Top Reasons Why You Should Consider STD Testing

While condoms and birth control can prevent pregnancy and the spread of many sexually-transmitted illnesses, they don’t protect you from everything. To protect yourself, your partner(s), and your fertility, it’s important to have routine STD tests to ensure you’re in good health. 

At NY Midtown OB/GYN in Manhattan and Westchester, New York, our team of sexual and reproductive health experts is standing by to provide you with respectful, compassionate, and confidential care. We deliver a full range of STD testing services so you can safeguard your health and the health of your loved ones.

Why you should consider STD testing 

Sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), are illnesses typically passed during sexual encounters. Contrary to popular belief, you can catch or pass along an STD outside of penetrative sex through any exchange of bodily fluids, whether that be genital contact or oral or anal sex. 

Even sharing needles, breastfeeding, or giving birth can lead to the transmission of a sexually-transmitted disease. This is why it’s important to receive regular STD testing, especially if you’ve had intimate contact with anyone since your last screening. 

While you can avoid STIs by practicing abstinence, safe sex, and monogamy, there’s no way to know your sexual health for certain without testing. Regardless of your circumstances, here are some top reasons why you should get tested. 

STDs don’t always show symptoms

Many STDs proliferate in the body without showing symptoms and can be transmissible the whole time. We recommend regular STD testing if you’ve had unprotected sex or have multiple partners. 

STDs can be mistaken for other infections

Many STDs have symptoms like other genital infections, such as UTIs or yeast infections. Don’t delay with STD testing if there’s a chance you could have an STD.

STDs can reduce fertility

Some STDs, if not treated promptly, can do a lot of damage to your reproductive system. This can affect your family planning in the future.

STDs can increase your cancer risk

Some STDs, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) can increase your risk for cervical cancer.

Perhaps one of the most important reasons to get tested is to raise awareness and reduce stigma. By taking responsibility for your reproductive health, you’re helping to normalize STD testing and encouraging others to do the same. 

What STD screens check for 

At NY Midtown OB/GYN, can do a complete panel of STD tests, including those for: 

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Herpes
• Hepatitis 
• HIV/AIDs
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis

If you come back positive for any of these, your gynecologist will help explain your results and discuss how to move forward. 

Certain infections clear up with antibiotics, while others require specialized medication to treat or suppress the STD. As long as you follow your treatment guidelines, your condition should remain manageable. 

Sexually-transmitted diseases can be shrouded in misconceptions and shame. Our team understands that these infections are like any other illness, and treat our patients with care and compassion. 

If you’ve recently been exposed to an STD or you’re just overdue for a screening, you can book a confidential visit by calling ahead at 646-292-3030, booking online, or visiting our contact page.