There are as many as thirty infectious organisms known to cause sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia and herpes just to name a few. Many STD symptoms go unnoticed altogether or are mistaken for something less serious, this is why if you are sexually active and not in a long term monogamous relationship it is important to get tested for STDs annually. Screening is another form of STD testing that is highly recommended for all sexually active people.
What is Screening?
Screening is when your healthcare provider recommends that a panel of STI tests is run, even though the patient has no symptoms at the moment, but deems necessary because the patient is in a high risk category for contracting STIs. Your healthcare provider will determine which tests you should be regularly screened for based on your age, health history, sexual preferences and sexual activities.
Who Needs Screening?
There is one test doctors recommend all sexually active people from age 15 to 70 years of age have performed, that would be a saliva swab or blood test for HIV/AIDS, of course if you have a younger child (under 15) that you feel may be at risk or have been exposed to HIV they should be tested as well.
Hepatitis C Screening
If you were born between 1945 and 1965 it is highly recommended that you be screened for Hepatitis C. Symptoms of hepatitis C often do not appear until the infection is in advanced stages and due to the high rates of incidence in this age group health experts strongly recommend testing be done.
Cervical Cancer Screening (pap testing and HPV)
After age twenty, medical experts strongly recommend women get a Pap screen test every three years to detect any abnormal changes to the cervix which often is caused by the HPV human papilloma virus. It is recommended that women over age thirty should have a pap screen and HPV test every five years.
STD testing is done in one of three ways:
- Urine Sample – Your health care provider may request a clean catch urine sample to test for certain STIs (sexually transmitted infections).
- Blood Tests – Blood tests can determine negative or positive results for HIV and syphilis.
- Fluid or Swab Sample – Your healthcare provider may take a culture sample with a cotton swab of the genital sore material, or collect fluid or discharge from sores to determine the exact nature of your infection; in order to diagnose whether it is bacterial or viral in origin and guide proper treatment.
Who Should be Tested for STDs?
All People Sexually Active
Anyone who is sexually active should be tested for STDs on a regular basis (at least yearly), but people who are in certain high risk categories should be tested more often for specific STIs that they are more likely to contract. The following people are in a higher risk category for contracting STDs:
- Before engaging in vaginal, anal or oral sex with a new partner both parties should be tested for all STDs including HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, HPV (women). It should be mentioned, if you or your potential partner have recently been infected you may test negative. Using latex condoms may reduce your risk of infection.
- Men who have anal and or oral sex with men should be tested frequently, at minimum yearly, but more frequent STD screening is strongly recommended. Testing on a regular schedule for gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, hepatitis B, and HIV are extremely crucial to diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
- Sexually active women who are 25 and under should be screened for STIs annually. If you have multiple partners, engage in anal sex, or have had an STI recently you are in a higher risk category and should strongly consider getting tested more frequently. Tests should include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HPV and HIV.
- People, both men and women, who have already been diagnosed with HIV, are at extremely high risk of contracting STIs. Frequent testing is standard practice and would include screening for HPV, herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia. Additionally, women with HIV should have pap screen tests twice a year due to the high risk of aggressive cervical cancer and HPV.
- Though pregnant women are not typically in a high risk category they are tested in their first prenatal visit, screening for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and both hepatitis B and C. Screening may be repeated in pregnant women who are at high risk for contracting STIs due to high risk behavior(s).
Treatment of STDs
Treatment of an STD will depend on the source of the infection, parasitic and bacterial infections are typically treated with antibiotics and readily cured, but viral infections may be more problematic and in some cases such as the herpes virus, can only be managed with antiviral medications, there is no cure.
Another important component of treatment is completing your treatment regimen; if you are prescribed antibiotics it is essential to finish the entire dosing schedule, even if your symptoms have disappeared. Not completing the entire prescription can result in re-infection and may make treatment more complicated. Naturally it is imperative to refrain from all sexual activities during your treatment and that of your partner(s) until your doctor has stated you and your partner are again ready for safe sex (preferably).
Upon completing your treatment plan it is important to follow up with your healthcare provider for retesting to ensure that your STI has been completely cured before resuming sexual activity.
