{"id":2064,"date":"2018-07-20T16:11:49","date_gmt":"2018-07-20T08:11:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shimclinic.com\/blog\/?p=2064"},"modified":"2018-07-20T16:11:49","modified_gmt":"2018-07-20T08:11:49","slug":"sti-testing-and-sexual-health-101","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shimclinic.com\/blog\/sti-testing-and-sexual-health-101\/","title":{"rendered":"STI Testing and Sexual Health 101"},"content":{"rendered":"

The World Health Organization updated a fact sheet in August 2016 that estimated a daily acquisition of new sexually transmitted diseases<\/a> at about 1 million worldwide. 1.5 million cases of Chlamydia<\/a> were reported in 2015 in the United States.<\/p>\n

In Canada, chlamydia, which is the most commonly reported infection, rose from 39,372 to 116,499 annual cases between 1998- 2015, while gonorrhea<\/a> cases increased from 5076 to 19,845 within the same period. Infectious syphilis<\/a> on the other hand rose from 501 to 4551 cases.<\/p>\n

It is imperative for sexually active individuals go for annual STD testing<\/a>. However, experts are warning that a large number of these Canadians are not getting tested. This increases the risk of passing on untreated infections to their partners.<\/p>\n

While reasons for avoiding testing may include the stigma and shame<\/a> attached to the affair, there is also the notion that one does not need testing because they do not show any symptoms of infection.<\/p>\n

It is vital to note that symptoms are hardly visible within the initial stages of infection \u2013 about 70% of women do not show any signs of chlamydia. The only way therefore to verify the presence or absence of any infections is through testing.<\/p>\n

Experts shed light on what we need to know as far as testing is concerned.<\/p>\n

When and How Often to Get Tested?<\/h2>\n

One is advised to start going for testing as soon as they are sexually active. In addition to this, should there have been any \u2018accidents\u2019 such as a ripped condom, drunken sex, or basically unprotected sex, testing is necessary. When such incidents occur, one should\u00a0consider HIV PEP<\/a>, sometimes also known as the HIV morning-after pill, which works to stop HIV infection<\/a> from taking hold if administered well within the 72 hour period – reducing the risk of infection by up to 90%.<\/p>\n

There is no ideal number of times to get tested; as many times as possible is always best. A person with multiple partners might need to visit a clinic more often than one with a single partner.<\/p>\n

There is also no \u2018correct\u2019 time to get tested- some do it at the start of a new relationship while others after relations with a partner whose prior history was vague.<\/p>\n

What Happens During a Test?<\/h2>\n

The particular test depends on the infection being tested for. Urine samples can be taken for gonorrhea or chlamydia. The two STDs can be tested using a vaginal examination. This involves taking a swab from the cervix, or penis, rectum or throat for men.<\/p>\n

Hepatitis<\/a>, HIV or syphilis are on the other hand tested using blood tests. STIs have incubation periods; it is advisable to not be tested immediately after unprotected sex. For chlamydia or gonorrhea, the earliest window is after 2-6 days while for syphilis, it is 3-6 weeks.<\/p>\n

Where Can One Get Tested?<\/h2>\n

Testing is free in many western countries like Canada.\u00a0In Singapore, you can test in clinics like the DSC clinic where the costs has been heavily subsidised, or come to a private STD Clinic like Shim Clinic,<\/a>\u00a0a clinic with years of experience handling sexual health issues with a focus on privacy and confidentiality.<\/p>\n

Symptoms<\/h2>\n

As aforementioned, sometimes the symptoms are not visible. If present however, they include;<\/p>\n