Regular STI Testing: A Vital Component of Sexual Health Management

Embrace Regular STI Testing as a Pillar of Your Sexual Health!

When engaging in sexual activities, it is essential to consider getting tested.

Did you know that most individuals with sexually transmitted infections STIs are unaware they carry them? This occurs because the majority of common STIs do not exhibit obvious symptoms. The surest way to ascertn whether you have an STI is through regular testing. Thankfully, more options for testing than ever before exist. You can request your healthcare provider to perform tests during routine check-ups. If you feel uncomfortable discussing this topic with your primary care provider, many clinics offer confidential and cost-effective or free testing services. Additionally, there are at-home test kits that you can purchase online.

The type of test deps on the specific STI, symptoms present such as sores, discharge, or pn, personal medical history, sexual practices, among others. Based on your disclosed information and the healthcare provider's assessment, one or more sample types might be collected to test for STIs:

• A blood sample via a blood draw or finger prick

• A urine sample

• Oral swabs from inside the mouth

• Genital swabs, including urethral, cervical, or anal areas self-collection is often avlable

• Discharge, sores, or other skin lesions swabs

For women:

• Cervical smears for HPV, which may also detect certn STIs

• Pap smear tests

For men who have sex with men:

• Anal swabs and urine samples are essential testing options.

To protect yourself agnst sexual infections:

• If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, ensure comprehensive protection through regular testing. This ensures that your future offspring are not at risk of STIs.

• For gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men MSM, that protecting oneself is also vital for the health of one's community.

• Youth and young adults should be proactive in their sexual health to prevent the spread of STIs among peers. Regular testing ensures personal well-being as well as contributes to preventing outbreaks.

  The information above does not constitute medical advice, but rather offers insights based on current guidelines for STI prevention and testing.

To learn more about these topics or explore additional resources:

• Visit the California Governor's website at www.governor.ca.govhttp:www.governor.ca.gov

• For inquiries regarding public information, contact: 916 558-1784

For employment opportunities and career inquiries, visit our dedicated JobsCareers page.

To understand privacy practices, please review our Privacy Policy.

Accessibility guidelines for our website have been implemented to ensure inclusivity; for detls on this certification, refer to the Web Accessibility Certification link.

Navigate through our Sitemap for an overview of all web pages and services.

Your feedback is highly valued, so kindly share your thoughts or suggestions with us:

• Download a PDF viewer if needed.

Explore these useful links for more information:

• State Agency Directory

• Centers for Disease Control and Preventionhttps:www.cdc.gov

• Our official YouTube channel:

• Facebook page: California Department of Public Healthhttps:www.facebook.comCADPH

• Instagram handle: @CADPHgovt

• LinkedIn profile: California Department of Public Healthhttps:www.linkedin.comcompanycalifornia-department-of-public-health

Stay informed and stay healthy with the California Department of Public Health!
This article is reproduced from: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/STI/STI-Testing-Treatment.aspx

Please indicate when reprinting from: https://www.lp61.com/STD_hospital/Regular_STI_Testing_Pillar_Sexual_Health.html