As per the new data of STIs cases stated by the Public Health England, there is 5% increase throughout the UK. This biggest concern is raising its bar day-by-day just because people are not considering STI screening as a significant factor. As per the renowned gynaecologist, several people decline the idea of STI check just because of shame.
As sexual activity is normal, everyone should take proper care of their sexual health as well. Regular testing is a responsible act rather than putting your partner at risk of getting contracted with any STI. According to the report of ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control), the number of cases of Syphilis gets doubled as people drop the idea of condom use during sex.
However, this blog compiles some common queries of people regarding STI testing and we try to answer them. So, have a look on them.
How frequently should a person get tested for STIs?
For any sexually active person, it is recommendable to perform the sexual health screening once in every year. However, the frequency must be increased in case you get a new sexual partner. But if you engage in sex with many partners often, then you should practice safe sex and undergo STI at an interval of 3-month.
For any experiencing symptoms such as itching, unusual discharge and inflammation, you should head to gynaecologist to get tested for STI without any second thought.
If there is no symptom, still a person should test for STIs?
Definitely yes! A huge percentage of people don’t experience any symptoms for several years once they infected with any STI. STIs have the ability to stay dormant in the body secretly interfering with the normal bodily functions. If left undetected and untreated for long, it can result in irreversible fertility issue at the same time.
Rarely, it can be fatal for some persons too. Even after without any symptoms you can transmit the STI infection to any person or vice-versa. The only effective way to identify the presence of STI is by testing. Several clinics in London offer simple, quick and confidential STI testing. All you have to do is to fix an appointment at the clinic according to your convenient to get tested.
What should a person do if he/she had sex with someone infected with any STI?
If you have had sex with someone who is an STI infected, obviously it is a matter of concern. At that time, you should fix an appointment on an urgent basis despite noticing any symptoms. Several sexual health clinics are there in London that offer full sexual health screening facility for the people out there.
If the partner discloses that he/she earlier was an STI infected but gets cleared now, is it fine for the opposite partner?
Not always. One should not rely on the sexual health report of the partner. If you think that you are at risk, testing should be done to get confirmed.
What to know about the sexual health of the transgender, bi-sexual or gay individuals?
People who have sexual interest with the same gender possess slightly varied health concerns from that of the heterosexuals. For those people, it is very important to visit the gynaecologist to share the information regarding your genitalia of any early genital surgery. As much information they can know, it will be easier for them to suggest you with the right health concerns.
In contrary to gay, lesbian women are less susceptible to get infected with any STI. Still, you should know about the potential risks and take preventive measures. Even engaging in oral sex will also put both of you and your partner at risk. Therefore, regular STI screening is highly advisable for both bisexual women or gay in case of any change in the sex partner.
One should specifically test for the Chlamydia, genital warts and herpes in case bodily fluids have been exchanged. Hepatitis B, Syphilis and Herpes test must be performed as it can pass through penetrative sex, kissing and shared sex toys.
In what ways sex can be safer?
As there is no form of sexual activity 100% safe and non-risky, only you can take necessary steps for lowering the risk of an STI infection. It can be done in the given 3 simple steps:
- Make use of condoms before engaging in any penetrative and oral sex
- Ask the partners to get tested frequently
- You should test for STIs every time you get any new sexual partner
To book your sexual health screen at Harley Street sexual health clinic, call us now at 020 7585 0066. You can also write us info@chatfielddental.co.uk.
