Get Tested! Why STD Testing Is Important For Everyone?

It’s important to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), even if you don’t think you’re at risk. You may not realize it, but there are a lot of different types of STDs, and many people especially those sexually active are infected without knowing it.

That’s why it’s so important to get tested regularly as part of your health screening. It can help you avoid transmitting an STD to your partner, and STD screening can also help you catch an STD early so that you can get treatments before it causes serious health problems.

When it comes to STD screening, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions floating around. While HIV may be the most commonly known infection, there are many others that are equally serious like herpes and hepatitis.

Some people believe that you can only contract an STD through sexual intercourse. However, that is not the case. In fact, STDs can be contracted through any type of sexual contact, including oral and anal sex.

What are STDs and why should you get tested for them?

STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungal or parasites. While it may commonly be associated with young people, it can occur in both sexually active men and women of all ages.

Common sexually transmitted disease STD include:

• Chlamydia

• Gonorrhoea

• Syphilis

• Trichomoniasis

• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

• HIV/AIDS

• Herpes (genital herpes and oral herpes) - caused by herpes simplex virus

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of STDs differ depending on what you are infected with, but some common symptoms to look out for include:

• Unusual discharge from the vagina or penis

• Painful urination

• Sores or warts around the genitals

• Unexplained itching around the genitals

• Blisters around the genital or anus

• Rashes

• For women, vaginal bleed that is unusual

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible so that you can get tested and treated.

While some of these infections can cause mild symptoms, without treatment they can cause more serious health consequences, including infertility, organ damage, and even death.

How do you get tested for STDs?

There are a few different ways that you can get tested. The most common way is to go to your doctor or a local health clinic that provides the services and request a test.

Another way to get tested is to order a home test kit online. One of the home test kits available nowadays is for HIV testing.

What are the different types of STD screening available?

When it comes to STD screening, there are a few different options available. Perhaps the most common type of test is the blood test. Blood tests can be used to screen for a variety of STDs, including HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.

Another option is a urine test, which is often used to test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Swab tests are also available, and these can be used to test for herpes and HPV. In some cases, a physical exam may also be necessary in order to make a diagnosis.

Some test like HIV and hepatitis B test is part of pre-marital health screening in Malaysia.

Besides the test, the screening may also be accompanied by a doctor's consultation. The doctor on duty will ask about your sexual history which is part of the routine questions. Make sure to answer the doctor with honesty.

Where can you go to get tested for STDs in Malaysia?

There are a number of different places where you can go to get STD test services in Malaysia. The best place to start is your local health clinic or hospital. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action and provide you with a list of test providers or an STD clinic in your area.

You can also contact sexual health organisations such as the Malaysian AIDS Council or the Federation of Reproductive Health Associations Malaysia. These organisations can provide you with information on testing locations, as well as support and counselling services.

How much do STD tests cost in Malaysia?

The cost of STD tests in Malaysia varies depending on the type of test, as well as the location. However, in general, STD tests are not too expensive. For example, a blood test for HIV can cost around RM30, while a urine test for chlamydia may cost around RM60.

Most test providers offered a comprehensive range of tests which can be taken as a package at a lower cost.

Will my privacy be guaranteed during the test?

If you are worried about your privacy, there are also a number of private STD clinics that you can visit. By getting tested at a clinic, it will be easy to get treatment if needed.

However, maintaining a patient's confidentiality is always part of the healthcare practice everywhere, So rest assured that your privacy will be maintained.

What are the consequences of not getting tested?

There are a number of reasons why people might avoid STD testing, including embarrassment, fear of diagnosis, or simply not knowing where to go for testing. However, the consequences of not getting tested can be much more serious than the discomfort of the testing process itself.

Without testing, the infections can go undetected for months or even years without symptoms and hence without proper STD treatment, causing serious health complications in the meantime.

What are the complications of STDs?

Some common complications associated with STDs include pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, cancer, and organ damage. In some cases, the infections can even be life-threatening.

For example, untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause infertility. Untreated gonorrhoea can spread to the bloodstream and major organs, causing life-threatening infections. And HIV infection can progress to AIDS without treatment.

In short, the consequences of not getting tested can be very serious indeed. So don’t wait - get tested today.

Protecting yourself and your partner from sexually transmitted infections

There are a number of ways to protect yourself and your partner from STDs. First and foremost, practice safe sex by using condoms every time you have sexual intercourse. If you or your partner have multiple partners, it's also important to get tested on a regular basis.

Remember that STDs can be spread through skin-to-skin contact when the skin integrity is broken, so it's important to avoid any type of sexual activity that could cause breaks in the skin. By taking these precautions, you can help keep yourself and your partner safe.

How to talk to your partner about STD testing?

STD testing is an important part of any healthy relationship. It provides peace of mind and can help to prevent the spread of STDs. However, talking about it can be awkward and uncomfortable. The good news is that there are some steps you can take to make the conversation go more smoothly.

First, start by normalizing the topic. It is a routine and necessary part of any sexual relationship, so there's no need to be embarrassed or ashamed.

Secondly, be honest about your own STD status. This will help to build trust and show that you're taking responsibility for your own health.

Finally, stress the importance of STD prevention. The testing is just one part of protecting yourself and your partner.

What to do if you have an STD?

If you think you might have an STD, it's important to see a doctor or other healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can test you for STDs and, if necessary, provide STD treatment. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help reduce your risk of spreading the infection:

• Avoid sexual contact (including oral, anal, and vaginal sex) until you've been tested and cleared by a healthcare provider.

• Don't share personal items (such as towels, razors, or sex toys) with someone who has an STD.

• Talk to your current and previous sexual partners about getting tested for STDs. If you tested positive for an STD, let them know so they can get tested and later get proper treatment if necessary.

• Adhere to the treatment regime. Take your medication as instructed by your healthcare provider. Knowing that you have an STD like contracting HIV was once a nightmare but be aware that excellent treatment is available nowadays which has allowed many HIV patients to live normal life.

Visit our website for more information if you're interested in learning more about STD testing and the services available. We can provide you with all the information you need to make informed decisions about your health. With DoctorOnCall you can book an appointment for an STD test conveniently. Contact us today!