When you think of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) what is the first thing that pops into your head? You may think of blisters, itchiness, smelly discharge, or painful peeing, among other things. Ironically, the most common symptom of having an STD is having NO symptoms at all.
That's right! Most people that have an STD don't know it because the physical symptoms are not experienced until way after the first day of infection. Even if you aren't experiencing any physical symptoms, you can still infect another person if you aren't using a condom or practicing safe sex. After someone is exposed to an STD and becomes infected, there is generally a period of time before the infection can be detected by a test. That's the part that makes STDs so scary! So it's recommended that a person who is having sex get tested every 6 months to make sure they are getting the correct and true test results.
It's good to remember that everyone who is having sex without a condom is at risk of getting an STD. You could be faithful to your boyfriend/girlfriend and still get an STD. So don't make the assumption that only people who sleep around get STDs.
Fortunately, you can mix safety with pleasure. If you are having sex, the only way to prevent getting or giving an STD is by using condoms. If you are already sexually active, do yourself a favor and get tested, even if you aren't experiencing any symptoms. Find a clinic today and make an appointment to get tested!