If you are sexually active, you should be making periodic testing for STDs and STIs at least once per year a part of your health routine. Several sexually transmitted diseases do not have outward symptoms, allowing it to be in your body for extended periods of time without you knowing. Performing a blood or urine test is the only way these infections can be detected and a proper course of treatment decided on. There are a few things you should know about STDs before you go for testing:

Some STDs can be transmitted without intercourse

Intercourse is not the only way you can contract and STD. In addition to being spread through vaginal, anal and oral sex, sexually transmitted diseases can be transmitted through the sharing of needles and other drug materials that come into contact with your blood. Going through STD testing is recommended even if you are not currently sexually active to stay aware of your current status.

Symptoms are not always present

Many people know certain symptoms of STDs including itching, discharge and blistering, but most sexually transmitted diseases and infections don’t have visible or physical indicators. Some also share symptoms with other illnesses, including the flu. Without symptoms, or by sharing symptoms with more common infections, you can have an STD without even knowing, which you can pass on to partners. Because they can be undetectable, it is recommended that you get checked under several scenarios:

• You are switching sexual partners
• You have multiple or high-risk partners
• You have not been tested in the past year

Many STDs can be treated

When found early, many sexually transmitted diseases and infections can be treated with medication. One of the main reasons why people put off getting tested is because they are afraid of what the results may show and how their lives may be affected. By waiting to get tested, you risk the chance of the infection progressing, which can affect your fertility and overall health. If you have a more serious STD, medication can be used to help manage your symptoms, allowing you to live a normal life.

STD Testing in Aberdeen, Matawan & Morganville, NJ

If you are interested in undergoing STD testing to know you and your partners’ status, visit AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen today! We provide walk-in testing and can analyze samples in our on-site lab, providing you with faster results than other clinics. For questions, please call 732-583-5100.