More than 20 million new cases of STIs (sexually transmitted infections) occur every year in the United States. This incredibly high number happens even though STIs are preventable and testing is more convenient and efficient than ever.
Not everyone uses testing to get treatment early when it’s most effective. Testing is valuable because it means awareness, education, and learning to avoid spreading infection.
While most STIs can be treated effectively with antibiotics or other medications, delaying diagnosis can lead to serious complications, including infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease. And when the infection becomes more advanced, it requires more complex treatment regimens.
Delaying treatment increases the risk of transmitting the infection to others.
At Midwest Regional Health Services, we want to help you understand when you should get tested for STIs. Here’s what you should know to protect your health and the health of others.
We recommend regular STI testing for anyone sexually active. This is particularly important for women younger than 25 and men who have sex with men. Pregnant women should also be tested as part of their workup.
Other specific recommendations are based on gender and potential exposures, with the CDC offering screening guidelines for various STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, trichomonas, HIV, HPV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
The testing frequency depends on individual risk factors and lifestyle choices but yearly is usually the minimum recommendation. If you engage in certain behaviors, like sharing intravenous drug paraphernalia or having multiple partners, and you’ve never been tested, we advise immediate testing.
We can assist in determining the appropriate testing frequency during your appointment.
We conduct STI screening conveniently in our office. You can get a comprehensive range of tests, including those for HPV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and trichomoniasis.
Depending on the type of STIs being screened for, the test may involve a blood draw, urinalysis, or swab collection. Once collected, we send your sample to a lab for analysis. Results are typically available within a week or two. Our office will contact you to discuss the results and arrange treatment if necessary.
STI screening is a quick and confidential process that is important if you’re sexually active, pregnant, or at high risk of infection. Making STI screening a routine part of your healthcare can help protect your health and the health of others. Call Midwest Regional Health Services today or use this website to schedule an appointment.
