STDs: Regular Testing & Condom Use – Why You Need to Adjust Frequency

With the advancement of social concepts, many people are open to intimate relationships, but the health risks involved are often ignored. Dr. Zhang Yingjie of the Department of Urology pointed out that many sexually transmitted diseases have almost no symptoms such as pain, itching, redness, and swelling in the early stage, which can easily make people mistakenly think that they are “nothing.” In fact, the virus may have already been lurking in the body. If you wait until symptoms become apparent before seeking medical attention, you may have missed the best opportunity for treatment. Regular examinations can help with early detection and treatment. When should you get tested for STDs? Do regular sex partners also need to have sex regularly? Dr. Zhang also explained everything one by one.

STDs are common3Myth Asymptomatic infection is the most dangerous

Some people think that “it must be safe if it has been inspected”, but there are also misconceptions in this. Dr. Zhang Yingjie pointed out that in fact, STD screening can only reflect the status “at the moment of examination”. In the case of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)For example, the virus window period can be up to3Months, just because today’s screening test is normal, it doesn’t mean that yesterday’s behavior was risk-free.

So is wearing a condom foolproof? Dr. Zhang explained that such as human papillomavirus(HPV)or herpes and other viruses that may be transmitted through skin contact. Even if condoms are used throughout the process, there is still a possibility of infection. Condoms are notHPVThe protective effect is about 60% to 70%. In addition, gonorrhea, syphilis,HPVIt may be transmitted through oral sex. When many people experience throat discomfort, they mistakenly think it is just a cold, but in fact it may be an outbreak of gonorrhea.

Some STD symptoms are not obvious and the lesions are difficult to detect Delay in seeking medical treatment may increase cancer risk

Dr. Zhang Yingjie reminds that some STDs may have almost no symptoms in the early stages of infection. About 70% of women and 50% of men have no symptoms after being infected with chlamydia.HPVPeople who are infected may not know it, and early syphilis lesions may appear in places that are difficult to detect. And like chlamydia, gonorrhea,HPVetc., may be related to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, or even an increased risk of cancer. Waiting until an abnormality is discovered to seek medical treatment may be too late.

Medical exposure4STD screening frequency among ethnic groups Regular sex partners are non-zero risks

Dr. Zhang Yingjie said that the frequency of inspections can be adjusted according to personal conditions:

1. Regular partners: If the partner is stable, both parties have been screened, and the sex life is safe, they belong to a relatively low-risk group. However, stability does not mean immunity. It is recommended to check once a year as part of the health check-up.

2. People with multiple sexual partners: If you have multiple sexual partners, or you have a new partner recently, you are not aware of the partner’s status, and you have had sex without a condom, it is recommended that you3to6Screening once a month. Dr. Zhang emphasized that there is no need to panic about this, but it is important to understand that it is difficult to predict when an infection will occur. Regular examinations can detect and treat early, and also help reduce the medical burden.

3. People with a history of infection or weak immunity: People who have suffered from sexually transmitted diseases, or are chronically ill, or taking immunosuppressive drugs have a higher risk of infection and recurrence. It is usually recommended to3Track once a month to detect abnormalities immediately.

4. Pregnant or preparing for pregnancy: syphilis,HIVIf these diseases are not properly treated, they may affect the health of both the mother and the fetus. Testing is recommended during early pregnancy and before delivery.

Finally, Dr. Zhang Yingjie said that contracting an STD or going for a screening should not be seen as something to be ashamed of. The key point is not to fail to protect yourself despite knowing the risks. If you have any questions about STDs, it is recommended to seek professional advice from a medical institution.

【This article was awarded “Health Medical Network“Reprinted with permission. 】