STD Awareness Month: Why Regular Testing Is Important

Once your hormones start to develop into maturity during puberty, sexual health becomes vital to your outlook on life. Statistics show that globally, 48% of adults report having sex weekly, and American adults engage in sex an average of 54 times annually. 

With sexual activity comes the responsibility of avoiding STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, and since not everyone uses protection, you should know what to expect if you contract one and why getting tested is so important to your health. 

STD Awareness Month is a great time to make sure you’re informed and safe. Chicago, Illinois, residents looking to protect their sexual health through STD testing and other means can get help from our medical team at Michigan Avenue Primary Care.

Let’s examine the most common STDs, how they can affect your long-term health, and how often you need testing.

Common STDs 

STDs are spread through viruses and bacteria transmitted through oral, genital, or anal contact, and they can either be cured or managed, depending on which one you’re dealing with. STDs that many people get infected with include:

• Chlamydia: the most common bacterial condition; causes pain and discharge
• Gonorrhea: a bacterial disease that can lead to burning urination and discolored genital discharge
• Thichonomiasis: a parasitic infection that causes itching, pain, discharge, and a strong odor
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): a viral infection that causes warts and, in some cases, cervical cancer
• Syphilis: a bacterial disease that develops in stages that start with painful sores
• Herpes simplex: a viral STD that presents with cold sores that spread genitally or orally
• HIV: a viral infection that destroys immune cells, making you more prone to other infections

How STDs can affect your long-term health

Many of these diseases don’t start with obvious symptoms, and leaving them untreated for long periods of time can result in serious complications, depending on which one you have. People with chlamydia or gonorrhea, for example, are at risk for pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, chills, fever, and infertility.

Later-stage complications for syphilis can be disastrous, causing hearing loss, heart disease, brain and spinal cord infections, as well as vision and memory loss. 

Late‑stage HIV, also known as AIDS, greatly weakens the immune system, making people vulnerable to serious infections and complications. These can lead to symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, persistent fatigue, rapid weight loss, memory problems, and painful ulcers.

Suggested frequency of STD testing

If you’re sexually active, you should be tested for HIV at least once. How often you need testing for other STIs depends on factors like your age, sexual practices, number of partners, gender, and overall risk.

Sexually active women under 25 should be screened annually for chlamydia and gonorrhea, while women 25 and older are tested based on individual risk factors. During pregnancy, routine screening includes tests for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, with hepatitis C screening recommended at least once.

Sexually active gay and bisexual men should be screened at least annually for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, with more frequent testing recommended for those at higher risk. HIV testing is recommended yearly or every 3-6 months, depending on exposure. 

People who inject drugs should receive HIV testing at least annually. Throat and rectal testing may also be needed for individuals who engage in oral or anal sex, since infections can occur at these sites even without symptoms.

STDs are common but treatable and shouldn’t go untreated for too long, as they can cause complications leading to long-term issues. Schedule an appointment with our team at Michigan Avenue Primary Care today. Call our office or book your visit online to get tested.