The Importance of Regular Sexual Health Checkup
- By Shweta
With sexual relationships becoming more prevalent in India, the rising risk of STIs is a matter of concern. You will be shocked to know that it is estimated that a total of 30 million people may be affected in India.
What is the solution? Awareness. So, let’s make you aware about the importance of sexual health checkups without further delay.
What is a Sexual Health Check-Up?
A sexual health check-up involves a series of tests and screenings to assess one's sexual well-being and detect any potential infections or health issues.
For women, this often includes a pap smear to check for cervical cancer, as well as tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. Men undergo STI screenings for infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Both genders might also be tested for herpes and HPV.
These tests help identify infections early, allowing for timely treatment. Furthermore, a sexual health check-up provides an opportunity to discuss sexual practices, contraceptives, and overall sexual health concerns with healthcare professionals.
Importance of Regular Sexual Health Check-ups
Regular sexual health check-ups are really essential and here are a few reasons why sexual health check-up is important:
Early Detection of Infections
Regular STD checkups help detect sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing severe complications like pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and chronic infections.
Prevent Spread of Infections
Timely identification and treatment of STIs reduce transmission rates, safeguarding sexual partners and preventing long-term health issues, while also contributing to broader public health efforts.
Maintain Sexual Relationships
Regular checkups ensure partners' well-being, fostering open communication and trust in relationships, which in turn nurtures emotional connections and supports healthy sexual experiences.
Address Fertility Concerns
Detecting and treating infections like chlamydia early prevents damage to reproductive organs, reducing the risk of infertility in both men and women, and promoting family planning choices.
Mental Health
Untreated STIs can lead to anxiety, depression, and stigma. Regular checkups alleviate mental health concerns associated with undiagnosed infections, promoting a positive self-image and emotional well-being.
Prevent HPV-related Cancers
Regular screenings for HPV in women can detect strains linked to cervical and other genital cancers, enabling early intervention and potentially preventing life-threatening diseases.
Who needs to get tested for STIs?
Here is the list of all the individuals who need to get regular health checkups:
- Regular STI testing for sexually active individuals, regardless of relationship or gender.
- Multiple partners increase STI risk, necessitating regular testing.
- Seek testing for symptoms like discharge, pain, or itching.
- Partners of STI-diagnosed individuals should also test.
- Pregnancy warrants routine STI testing for mother and fetus safety.
- Previous STI history increases reinfection risk, needing frequent screening.
- Inconsistent barrier method use, like condoms, heightens risk, prompting frequent testing.
- High-risk groups (MSM, drug users) require regular testing due to vulnerability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these answers to some more doubts:
How much does it cost to get sexually checked?
Sexual health checkup usually cost somewhere between 2000₹ to 1000₹ in India. However, it might vary depending on the testing lab and the type of infection you are getting tested for.
Should I get tested after every partner?
If you are sexually active and are frequently intimate with new partners it is advisable to get regularly tested for STIs. Please don’t put your health at stake.
How to get tested for STI?
You can conveniently book a STI test online through Newmi Care. Testing for STIs is a straightforward process that ensures your sexual health.
How often should I check my sexual health?
You must get yourself checked at least once a year for infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis. However, if you are sexually active and frequently have new partners, getting tested every 3-6 months is advised.
Summing Up
Now that you know the importance of getting sexually tested for infections, be a responsible individual in future. But make sure to consult a gynecologist before running straight for the test.
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