Photography by Freepik
Sex is fun, disease isn’t…
It’s not something any of us wants to do, but getting tested for sexually-transmitted infections is essential, both for your wellbeing and your partner’s. Use this checklist and chat to your doc about whether you should be tested for some or all of these 10 sexual health issues to make sure you’re 100 percent in the clear.
1. Syphilis
Left untreated, it can lead to internal damage, nerve damage, dementia or death. How it’s checked: Blood test.
2. HIV
It takes 10 years to develop into full-blown Aids – but can go undetected for many of those years. How it’s checked: Blood test.
READ MORE: Beware! This STI Is Becoming Impossible To Treat
3. Chlamydia
Left untreated, it’s especially dangerous for women; it can damage the Fallopian tubes, which can increase the risk for an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus). How it’s checked: Urine test or lab test of swab sample.
4. Genital Herpes
It can cause potentially fatal infection in babies. How it’s checked: Physical exam, blood test and/or lab test of swab sample.
READ MORE: 8 Vagina Changes That Mean You’ve Just Caught An STD
5. Gonorrhoea
It can spread through the blood to joints, causing arthritis-like symptoms. How it’s checked: Urine test and/or lab test of swab sample.
6. Hepatitis B & C
Chronic hepatitis B and C can lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. How it’s checked: Blood test.
READ MORE: 2 Gynae-Approved Ways To Tell If Your Vagina Is Too Weak Or Two Tight
7. Human Papillomavirus
It can lead to cervical cancer. How it’s checked: Pap test.
8. Trichomoniasis
It can cause babies to be born early or at low birth weight. How it’s checked: physical exam and/or lab test of swab sample.
READ MORE: 8 Random Body Changes That Signal An Underlying Health Problem
9. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
It can permanently damage female reproductive organs or cause an ectopic pregnancy. How it’s checked: Physical exam and/or ultrasound.
10. Bacterial Vaginosis
It can cause PID or increase the risk of pre-term delivery in pregnant women. How it’s checked: Physical exam and/or lab test of vaginal fluid.
Here’s what you need to know about endometriosis and your fertility. Plus: Here’s why women should be allowed to take menstrual leave.
