If you lead a sexually active lifestyle, you would probably have heard the following advice countless times: Use protection and get tested. No, it isn’t just saying it for the sake of saying it. But there are so many questions that may pop up before you visit an STD clinic in Singapore. What type of test should I get? When should I get tested? Is there anything I should prepare before taking a test?
It is incredibly important to get tested more frequently as knowing the results of your test does not only keep yourself safe but is also the only way to ensure that you’re not putting your partner at risk. While it may seem overwhelming, we are here to assure you that we believe in keeping the process simple and fuss-free. With confidentially and anonymity in place to protect our clients, we share some of the factors you should consider when thinking if you need an STD test.
3 questions to consider before your check-up
Whether you have already made an appointment or not, it’s important to be prepared and have the appropriate knowledge before your check-up schedule. To achieve this, we’ve come up with three questions that you might want to ask yourself before seeing your doctor.
1. Is it possible to know if I have an STD without taking a test?
The basic answer to this question is no – while the type of STD varies and so do their symptoms, some people can go for long periods of time without detecting any traces of gonorrhoea. Another commonly observed situation is an unfortunate self misdiagnosis. Because of how common some symptoms are, compounded with the inexperience of the general public, it is very easy to wave away the symptoms as something mild or confuse it with other natural bodily functions. Ladies might confuse soreness and pain with the onset of their monthly menstrual cycles, while those that commonly exercise might attribute soreness to their physically active lifestyles.
Hence, the only way to know is to get tested for STDs. People may be more susceptible to a specific type of STD depending on their age group, gender, and medical history – something that only your doctor is capable of advising you on the most suitable test for you. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea screenings are ideally recommended for women under the age of 25 who are sexually active and women older than 25 years old who have sexual intercourse with multiple partners. Meanwhile, STDs like hepatitis, syphilis and HIV testing are usually recommended for people who: have tested positive for another type of STD, engage in sexual intercourse regularly and use intravenous drugs.
2. Is it okay to go without an STD test if I am not as sexually active or practice monogamy?
It is recommended to have annual testing for STDs and HIV for anyone sexually active. While a regular person must be tested at least once a year, people who engage in higher risks such as sex with multiple partners, frequent changes in sex partners, and unprotected sex must be tested every three months.
But we hear people saying they do not need to get STD tests if they do not have sex regularly or with only a single partner. While that reduces the risk of contracting STDs, it is important to clarify with your partner if they are having multiple sexual partners or have had previous sexual partners with whom they aren’t sure of their sexual history. However, those that have sex with multiple partners, even irregularly, should still go for STD tests and screenings. Some people might lie about their sexual history because of the social stigma or might just plainly forget about their previous encounters. Thus, the best way to protect yourself and be 100% would be to get a reliable STD test done.
3. Where should I get tested, and should I be worried about anything?
Sexual health is still at the stage of a sensitive subject for many people, so it’s completely understandable to feel nervous about scheduling an STD test or approaching a doctor to talk about it. However, the purpose of the test isn’t to expose or make things difficult for anyone, but to find the most effective way to manage the outcomes when discovered.
Thanks to the advancement of technology, STD testing is becoming increasingly available as clinics begin to offer these services to the public. Depending on your personal preference, you have the choice to get tested with your regular family doctor in the comforts of your home, where they are already familiar with your medical history or you can seek specialised treatment at a health clinic.
Conclusion
While the concept of STD testing services often causes people to be scared or uncomfortable because of social stigmas about sexual health, do remember that it’s important to take care of your sexual health since it’s a part of your overall health and well-being. Some STDs are either curable or treatable, while the symptoms and effects of others can be managed if discovered early, so it’s important to seek professional services to catch them early and limit immediate discomforts and minimise the entire treatment process. If you’re nervous, it’s good to read up on what to expect and how to prepare for an STD check-up to come prepared.
If you’re looking for an efficient and confidential place that offers STD testing in Singapore, Elyon Clinic is here to help. If you suspect you may be at risk of contracting an STD due to feeling the symptoms, or you just want to make sure and would want to take a test for safety purposes, feel free to schedule a health screening in our clinic. Contact us at 5802 7208 to book a confidential and fuss-free appointment.
