriend/girlfriend to get tested, get the health status of your FWB( friend with benefits) before you even think about having unprotected sex.
If possible, get tested together.
STDs are not judged by face o!
Even that fine girl or handsome boy from your department might be walking around with a disease you don’t want, so ensure that you’re well protected.
The purpose of knowing a person’s STD status is not to stigmatize them or spread news of their condition to hurt them, but rather it is to help you come to a conscious decision about your relationship with that person and to make sure you’re prepared and protected properly should you decide to do anything sexual with them to prevent the transmission of these diseases.
What STDs you should look out for?
There are some popularly tested STDs like HIV, AIDS and gonorrhea, but of course you should always discuss STD testing with your doctors first to learn more about them. Never be ashamed to share your sexual history with medical professionals, because this is a matter that will affect the quality of your life.
One of the most critical things you can do to safeguard your health if you engage in sexual activity is to get tested for STDs. Ask your doctor if you should get checked for STDs, and be sure to have an honest discussion with them about your sexual history and STD testing. There are many clinics that offer private, cost-effective, or free testing if you feel uncomfortable discussing STDs with your normal healthcare physician.
Standard Testing
A personal consultation will held doctors determine what STDs to look out for in a person, but even without that there are some standard STD tests that can be carried out on recommendation in hospitals and clinics.
For example;
Gonorrhoea and chlamydia screenings for all sexually active females under the age of 25 are recommended. Every year, gonorrhoea and chlamydia testing should also be done on women over 25 who have risk factors including new or multiple partners for sex or a sex partner with an STD.
Syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C testing should be performed on all pregnant women at an early stage of the pregnancy. Testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea should begin early in pregnancy for those who are at risk of infection. In some circumstances, additional testing may be required.
All homosexual, bisexual, and other men who engage in male partners should undergo testing:
for gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and syphilis at least once every year. Tests should be administered more frequently (e.g., every 3 to 6 months) to people who have several relationships or anonymous partners.
at least once a year for HIV testing, while more regular testing may be beneficial.
If HIV-positive, at least once every year for hepatitis C testing.
HIV testing should be done at least once a year for anyone who shares injection equipment or engages in sexual behaviour that puts them at risk for infection.
If you’ve had oral or anal sex, you should discuss your options for throat and rectal tests with your doctor.
It doesn’t matter what kind of sex you’re having, you should always have yours and your partners best interests at heart.
At the end of the day, nothing spares you from STDs like abstinence does. Stay reserved and take the right tests with your chosen life partner in order to live a healthy and fulfilled life.
Spread love, Not diseases!!!
