5 Warning Signs You Need an STD Test Right Away

Are you worried of when to take an STD test? Here’s a solution to your worries! This blog highlights top 5 signs of STDs that require an STD testing. You can also learn about ongoing symptoms indicating an STD or which STD tests are essential for your better sexual health with this article.

Before fostering external symptoms, STDs undergo an incubation period. This is why most of the individuals tend to unknowingly carry the infection in themselves. This lack of awareness makes it crucial to test STD timely and on a routine basis. Remember, early detection and timely treatment can save you from life threatening conditions.

When to test for STDs?

If you have recently engaged in sexual contact with someone or you observe any signs of STD in your body, you must take advice from a healthcare professional. The symptoms of STDs often come and go, but do not mistake this for permanent going away of your STD. In fact, you may experience not bothersome or mild symptoms in some cases of STDs. However, do not wait to visit a doctor if you face any such unusual symptoms.

Different kinds of STDs produce different kinds of symptoms. Here are the top 5 signs that you should get an STD test right away:

1. Occurrence of bumps and sores on your thighs, genital areas or buttocks
2. Abnormal discharge from your penis or vagina
3. A frequent urge or a sensation of pain while urinating
4. Irritation, itchiness, pain and swelling in your anus, vulva, vagina or penis
5. Fever, fatigue, body aches or swollen lymph nodes representing symptoms like that of flu

However, different non-STD conditions like yeast infections, infections in the urinary tract or pimples may also produce the above symptoms. It is clear that STD testing is the only way to detect your risks of STD.

Current symptoms and practices requiring an STD test

You must be non-hesitant and frankly open up about your current symptoms and lifestyle practices to your healthcare specialist if you are observing any health abnormalities. For instance, you must honestly report your doctor about:

• Sexual relationships you have engaged in recent times; such as oral sex, vaginal, anal or direct contact with your genital area.
• If you use condoms or dental dams.
• If you are suspecting an STD, testing becomes essential as untreated STD may result in serious health complications. In fact, the presence of some former STD may lead to development of secondary STD like HIV. You must immediately test for STD if you observe symptoms to prevent any further transmission.

Signs and symptoms indicating you need an STD test immediately

If you engage in unsafe sex with a partner having an unknown sexual history, you need an STD test right away. You will also require an STD test if you have multiple sexual partners, or engage in men having sex with men (MSM). This is due to the risks of sexual transmission of the infection.

Besides, you may also need an STD test if:

• You are pregnancy or planning for pregnancy
• You are sharing syringes or needles with other individuals, or undergoing blood transfusion with others
• Occurrence of unusual symptoms like blisters, sores, redness, itchiness, irritation, abnormal discharge or bleeding from your genital areas
• Outbreak of symptoms such as chills, fever, rashes, joint pain or swollen lymph nodes in the groin
• Abnormal discharge from penis or vagina
• A painful or burning sensation while urinating
• A more frequent urge of urination than usual times
• Unexplained pain in the lower abdomen; however it does not have any connection to the menstrual cycle
• Occurrence of pain while having sex
• Abnormal bleeding after a sexual intercourse

Which STD tests should you undertake?

Following is a brief guide on which STD tests to undertake for most common STDs in the UK.

• Both adolescents and adults between 13 and 64 years of age must take HIV test as least once in their lifetime.
• All sexually active females blow 25 years must undertake Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia tests on an annual basis.
• Women above 25 years are prone to risks of STDs if they have multiple sexual partners, new sexual partners, or a sexual partner with STD. Such women require annual Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea tests.
• Pregnant women must undertake early STD tests for HIV, Gonorrhoea, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Retesting may become necessary in some cases.
• Males engaging in sexual relationships with men (MSM) should definitely undertake this test.
• STD testing for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea or Syphilis generally requires an annual test. However, individuals having multiple or anonymous sexual partners should take more frequent STD tests, at an interval of every 3 to 6 months.
• Undertake an HIV test at least once in a year; if possible make this test more frequent at a gap of every 6 months.
• If you test positive for HIV, take at least an annual test for Hepatitis C detection.
• People encountering risks of HIV infection from sharing needles of injections should undergo at least one HIV test in a year.
• Individuals having oral or anal sex should go for rectal and throat testing under the supervision of healthcare specialists.

Key Takeaways

One may get anxious from the thought of testing STDs. Medications and drugs offer solid cure for most common STDs in the UK. Early STD testing is essential to detect your health risks and also reduce the chances of STD transmission to other individuals. Visit this website to book your appointment for STD testing.