Get tested. Even if your last test was negative, get retested. These are things that many of us know but don’t always follow.
In the busy schedules of adulthood, it can be difficult to find time for HIV and STD screening, but the potential consequences of not doing so are too dire to leave up to chance. Infectious diseases like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis, are all on the rise among adults in their 20s and 30s.
It’s important to take proactive measures to protect yourself from contracting one of them if you haven’t yet been exposed to it. Fortunately, there are STD testing sites in Singapore where you can get checked easily.
Ready to get tested? Here’s where you can go in Singapore
When it comes to getting tested for STDs, there are a few different options available. For HIV, there are two popular types of testing methods: a blood test and a swab test.
For other STDs, you can usually get tested using a urine sample. If you’re not sure where to go to get tested in Singapore, you can start with your GP.
Your GP can also refer you to a specialist clinic like Dr. Ben Medical if you need further testing. Regardless of which method you choose, it’s important to get tested regularly if you’re sexually active. This way, you can detect any STDs early and get the treatment you need.
What is the most Effective way to Test for HIV and STDs?
One of the most effective ways to test for HIV and other STDs is through a process called nucleic acid testing (NAT). NAT involves amplifying and then testing a sample of blood or other bodily fluid for the presence of the virus.
NAT is different from traditional tests because it can detect the virus at very low levels. This makes it an important tool for the early detection of HIV infection.
NAT is also more sensitive than traditional tests, meaning that it can detect infections that would otherwise go undetected. There are several different types of NAT tests available, and they are all highly accurate.
However, they are also more expensive than traditional tests and are not always available in all areas. If you think you might have been exposed to HIV or another STD, it is important to get tested as soon as possible. Early detection can mean the difference between life and death.
Why should you get tested?
As we’ve seen above, being tested for HIV and other STDs can help you identify health issues early on and take the right measures to address them. You can also use it to inform your sexual practices.
If the test results show that one or both of you have been exposed to an STD, you can discuss the risks and decide whether to proceed with the act or use protection. With HIV, getting tested will help you get on treatment as early as possible, thereby reducing the risk of transmission to others.
If you know you have been exposed to HIV, you can also get on treatment before you develop an infection. Moreover, being tested can also help you explore your sexual identity.
You can either use it as a way to come out to your partner about your sexual practices and what you’ve been tested for. You can also use it as a way to get the information you need to decide whether to proceed with a sexual act.
How often should you get tested?
Though there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, the general rule of thumb is to get tested for STDs at least once a year. If you have multiple partners or engage in unprotected sex, you may need to get tested more frequently.
The same goes for people with HIV. In general, people with HIV should get tested every three to six months. However, some people may need to be tested more often, depending on their risk factors.
If you’re unsure how often you should be tested, talk to your doctor or a healthcare provider. They can help you figure out what’s best for you.
What Happens when you Test Positive for an STD?
Testing positive for an STD can be scary but you really don’t need to fret. If you test positive for STD, the first thing you should do is schedule another test to make sure you’re not dealing with false positives.
If the test results are accurate, you can then decide on the appropriate course of action. The STD treatment options vary. Your doctor will explain the treatment options to you, as well as the risks and side effects associated with each treatment.
If you are in a relationship and your partner has tested positive for an STD, you will be recommended to undergo treatment and wait for the infection to clear before resuming sexual contact. People who test positive for STDs that can be transmitted from mother to child (such as Hepatitis B and C and syphilis) are advised to get treatment or abstain from sexual contact until the infection clears.
HIV and STD Testing FAQs
● How do I tell my partner that I have an STD?
It may be difficult to tell your partner that you have an STD, but it’s important to do so. The best way to approach the conversation is, to be honest, and upfront about your diagnosis. You can explain how you found out and why you think it’s important for them to know.
● Can I get an STD from kissing?
It is possible to contract some STDs, such as herpes, through kissing. However, it is less common to contract other STDs, such as HIV, through kissing.
● Do I need to get tested for STDs if I’m in a monogamous relationship?
If you’re in a monogamous relationship and you or your partner has ever had sex with someone else, it’s a good idea to get tested. This is because STDs can have a long latency period, which means they can lie dormant for years without showing any symptoms. So even if you’ve been faithful to each other since you got together, there’s a chance one of you could have contracted an STD before you started your relationship.
Bottom Line
It’s important to keep in mind that having unprotected sex can lead to contracting an STD even if you and your partner(s) test negative. That’s because many STDs do not show any symptoms. There are a lot of factors that can make it more difficult to get tested, such as work schedules and finances, but it’s important to remember that it is the only way to know your status.
At Dr. Ben Medical, we believe that knowledge is power. We offer confidential and accurate STD testing in a judgment-free environment. Our goal is to help you take control of your sexual health so you can live a happy and healthy life. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment. Call: +6588812344.