Overcoming Venereal Disease Stigma By Knowing The Facts
The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in the early months of 2022, the number of people with gonorrhea and syphilis declined. This was perhaps as expected, because people stayed in isolation. Thereafter the venereal disease rates surged substantially to the extent that they were even higher than in 2019.
This development is a cause of worry. Sexually Transmitted Infections or STIs can cause irreversibly damage to the reproductive system. According to medical professionals, thousands of women are rendered infertile by untreated STIs each year.
Syphilis, if untreated for a long time can cause severe damage to the brain and other organs including the heart.
What does this point to?
The ease with which STIs are spreading undetected makes it imperative to screen for them regularly.
Here are a few things you must know.
• STIs pass from one person to another through vaginal, oral or anal sex. Though not very common, venereal diseases can also spread via heavy petting
• You need not necessarily have symptoms if you have contracted STI. It can be so very mild that you may ignore it altogether.
• If you are sexually active and indulged in risky behavior, getting an STD test is absolutely essential.
You may be wondering which tests must you go for.
The best bet is to have an honest conversation with your doctor. Tell him/ her about your sexual history. The doctor will counsel you whether you should be tested for STDs.
The general recommendations in the United States are
• All individuals ages 13-64 should be tested at least once for HIV.
• Women younger than 25 and sexually active should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.
• All sexually active gay and bisexual and other men who have sex with men must get tested
• Individuals who share injection drug equipment must get tested for HIV every year.
The CDC guidelines, 2021 provide evidence based venereal disease treatment recommendations that has replaced the 2015 guidelines.
Keep in mind that STIs treated early can be entirely curable. Your health and that of your loved ones is entirely your responsibility. Do not shrug, get tested if you feel you may need it.
In case you are hesitant to get tested because your private medical information will be exposed , then you have alternatives.
One of them is a visit to an urgent care center.
Most urgent care clinics provide hassle free confidential testing. All you need to do is just walk in without an appointment ; the tests will be rapid and anonymous, and with discreet billing.
What happens when you get tested?
Depending on your symptoms and sexual history, the doctor may
• Perform a physical examination
• Collect a specimen by swabbing your vagina, throat, anus or penis
• Give you instructions on how to take a urine sample, and or a rectal / vaginal swab.
In case the diagnosis says, you have a sexually transmitted infection, you may feel angry , horrified or ashamed. Keep in mind that with proper treatment venereal disease, in most part has few health impacts. Get treated appropriately and responsibly.
