Without a doubt, sex can be great. It’s a wonderful way to connect with your partner, and is usually an important part of a healthy relationship. Typically, as part of the dating and getting-to-know-you process, there may be conversations about sexual health and history, and thereafter, various sexual encounters may ensue.

Having said this and for many of us, conversations about sex can be uncomfortable to have. Though we know they are necessary, but it can be intrusive to enquire about someone else’s sex life and sexual health, and be open to share ours.

Moreover, and for us women, we experience a variety of secretions on a regular basis, which for the most part, are all part of being female, especially during the reproductive period of our lives. Hence some of the symptoms that could be signs of an STD may seem (somewhat) normal to us in the grand scheme of things.

To that end, it is also important to highlight that STDs, such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia, HPV (human papilloma virus) and herpes, are extremely common, but a significant portion of those infected are asymptomatic, or end up having mild symptoms, which might be overlooked or not recognised as symptoms of an STD. So with all of this in mind, here is a quick guide, based on recommendations issued by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on whether or when you ought to get tested for STDs:

• If you’re sexually active and not in a long-term relationship, you should be tested for STDs on a regular basis.
• Everyone between 13 and 64 years should be tested at least once for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
• If you are having unprotected sex, sharing needles or engaging in sexual behaviour that places you at risk for infection, you should get tested at least once a year for HIV.
• All sexually active women younger than 25 years should be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhoea every year.
• All pregnant women should be tested for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, and for at-risk pregnancies, testing for gonorrhoea and chlamydia should also be done.

In summary, if you are sexually active, regular STD testing, and preferably at least on an annual basis, should be part of your own personal health care regiment.

 

So What About Condoms?

For those under 50, they came of age as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) gained prominence worldwide, and correspondingly, the need to engage is safe sex. The use of condoms and other barrier methods, were highly promoted as they can be effective at both preventing pregnancy means of contraception and protecting against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Having said this, there may come a point in the relationship when other options are considered and bodily fluids are exchanged, which of course, is the right and decision of consenting adults. However, and in doing so, the chances of contracting an STD is considerably higher.

It is also worth mentioning that although condoms can prevent STDs and pregnancy, two things ought to be borne in mind. First, and to a considerable degree, condoms are most effective when they are used properly. Second, condoms can be effective in preventing many STDs, such as  gonorrhoea, chlamydia and HIV, but the exact risk varies based on the disease. For some diseases, such as HPV (human papilloma virus), which is one of the most prevalent STDs, the infection can be transmitted from areas not covered by a male condom, such as the scrotum.

 

Is Testing Necessary In A Monogamous Relationship?

In committed monogamous relationships the matter of trust is an important consideration generally, and with respect to matters of a sexual nature. However, it is still being recommended that even in committed, monogamous and long-term relationships that you and your partner get tested regularly, and at least annually.

As was noted earlier, STDs are prevalent, but most people are asymptomatic. Further, and perhaps more importantly, although symptoms can develop within days or weeks of contracting an infection, for some STDs, like syphilis and genital herpes, they can be latent for months or even years, and your first flare up may occur 10 years after you had contracted it!

In monogamous relationships it is best if both partners are amenable to getting tested, and even see it as an activity they can do together. Hopefully, getting tested is not seen as a way of questioning trust, but more as a prudent healthcare practice for you and your partner individually, and for the relationship. However, If your partner is not amenable, it is still recommended that you get tested at least on an annual basis.

In summary, although there is still a stigma surrounding STDs, many of the infections are curable, whilst others can be managed. We can thus live long, healthy and productive lives – even if we have an STD. However, it Is crucial to be proactive, although it may be embarrassing and overwhelming to get tested, and more so if an infection is detected.  However, as sexual creatures, who may wish to engage in sexual activity, we ought to be prepared to take charge of your sexual health, whilst also being in a position to mindful of the potential consequences to others.

 

 

Image: Los Muertos Crew (Pexels)