Going for HIV tests every two weeks is top tier, let’s not even get into why you always go for HIV tests that frequently but you see that thing you are looking for, hopefully, you don’t find it. If you thought HIV was your only problem, we hate to break it to you but there are more tests you might want to go for to ensure you are feeling 100%.
If you didn’t know what Sexually Transmitted Diseases were (STDs), they are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. This contact is usually through vaginal, oral or anal sex. However, there are STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) that can also be spread through intimate physical contacts. STIs like herpes and HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) can spread just by skin-to-skin contact.
Here are a list of Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Infections you might have to get tested for other than HIV.
Chlamydia
This is a common STD that can cause infection to both men and women. Chlamydia can cause a permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system and possibly lead her to becoming infertile. While men rarely have health problems from chlamydia, when infected, it can cause a fever or pain in the tubes attached to the testicles.
Genital herpes
Genital herpes is an STI. It causes herpetic sores which usually look like painful blisters filled with fluids. These sores may appear in different places and when the blisters turn into sores, they bleed or discharge blood or a whitish fluid.
Gonorrhea
This is also a STI which focuses on warm and moist areas of the body. Untreated gonorrhea can lead to long-term health concerns and, in some cases, infertility. But treatment with antibiotics can cure the infection and help lower your chances of experiencing health complications.
AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is a is the name used to describe a number of potentially life-threatening infections and illnesses that happen when your immune system has been severely damaged by the HIV virus.
HPV
Human Papilloma Virus encompasses a group of viruses. HPV affects do not cause problems to people but some can cause genital warts or cancer. HPV can be contracted through physical contacts which in turn affects the skin.
Pubic lice
Pubic lice as the name implies can be found in pubic hairs and are transferred through sexual contact. Pubic ice found in children may be as a result of sexual exposure or abuse. While pubic lice can be grouped under STDs, it is not a disease or an infection. However, you can develop an infection if untreated.
Syphilis
This is a bacterial infection that is spread by sexual contact. The disease starts as a painless sore — typically on the genitals, rectum or mouth. Syphilis spreads from person to person via skin or mucous membrane contact with these sores.
Trichomoniasis
This is a common STI cased by a parasite. In women, this STI can cause a revolting smell of the vaginal discharge, genital itching and painful urination. Men who have trichomoniasis typically have no symptoms.
While you go for HIV tests religiously, kindly consider going for these other tests too to save yourself from venereal diseases.
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