There are many types of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) that can be caused by unprotected sex irrespective of whether it is heterosexual or homosexual. The most common types of STDs are Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Trichomoniasis, Genital Herpes, Genital Warts, Hepatitis, and HIV. Each of these diseases exhibits its own symptoms which can indicate its presence. With STD testing it is possible to find out which type of STD is present for the necessary medical treatment to follow.
Symptoms Of STD
The most common symptoms of STD are: Burning or pain during urination; Unusual discharge from penis or vagina; Pain during sex; Vaginal itching and irritation; Pain or swelling of the genitals; Strong odor; sores or blisters in the genital area; Bleeding; Fatigue; Fever; Headache; Weight loss; Rash; Sore throat; Diarrhea; Cough; Shortness of breath; Malaise; Nausea and vomiting; Abdominal pain; Itching; Loss of appetite; and Muscle or joint pain. If any or a combination of these symptoms are noticed it is essential that STD testing should be done immediately.
STD Testing Options & Procedures
The easiest testing for STD option is to go online and find a reliable STD testing site. These websites offer different packages, individual tests or at home STD test. You can book an appointment online and simply walk into any of their clinics that are located near your home for private STD testing. You can be tested for any of the different types of STD. The STD testing center will take samples of your blood, urine, or swabs from your genital areas for doing the tests. By testing these samples in the laboratory, they can establish whether the organisms that cause STD are present in your body. If it is so, then your STD testing will give a positive result.
Since there are many types of STD, the testing for each type is done in a different manner. Blood samples might be needed for some of them whereas urine samples might be taken for other types. Some of them might need swabs from the urethra or cervix. The swabs are sometimes sent for culture of the bacteria to determine if they are present. STD testing is safe and painless and the procedure only needs a few minutes.
Syphilis
In the case of Syphilis, testing depends on the stage of the disease. If there is a Syphilis sore, a swab of the sore would need to be tested to determine the presence of the bacterium. A blood test might also be done but it does not always give absolutely accurate results.
Herpes
Sores can also be caused by Herpes and in order to be sure, it is important to go to the STD testing clinic where a health practitioner will be able to determine the presence of the virus that causes Herpes by testing a swab of the sore.
HIV & AIDS
Since the occurrence of AIDS has escalated considerably in the last ten years, it has become important to get regular testing done for STD especially if you are sexually active and have more than one sexual partner. It is important to remember that even if the symptoms are not present, you could still be positive for HIV and you could be spreading the disease.
Regular STD testing is therefore most important to prevent complications and to stop the spread of the disease.
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