Take Charge of Your Sexual Health: Why Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections is So Important

Your sexual health is an important part of your general health, so it makes sense to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) regularly. Anyone can get infected at any time, and proper testing can help you avoid serious health consequences. But let’s first understand the facts about STIs and STDs.

What is an STI? Is it the same as an STD?

“Sexually transmitted disease” (STD) and “sexually transmitted infection” (STI) have been used interchangeably. However, recent trends have separated the two.

• Medical Terminology: “STD” comes from medical jargon that diagnoses and treats illnesses. “STI” stresses the potential of infection without symptoms. It recognizes the possibility of infection without symptoms.
• Infection vs. Disease: Their emphasis distinguishes them. STIs are sexually transmitted infections caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or other microbes. Not all infections become symptoms or diseases. An STD is a sexually transmitted infection that causes symptoms or clinical illnesses.
• Symptomatic vs. asymptomatic: STDs and STIs vary in symptoms. STD symptoms include genital sores, discharge, itching, pain, and discomfort. On the other hand, STIs may have no symptoms or just mild, non-specific signs, making them difficult to detect without testing.
• Perception and Stigma: Stigma reduction has also contributed to the switch from STD to STI use. STIs include both symptomatic and asymptomatic infections, making them less stigmatizing.

Even if you don’t feel sick, you should get tested regularly because many STIs do not produce symptoms and can cause problems if they aren’t found and treated.

All women under 25 and anyone who is pregnant should get tested at least once a year. Men and women who are sexually active with more than one partner, people who don’t use condoms, people who have oral or anal sex, gay and bisexual men, and people who think or know they had sex with someone who has an STI or STD should also get tested. Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should think about getting tested for HIV just once.

A Doctor’s Opinion

“Immediate screening findings are required when evaluating whether a patient has a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or a real disease such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, syphilis, or HIV. That’s because STIs frequently have no symptoms. Unaware carriers who spread the infection to one or more partners can exist. In addition to giving at-risk people peace of mind and a sense of control over their own health, STI laboratory screenings also help slow the spread of sexually transmitted infections, which can have serious repercussions if not detected and unchecked,” according to Kamila Seilhan, DO, internist and LabFinder medical director.

According to Dr. Seilhan, these “consequences” can include issues with conception and pregnancy, organ damage, different malignancies, blindness, and even dementia.

The Convenience of LabFinder

By providing direct-to-consumer lab testing services, LabFinder gives you the power to take charge of your sexual health. It’s important to overcome the stigma associated with this kind of testing and make sure you are in a judgment-free environment. This safe space avoids the hassle of primary care physician referrals and the stress of appointment wait times. With LabFinder, you can easily and quickly schedule STI or STD testing appointments at diagnostic facilities that accept your insurance.

Confidential and Secure

While you are open to testing, know that your personal health information is fully secure. You can test without fear of judgment or disclosure. Your LabFinder account receives all of your STI test results securely, ensuring your privacy. Additionally, you have the choice to discuss your findings with your healthcare professional, ensuring thorough care coordination and well-informed choices.

Questions after testing? We have MinuteMed.

In addition to STI testing, LabFinder offers MinuteMed, a telehealth service that connects you with board-certified providers for expert guidance. Whether you need a doctor’s order for your diagnostic appointment, want a telehealth virtual visit to discuss your results, or need assistance in understanding your diagnostic exam results, MinuteMed is available to support you every step of the way.

A healthy, knowledgeable, and worry-free sex life is possible.

Regularly testing for sexually transmitted infections is an important part of keeping your sexual health in good shape. With LabFinder’s direct-to-consumer website, you can easily make appointments for STI testing, get your test results in a safe way, and use MinuteMed for expert telehealth support. Take charge of your sexual health today and find out what LabFinder has to offer in terms of convenience, safety, and peace of mind.

Don’t put off taking care of your sexual health any longer. Book an appointment with LabFinder to get a STI or STD test, and you’ll be on your way to being healthy and more sure of yourself.