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What are the kinds of sexual health testing?

Sexually active individuals should consider being tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other reproductive health concerns on a regular basis.

Although there is no one "right" answer to this question, here is an overview of some of the most common types of sexual health testing.

It's important to be proactive about your sexual health and know what options are available to you.

If you have any questions, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider. They can help you decide which tests are right for you.

Sexually transmitted infections

There are four main types of STDs: bacterial, viral, protozoan, and fungal. Each type is caused by a different type of pathogen, and each requires its own treatment. Let's take a closer look at each type.

Bacterial STDs are caused by bacteria such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis. These diseases are treated with antibiotics.

However, some strains of gonorrhoea have become resistant to antibiotics, so it is important to get tested regularly if you are sexually active.

Viral STDs are caused by viruses such as HPV, HIV, and herpes. There is no cure for viral STDs, but there are treatments available that can help to manage the symptoms.

It is important to remember that viral STDs can be deadly, so it is important to get tested if you think you may have been exposed to one.

Protozoan STDs are caused by protozoa such as trichomoniasis. These diseases are treated with antiprotozoal medications. Protozoan STDs are not as well known as other types of STDs, but they can be just as serious.

Fungal STDs are caused by fungi such as Candida albicans. These diseases are treated with antifungal medications.

Fungal infections can be difficult to treat because they often come back after treatment has been stopped.

Therefore, it is important to get tested regularly if you think you may have been exposed to one.

Different Kinds of Sexual Health Testing

When it comes to sexual health, there are a lot of different things to consider. One of the most important things is getting tested regularly.

But, what kind of tests should you be getting? And how often? Here’s a quick guide to the different kinds of sexual health testing.

Blood Tests

One of the most common types of sexual health tests is the blood test by taking a blood sample. Blood tests can be used to screen for a variety of STIs and STD tests, including HIV testing, syphilis, and hepatitis B.

They are also sometimes used to test for other conditions such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Blood tests are generally very accurate, but they can take a few days to get results back.

Welzo offers an All in One STI Test to diagnose diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

Urine Tests

Urine tests are another popular type of STI test. They are often used to test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, and can also be used to screen for some other STIs such as trichomoniasis.

Urine tests are generally less accurate than blood tests, but they are much faster; results are usually available within a few hours.

Swab Tests

Swab tests involve taking a swab from inside the vagina, penis, or rectum and sending it off to a laboratory for testing.

Swab tests can be used to test for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and some other STIs. Swab tests are generally quite accurate, but they can take a few days to get results back

What does a sexual health check-up consist of?

A sexual health check-up is an important part of maintaining good sexual health. The check-up will generally include a physical examination, as well as testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

They may also ask for your sexual history and details about your sexual partners. While it may seem uncomfortable to talk about your sexual partner however the doctors must know these details to evaluate you for any sexually transmitted infection.

The physical examination will usually involve a visual examination of the genitals and a brief internal examination in order to check for any abnormalities.

STI testing will usually involve taking a urine sample, as well as swabs from the genitals and/or rectum. Blood tests may also be carried out to screen for certain STIs.

Once the results of the tests are back, the doctor will discuss them with the patient and provide any necessary treatment.

In some cases, further tests or investigations may be required.

What tests should I do if I'm sexually active?

If you are sexually active, there are a few different tests that you should consider getting in order to ensure your sexual health. First, you should get tested for STDs/STIs.

This is important because many STDs/STIs do not have symptoms, so you may be infected and not even know it.

If left untreated, some STDs/STIs can cause serious health problems, so it's best to get tested and be sure. second, you should consider getting a pap smear.

Pap smears are used to screen for cervical cancer, which is very important since early detection can save your life. third, you may also want to get tested for HIV.

This is a blood test that can tell you if you have been infected with the virus. Getting tested is important because it can help you make informed decisions about your sexual health and prevent the spread of HIV.

Bottomline

There are a lot of different types of sexual health testing out there - blood tests, urine tests, swab tests - so it can be tough to know which one is right for you.

Thankfully, this guide provides a quick overview of the different kinds of testing available so you can make an informed decision about what’s best for you and your sexual health.

Remember, getting tested regularly is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself healthy and safe!

To find out more your sexual health concerns visit the Sexual Health Hub at Welzo.