Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a fact of life for ordinary Americans.
They can impact anyone who has sex, even those who are not high-risk.
you’ve got the option to’t assume you’re not infected just because you don’t have symptoms.
Yuri Arcurs / Getty Images
Many STIs are asymptomatic, so it’s possible to have one and not know it.
This is why regular STI screening is so important.
Not all healthcare providers willencourage their patientsto get an STI test.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you should not opt for regular screening.
This article looks at some of the reasons why it is important to get screened for STIs.
To some people, a virgin is someone who has never had vaginal intercourse.
Just because your partner hasnever had vaginal intercoursedoesn’t mean they can’t have an STI.
Oral herpes is usually resulting from HSV-1, while genital herpes is usually resulting from HSV-2.
Many people with oral herpes are infected during childhood.
Many people with STIs don’t know they’re infected.
This can cause relationship problems when symptoms appear years later.
They may assume that it’s too late to prevent an STI.
Not all STIs, however, are transmitted every time an infected person has sex.
It’snever too lateto get tested or to start having safer sex.
It’s much better, though, to know whether or not you have an STI.
Once you know, you’re able to seek treatment.
STIs do not always cause symptoms, however.
Up to 70% of females with chlamydia, for example, do not have symptoms.
Being symptom-free is not a guarantee you don’t have an STI.
you could still pass an STI on to others even when you don’t have symptoms.
In females, for example, gonorrhea and chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
This disease can leave scars in the fallopian tubes, which can cause infertility orectopicpregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition where a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus.
When caught early, many STIs can be treated before they can cause these kinds of permanent problems.
It’s a good idea to play safe even in low-risk situations.
It’s also important to be able to make informed choices about your sexual health.
It’s impossible to guess whether or not someone has a sexually transmitted infection.
The best way to make an informed decision is through testing.
It’s important to remember that testing is not always100% accurate.
Still, it’s far better than relying on guesswork or assumptions.
Summary
Anyone can get an STI, even someone who has never had vaginal intercourse.
That’s why you and your partner need to be screened for STIs before you begin a sexual relationship.
It is possible to have an STI even if you don’t have symptoms.
Untreated STIs can cause relationship problems down the line and can even lead to infertility.
The only way to know if you have an STI is to be tested.
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