Getting tested for anything is something most of us would like to avoid. Be it our physical fitness, blood pressure or even our general knowledge, we would prefer to avoid tests altogether. However, we should prioritise our health, to always be updated on our physical well-being. Instead, many of us avoid regular checks, and only get checked when the need arises in the event of physical discomfort.
If we are at risk of contracting STDs by being sexually active, regular checks for STDs or HIV should be a regular occurrence. This piece advocates for sexually active individuals to attend regular STD testing in Singapore, and examine the benefits of doing so.
There are many benefits of frequent testing or screening for STDs. This article will focus on the 2 biggest benefits: ensuring your own health and the safety of others. Such benefits are closely connected to motivations for individuals to get regular checks, namely taking care of yourself and simple consideration for others.
First and foremost, you will be constantly updated on your health, if there are any infections, parasites or diseases inhabiting and harming your body. Only following detection can treatment begin.
Most STDs, or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), may not lead to life-threatening situations on their own. However, in conjunction with other infections, they may have potentially serious impact for patients infected with STIs. They could be transmitted to children and pregnant women with STIs may even encounter stillbirth.
By far the most debilitating STI is HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which compromises your immune system. STDs can increase your chances of contracting it. STD such as Syphilis and Herpes cause sores and skin breakages in the genital region. This drastically increases the chances of individuals spreading or contracting HIV through these breaks in their skin. Figures from the World Health Organisation estimate a 300% increase in the chances of contracting HIV from a partner with these STDs.
This brings us to the first reason why you should always get tested: you must know the status of your health. Prevention is better than cure, yes, but cures are necessary once detected. Constant checking will also allow us to seek treatment early, which is crucial if dealing with HIV.
The second pair of benefits and reasons are intrinsically linked. Ensuring you are healthy will prevent you from harming your sexual partners through sheer negligence and a lack of information. Knowing you are potentially infectious to others should prompt you to take precautionary measures with sexual partners, or even inform them of whatever STD you may be carrying.
Simply put, a conscience and consideration for your sexual partner demands knowing of your STD status and letting them know, to prevent bringing harm to them. Many HIV cases happen simply because one partner does not know he or she is carrying the virus, and precautionary measures are ignored.
Getting tested for STDs in Singapore is not an impossible task. There are clinics offering screening for STDs across Singapore, even anonymous STD tests. If you live a lifestyle that puts you at risk of contracting an STD, schedule regular tests at STD clinics.
