Testing and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be an effective tool in preventing the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. An understanding of the relationship between STDs and HIV infection can help in the development of effective HIV prevention programs for persons with high-risk sexual behaviors.

While some routine medical visits may include a sexual health interview and examination, testing for most STDs requires specific tests and cannot be done without your consent or cooperation. Most tests involve collecting samples from the urethra, cervix, anus or throat with a swab, or testing a urine or blood sample. Many STDs occur without any signs or symptoms. If you are sexually active, see a health care provider regularly and ask to be tested for STDs.

What should I do if I think I have a STD?

If you think you have an STD, you should see your medical care provider. It's important to be tested for all STDs and HIV and take all medications as prescribed. Studies have shown that having one or more STDs increases your risk of getting or giving someone HIV. Testing can be done through a private physician, clinics, your college/university health center, or at your local public health clinic.

Will using a condom during sex prevent me from getting a STD?

The only sure way to prevent STDs is not having sex (abstinence) or by having sex with an uninfected partner who only has sex with you (monogamy). Although some STDs can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with infected areas not covered by condoms, correctly using condoms every time you have sex can substantially decrease your risk of getting HIV or an STD.

It's important to use a new condom with each sex act, and using water-based lubricant like K-Y Jelly (or other brands) can make condom use more pleasurable and decrease the chances of the condom breaking. Avoid oil-based lubricants, like Vaseline (or other brands). They can weaken the condom, increasing the chance of breakage.

There are two types of condoms available. Both types protect against STDs and HIV.

The male condom covers the man's penis to prevent the exchange of body fluids during sexual acts. The male condom is available in latex and polyurethane, for those who are allergic to latex. Avoid natural skin condoms. They do not protect as well against STD/HIV transmission, although they do reduce the chances that a woman will become pregnant.
The second type of condom, the female condom, is a polyurethane pouch that fits inside a women's vagina.

How are STDs treated?

STDs caused by bacteria can be treated and cured with antibiotics. Viral STDs such as HIV, Herpes and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), cannot be cured. They can be treated through the management of symptoms, but the virus will remain in your body and symptoms may reappear in the future. It's important to remember that some STDs can cause life-long problems if they remain untreated. Additionally, if you and your partner are not treated at the same time, STDs may continue to be passed back and forth.

STD testing is very important especially for those who are sexually active much more if you do it with multiple partners. The best thing to do to avoid STD is to abstain from sex, but if that is not possible you must always observe protected safe sex. And if you want to make sure that you and your partner are really safe, you might consider undergoing round of STD testing.

Test for Women:

Women are advised to have Pap smear – this is a simple procedure that collects cells from the woman’s cervix and then tests it for precancerous changes or any presence cancer cells.

This test is recommended for women 21 years and above particularly for those who are sexually active and for those who are between 30 to 69 years of age. Test for Men:

Generally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) do not really suggest routine STD screening if there are no symptoms but if a man is sexually active or has experience any sexual practices with a men, then an annual screening for HIV, Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are recommended.

HIV is a life threatening condition and to avoid this you have to practice safe sex. HIV and STD are quite related as the presence of Chlamydia and gonorrhea can put the man in higher risk of getting HIV so it is important that you submit yourself for STD routine exams.

Test for men and women:

Submit yourself for STD testing if you have any signs of

Genital sores
Ulceration or warts
Fluid filled blisters
Unusual discharge
Abdominal pain with unusual discharge

You may also consider getting HIV testing if you have one or more than partner or if you are man and have intercourse also with man.

Testing for Sexually Transmitted Disease or STD is very important particularly if you’re sex life is very active much more if you engage in multiple partners.

If you engage in multiple partners or have started early in engaging in sex, it is important that you submit yourself for STD testing.

Actually, the best thing to avoid getting STD is to avoid sex but if you cannot do that then it is recommended that you ALWAYS observe safe sex.

If you want to make sure that you are safe and your partner is also safe from sexually transmitted disease, then it would be nice move to consider submitting yourself for some round testing for STD.

STD Testing for Men

In general, CDC or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not really require round testing for STD tests if the man do not feel any symptoms but if the man is sexually active and he has any experiences of engaging intimately with another man, it highly recommended that he undergo a yearly screening for HIV, syphilis, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia.

STD and HIV are quite related because if the man has gonorrhea and Chlamydia, his risk of getting HIV/AIDS is higher so it is very important that he undergo routine exams for STD.

STD Testing for Women

Women are advised to have a yearly pap smear. Pap smear is a medical procedure that collects cells from cervix of woman and then tests the cells for any presence of precancerous cells or any cancer cells.

This test is advised for women who are twenty years of age and above especially for women who engage in sex actively. It is also a required test for thirty to sixty nine years of age.

STD Testing for men and women

You should undergo STD testing if you have a tell tale signs of the following:

Abdominal pain with unusual discharge
Genital sores
Blisters filled with fluid
Warts
Unusual discharge

After the STD testing, it is also recommended that you have HIV test for your protection.

Understanding STD Testing Recommended Resources:

The Ohio State University

Ball State University Education