Most people aren’t well informed about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), never imagining that it is something to ever worry about. “I’ve never heard of anyone having STDs amongst my friends. It probably isn’t something that would affect me” – that’s what most people think or say. Most people would not be open to talk about their plight once they are diagnosed with STDs, and it is not hard to see why.
Understanding Singapore’s conservative nature and the stigma that contracting STDs carry, it might seem as though these aren’t issues that we need to worry about in a medically advanced country like Singapore. But while rare, it doesn’t mean that there is a 0% chance of such happening. The chance is significantly higher for those who are sexually active and have more than one partners, and this number would increase seeing the rise in the number of people leading an increasingly open and liberal lifestyle in recent years.
The results of undetected STDs can lead to severe long-term consequences like mother-to-child transmission, blindness or even congenital disabilities. Knowing such, taking an early STD test in Singapore is a practice for everyone, especially if you or your partner is a sexually active individual, and here are the top 3 reasons why.
Protecting your loved ones around you
There are several commonly seen symptoms of STD but most people experiencing them would chalk it up to other mild or temporary causes. These symptoms would also vary in appearance and severity, not immediately raise warning signs for those who are inexperienced or unaware of the potential dangers. Many people might also not consider themselves to be at high risk of contracting STDs, with some cases going undetected for years. This false sense of security results in a long period of ignorance, leading to instances where individuals with STDs might continue to engage in sexual intercourse with their partners, unaware of the harm that they are causing.
Going for early STD testing not only allows you to make the necessary changes to safeguard those around you, it also ensures that your partners would not have to go through the same challenges, worries and uncertainty that you would have to in cases of transmission.
Early treatments can be the most effective
While viral STDs can only be managed through long-term medication, several bacterial STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis can be curable with proper medical advice and treatment. Getting early treatment not only prevents complications, it also allows us to receive proper advice and carry out appropriate lifestyle changes from professionals so that we can minimise the impact STDs have on our lives and those around us.
Disruptive as it is, getting STDs discovered early allows us to nip the cause at its bud right from the start, often reducing the inconvenience, time and money required for treatment.
Having peace of mind
Rather than putting it to the back of your mind, especially if you are a sexually active adult, having the confidence to keep your lifestyle without worry is a big plus in most people’s books. The main reason why most people take STD tests is their willingness to stay responsible to their partners and families while not taking away the freedom and joy they experience in their intimate and personal moments.
Peace of mind can also be granted for those who have discovered they have contracted STDs but have found and received the much-needed support of their loved ones through this challenging period in their lives. While no one wishes or can imagine contracting an STD, receiving the understanding and assistance of those around them can be a significant boost of encouragement to help them make the necessary changes to managing or curing their STDs.
Conclusion
Health is wealth, but so too is peace of mind and safeguarding our daily lifestyles. Knowing that we (and those around us) are safe can be the greatest source of comfort for us and those we love.
The topic of STD might seem overwhelming and difficult, but we know that this can be the first step for many people towards their recovery. We give our assurance to keep strict confidentiality of our patients’ privacy, providing professional advice to upkeep the safety and health of all who walk through our doors. Contact Elyon Clinic at 6802 7208 if you have any inquiries or drop by to see what we can do for you, and we will be glad to give you the assistance you need.
