Shame shouldn’t come with going for an STD test, but with the kind of society we operate in, it often does.
However, this should not prevent you from making sure that you have not contracted any disease that could harm your life in the future.
It’s important to get tested regularly to avoid any “if I’d known” cases, especially when you’re having sex with a new partner or coming out of a sexual relationship.
Hospitals will usually do routine blood and urine tests for all types of STDs, but this is just to help you keep an eye out and make sure you’re tested for them.
1. HIV/AIDS
This is a disease that affects the immune system making it weak and unable to resist any type of bacteria or virus. It is transmitted through contact with blood, semen and saliva.
HIV/AIDS has no cure, but it can be controlled with certain practices and a daily dose of antiretroviral drugs. It’s important to get tested for this regularly, regardless of the “stigma” that comes from the test.
Medical experts recommend that sexually active people with multiple partners get tested every six months.
2. Papanicolaou/HPV test
Both the Pap smear and the human papillomavirus (HPV) test look for indicators of cervical cancer. What is the distinction?
A Pap test looks for abnormal cervical cells in the cervix that, if left untreated, can lead to cervical cancer, while an HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause cell changes. of the cervix.
Both tests can also detect cervical cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most effective.
Cervical cancer is found most often in women ages 35 to 44 and is the leading cause of cancer death among women. This is one of the most crucial medical tests for any woman, particularly in Nigeria.
This is one of the most important medical tests for every woman.
3. Chlamydia
This sexually transmitted infection is contracted through semen and vaginal fluids. Some people do not show symptoms early enough. However, some of the symptoms are painful urination, pelvic pain, blood in the urine, and abdominal pain.
Fortunately, it is treatable by medical professionals, but if left on too long, it can damage the reproductive system. Sexually active women are encouraged to get tested for chlamydia every year.
4. Pelvic exam
A pelvic exam is a visual and physical check of the female reproductive system and sexual organs. During the exam, the doctor inspects the vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes, vulva, ovaries, and uterus.
A doctor may recommend that you have them more often based on your medical history. Unless other health conditions require it sooner, women should have their first pelvic exam at age 21. A young woman’s first pelvic exam is usually when she goes to get birth control.
Women over the age of 21 should have regular pelvic exams.
5. Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that can cause infertility if not treated on time.
It is a very common infection in Nigeria as it is estimated that more than 1.5 million people suffer from it. Its symptoms are very similar to those of chlamydia, which makes it important to get tested and get a correct diagnosis.
It is also treatable and can resolve in days or weeks if caught early.
6. Genital herpes
This is a genital infection that causes pain and red sores in the genital area. It is spread through sexual contact and there is no cure. However, it can be largely managed.
Herpes can also be contracted by kissing someone who has a herpes sore on their lips, as the bacteria would be transferred to the body through oral fluids.
7. Syphilis
This is also a sexually transmitted bacterial infection. Its first symptoms are painless sores on the genitals, rectal area, or mouth. The second stage of symptoms is rashes on the body.
It is treatable by a medical professional when discovered early. If not treated early, it can lead to eye and brain damage, heart failure, and nerve damage.
