Having been an online blog and article resource to spread awareness of good sexual practices and the importance of STD testing and sexual health for a couple years and doctors who have seen patients for an even longer period of time, we realised we have talked about so many different topics (and shared about so many different STIs) and yet haven’t taken the time to share about the reasons we’re in this line of work.
Preventing STDs: Understanding its importance
STIs are a difficult topic to broach, yet they can often lead to very real and very challenging circumstances. A lack of awareness and information can often lead to long periods where symptoms go unnoticed before complications happen down the road.
The effects of untreated STDs can include infertility, pregnancy problems, cervical cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, birth abnormalities, and a 3- to 5-fold greater chance of HIV transmission. Even though many STDs can be cured or treated with medicine, this often sees the highest efficacy when it comes early enough.
Yet, the most common reason why people come in years after they’ve contracted various STIs come with the fact that they aren’t aware of how serious it can be and how various STIs can lay dormant without symptoms years before it is discovered.
Helping people live out healthy and safe lifestyles
While we do have a basic sex education when we are young, it comes nowhere near sufficient to equipping the public with adequate knowledge with regards to safe sex practices or what to look out for before seeking treatment or professional advice.The biggest thing we aim to do is to normalise the act of seeking help or going for tests to ensure that we are free from any STIs or STDs. There shouldn’t be any stigma when it comes to making sure we, and those around us, are safe from harm.
A healthy relationship also includes open communication about STD prevention. By demonstrating mutual respect and helping each other feel safe and healthy, both physically and emotionally, partners who are able to openly address difficult topics like sexual history, risk behaviour, testing, and condom use contribute to the development of a successful relationship.
Saving health care costs
Although Singapore does have an amazing healthcare system, unwanted STDs and complications might lead to financial strain and worries down the road. This might also include lost wages, productivity and even the emotional strain and additional psychological aid a person might need down the road.
By preventing or treating STIs early, patients can quickly implement changes in their lifestyles as well as seek the best and most effective treatment early on. It is said that $43 is spent each year on STD treatment costs with every dollar spent on prevention in the US. That is so much money (time and peace of mind) saved should prevention be made the go-to strategy instead!
Conclusion – we are here to help
It is far from just a transactional business. More often than not, we see tears and anxiety behind closed doors, and that is where we step in to help. Giving the best advice, treatment and follow-up plan we can, we ensure that our patients are best equipped to their recovery. If that is you, we encourage you not to shy away from engaging in better sexual health practices and reach out for professional advice, care and treatment if needed.
