By Marissa
Nobody looks forward to the end of summer. It signals the beginning of the school year and the end of fun times spent in the summer sun. But, the end of summer can be a great time to tie up any loose ends before the craziness of the school year gets into full swing. It can ALSO serve as a great time for you to have a check-in with yourself to see if there are any health concerns that you’ve failed to notice during a busy summer. One way to stay healthy and give yourself peace of mind is to get tested for STDs. This may seem nerve-wracking and daunting, but it’s SO important. Take a look at some useful information to know before getting tested:
- First and foremost, it should be noted that the most common symptom of STDs is no symptom at all. You could feel completely healthy, but be unaware that you have an STD. This is why it’s crucial that YOU take the first step and take control of the situation at hand. Though sometimes symptoms of STDs are not obvious, some common symptoms include burning during urination, itching, sores on the genitals, vaginal bleeding, or pain in the testicles. If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment to get tested. You should also get tested if your partner whom you are sexually active with has been diagnosed with an STD or if you've had a new sexual partner. If you are a girl under 25 or a guy who has sex with other guys, you should be tested at least every year to be safe.
- There is nothing to be embarrassed about. Testing is confidential, which means that nobody will know when and where you get tested, or who you are. Many people have been in your situation before, so it's not like all eyes are on you. Instead of being embarrassed, you should be proud of yourself for being a responsible teenager and caring about your health and well-being. By realizing that taking care of yourself matters, you will develop more appreciation for your health and make more informed decisions.
- Many STDs can be cured with proper treatment. If you get tested and find out you have an STD, it is not the end of the world. Common STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis can be cured with antibiotics. To receive these antibiotics, a clinician has to prescribe them to you, which is another reason to get tested – to get proper treatment from a medical professional.
Although some STDs may go away on their own (Hepatitis B and HPV) in some people, that doesn’t mean you should rely on fate to cure your health problems. Take the time at the end of the summer to get tested – you’ll be surprised at how quick and easy it really is. You only have one body, and you should want to treat it with respect. In order to avoid health complications down the line, getting tested is always a good idea.