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If you’re symptom free and wondering, “Do I really need STI testing?,” the answer IS YES! YES! And to be clear, YES! You may be sharing more than you think!
If you have had sex, you need STI testing. And yes, that includes oral and anal sex. No matter what you have been told by friends, or even your partner(s), you need STI testing. In fact, you should require that your partner(s) be tested also.
This is not about trust! This is not about trying not to hurt anyone’s feelings. This is not about avoiding feeling embarrassed. This is about YOU protecting YOUR sexual health. Who cares about any of that other stuff when your health is at risk?
According to the World Health Organization:
Remember, knowledge is power. You cannot protect yourself without being proactive. How do you do that?
First, you need to have the conversation! If you are sexually active, you need to have a conversation with your medical provider about how you can protect yourself from STIs. In fact, you should be having routine appointments with an Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) provider. Why? Because OB-GYN providers are educated and trained to deal specifically with your reproductive health (all things related to your female parts). Don’t let your lack of symptoms give you a false sense of safety, you need STI testing if you’re sexually active.
Second, you need to have a conversation with your partner(s) because they need STI testing, too. This should not be optional. If your partner(s) has an issue with this, let them know that sex with them is optional, but getting tested is not!
Third, you need to have a conversation with yourself. Tell yourself that you are worth it, your health is important, and no one is worth you putting yourself at risk. Remember, your sexual exposure count is not just about who you have had sex with. It includes every person that your partner(s) has had sex with.
And finally, you need to give us a call. Here at Alcove Health Women’s Clinic, we provide confidential and no-cost screenings for three of the most commonly spread STIs – chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. All of our testing is free and confidential. Your health is worth it; call or click visit our appointment page today to schedule your STI testing appointment.
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