As previously mentioned, routine screening for STDs is an important part of keeping yourself safe and healthy once you become sexually active. However, there are many different types of people who will benefit from routine screening in addition to merely those who are sexually active. Screening rather than testing for viral STDs or bacterial STDs will reveal infections in certain groups of people.
First, everyone between the ages of 15 and 65 at risk of an STD should be tested through blood or saliva for HIV. Additionally, anyone born between 1945 and 1965 is at a higher risk specifically for hepatitis C. There are no symptoms associated until it’s advanced, so people within these years need to make sure they are screened regularly. Pregnant women are also at a higher risk for infections of HIV or chlamydia, for example. Testing for viral STDs and bacterial STDs prior to birth will keep them from being passed on to the baby. Women over 21 who are at a higher risk for cervical cancer should be regularly tested for HPV and women under 25 who are sexually active should be regularly screened for chlamydia. If you are infected with HIV, you are also at a higher risk for getting STDs because it impacts your immune system. Frequent screening for STDs will reveal any changes to your health and ideally keep them from progressing. Finally, you should get tested if you have a new partner. Not everyone will be honest about their status, so getting tested regularly will keep any surprises being revealed through testing.
If you are wondering where to get tested for STDs near the Upper East Side, you have a lot of options. In Manhattan, most clinics make it easy to get an appointment and many will accept walk-ins as well. These Upper East Side STD clinics will keep your patient information private and confidential, ensuring your status doesn’t get out unless you want it to. Clinics also make it easy to pay for the tests, most of which your insurance should cover.
When left untreated, easily remedied STDs can progress to more serious health concerns. Regularly screening for STDs even without symptoms present will keep that from happening, keeping you healthy. Regular testing for bacterial STDs and viral STDs, even if you feel completely fine, will make it easier for you to catch something before it gets bad. A doctor will also be able to help you prevent infections going forward.