Exactly what about STD testing makes people feel so uneasy? After we take the blood test, we end up waiting for the results with a lot of anxiety and fear. Everyone who is engaged in sexual activity should go for STD testing on a regular basis. It may be hard to think that you may be infected with a sexually transmitted disease, but the statistics tell us that there are a large number of people out there who do not even know they are infected. A simple blood test can do a lot of good.
Currently there are over twenty five different sexually transmitted diseases that a human being can be infected with at any given point. You are in danger of being infected with these diseases if you are a human. STD testing is the best way to gain important knowledge of your health. The more you know about the potential diseases, the better you can take care of yourself in the long run.
The list below describes the STD testing procedures for some of the more common diseases. You don’t have to be afraid of the blood test. It is fast, easy, and relatively pain free.
Herpes
If you see any fever blisters or cold sores on your genitals or mouth then you have found symptoms of Herpes. If these symptoms are present, it is recommended that you have STD testing done immediately. The herpes test is only a culture swab from one of the sores. It is completely painless.
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS does not go away unfortunately. The disease wrecks the body’s immune system and it often results in death. America is the home of over one million people infected with this deadly disease. There is a statistic that estimates another quarter million people who do not even know they have HIV/AIDS. STD testing for this includes a basic blood test. The only physical pain is a minor pin prick.
Genital Warts/HPV
This is very different than the herpes disease. The symptoms of genital warts include the showing of flesh colored bumps or warts around the genital region. This disease is known to cause cervical cancer in females, so getting STD testing completed is important. Testing includes a painless visual inspection.
Gonorrhea
This disease that was prevalent in the mid-1900’s is still very much around today. It includes discharge and painful urination as its main symptoms. STD testing of this disease includes urine analysis. Discharge can also be analyzed to determine the cause of the infection.
Scabies
The test for this disease is normally a visual inspection. You can expect a painful red rash, painful itching, and cracking of the skin as symptoms. A normal physical exam by your doctor is a good way to be tested. Sometimes a skin biopsy is needed to ascertain the patients status within the diseases life cycle.
Syphilis
Perhaps one of the better known STD’s, syphilis has plagued both man and woman for the past few centuries. Napoleon Bonaparte, Christopher Columbus, Franz Shubert, and George Washington all suffered from Syphilis. Symptoms include sharp pain during urination and an ugly discharge. STD testing includes a blood test or a culture.
Know that you know some of the common STD testing methods; maybe it’s time you lost some of your fear and visited a doctor. After all, a simple blood test could clear up all your fear and anxiety. It is not only you that is being saved; it is all of your future sexual partners who could contract a disease as well. Do your part and help out by receiving STD testing.