6 Reasons to Get Tested for STDs Regularly

The latest statistics pertaining to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Singapore suggest these are fairly common. According to the Department of Sexually Transmitted Infections Control, 8,000 to 9,000 new cases of STD infections are registered each year. Unfortunately, there’s a common misconception that such conditions affect mostly high risk groups. If you’re in a committed, monogamous relationship, there really is no need to get tested, right? Wrong!

Everyone who is sexually active needs to do an STD test at least one or two times per year. There are reasons why regular screening is so beneficial and today, we’ll highlight a few of the most important ones.

Getting Tested Builds Trust in a Relationship

While highly unpleasant, infidelity is a thing that does occur. Nobody wants to think about it but unfortunately, it is a reality for many couples.

Getting screened for STDs with your partner helps build trust.

This is a great start for a new relationship, especially if you want to be monogamous and exclusive. Do understand the fact that many STDs don’t cause any symptoms. The only way to find out if a person is infected with any kind of pathogen is to get tested.

It’s also important for couples who are getting married to get tested for STDs, as well as married couples and people who have been together to continue the regular screening practice. Do talk to your partner about it. Be open and honest about the importance of clear communication on sexual topics and the adoption of responsible behaviours.

This isn’t something you’re just doing for yourself, you’re also doing it for the person you love. Ultimately, negative results help increase trust and could contribute to even more intimacy between two people as the years go by.

Worrying about STIs Can Have Negative Consequences

What is worse – worrying about having an STI like HIV or chlamydia or knowing that you’re positive?

Mental health and sexual health are tied to each other. If you worry about being exposed to a disease, you’ll suffer from issues like chronic stress and anxiety. Eventually, these can take their toll and impact your quality of life in a negative way.

There’s even a study suggesting that the fear of STDs can contribute to the development of some somatic symptoms linked to the respective condition. So, instead of worrying yourself sick, do get tested! Most STIs today are curable or manageable, which means that you have no excuse to keep on postponing screening!

STSD Screening Is Affordable, Confidential and Easy in Singapore

In the past, it could have been somewhat difficult to get a test in Singapore. Today, the situation has changed.

Screening options for most common STDs (HIV, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis) are readily available in Singaporean sexual health clinics. Many of these facilities offer affordable combined testing packages, reducing the cost linked to getting checked.

Also, testing occurs quickly, easily and confidentially. Many of the tests can produce almost immediate results. If you happen to be positive, you’ll also be consulted about the best course of action to undertake.

Which brings us to the next point:

Early Detection Is the Key to Treating STIs

One very simple rule applies to most sexually transmitted infections out there – the earlier they get detected, the easier they’ll be to treat.

Even previously terrifying diagnoses like being HIV-positive are no longer considered a death sentence. Effective management approaches have been developed to supress the viral load and give HIV-positive individuals a lifespan almost identical to those who aren’t virus carriers.

There is enough support for people with STDs in Singapore. Modern treatment plans and pharmaceutical products are readily available. In some instances, these will lead to the complete elimination of the condition. In other situations, they will supress the infection to a degree that it becomes untransmittable to a partner and that it no longer affects one’s quality of life.

Screening Is a Sign of Self-Love

Do understand one very important thing – while getting tested for the sake of others is very noble and responsible, you should be doing it primarily for yourself.

STD screening is a sign of self-love and self-respect. Accidents do happen and sometimes, they’re unavoidable. The responsible thing to undertake in such situations is get tested and handle the consequences in the most effective way.

Most often, it’s impossible to tell if you have an STD by just looking for symptoms. Some conditions are asymptomatic. Some cause symptoms reminiscent of other problems (like urinary tract infections, for example). And sometimes, STDs will start causing symptoms when they’ve become chronic and they’ve already caused permanent damage.

If you want to lead a healthy, happy life filled with self-love, you will need to do the responsible thing. Since STD testing in Singapore has become so easy, there aren’t too many obstacles to overcome.

You Could Be Pushing for Social Change!

It’s time for practices like STD screening to become normalised and widely socially-accepted. There’s still some stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections in Singapore. This stigma is also making many people refrain from getting tested.

By being brave and getting screened, you are pushing for positive social change. If there are more people like you out there, STD checks would soon become the norm and people wouldn’t feel hesitant about getting those.

If you want to get screened for common STDs, you can visit a popular and reputable STD clinic like Shim Clinic. We welcome visitors during our working hours every day of the week. At the clinic, you’ll be consulted about the right check to meet your needs, you’ll be tested and you’ll also receive a confidential consultation to help you manage your sexual health.