It is important to stay safe from STIs. 

Benefits of Regular Screening

Early detection of an STD starts with your sexual history and current symptoms.

If these suggest that you have an STD, your health care professional may do a physical or pelvic exam to look for signs of infection. Some signs of infection are a rash, warts or discharge.

The specimen tested are: blood, urine and body fluids. 

Testing for an STD or sexually transmitted infection in someone who doesn't have symptoms is called screening. 

It is important to do screening atleast once a year. 

There exists recommended guidelines for certain groups of individuals.

Hepatitis B screening for persons from 18 years onwards. 

Pregnant women should be screened for: HIV, hepatitis B, chlamydia and syphillis

Experts recommend that all sexually active women under age 25 be tested for chlamydia infection.

Experts recommend testing for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and herpes right away after being diagnosed with HIV.

Before having intercouse with new partners, be sure you've both been screened.

However, t's also possible to be infected with an sexually transmitted infection yet still test negative, which is most common if you've recently been infected.

Therefore, safe sex practices such as use of condoms are the most effective in preventing STIs.

General Benefits

Early Detection: Regular STI screenings help catch infections early, even before symptoms appear, preventing complications.

Prevent Spread: Routine testing reduces the risk of unknowingly transmitting infections to others.

Stay Healthy: Early treatment of STIs can protect against long-term health issues like infertility, chronic pain, or organ damage.

Tailored Screenings: Based on your sexual activity, your doctor can recommend specific tests to suit your needs.

Peace of Mind: Regular screening provides reassurance, fostering healthier relationships and sexual health.