The sexual health check is not always included in our routine health check-ups. Most often, we focus on assessing our blood parameters like hemoglobin, and other tests to check our lipid levels, kidney, and liver functions.
However, it is essential to get a sexual health check as well, especially if you are sexually active. It can help you keep an eye on your sexual wellness.
Read on to learn more about how to get sexual health checks, why it is important, and what’s involved in the tests.
Undergoing a sexual health check-up is essential when:
Most people, including young men and women, are not aware of the common symptoms of STIs. These symptoms are often ignored or are considered to be related to the urinary system.
For this reason, there is a need to be aware of the common signs of STIs so that you can seek early medical intervention and get yourself checked before any complications occur.
Here are some of the common symptoms of STIs:
There are several hospitals and sexual health clinics where tests for STDs are performed. You can also visit your doctors and request a sexual health assessment so that they can refer local clinics.
Students can visit student health clinics that are specifically set up to help young adults to get themselves checked for sexually transmitted infections.
Family planning clinics are also a great place to get yourself and your partner checked.
During a sexual health check, the physician will ask you about your sex life, and specific questions related to your physical and mental health.
Sexual health checks usually involve blood and urine tests for STIs. It may also include tests to detect sexual dysfunctions in men and women, and cervical cancer in women.
The doctor will usually ask questions related to:
The physician will also perform a physical examination. It may include:
After the physical examination, the physician will recommend a few tests to assess your sexual health. Let us learn more about the tests commonly included in sexual health checks.
The doctor or nurse will draw a small sample of blood from your arm. The blood would be sent to a laboratory to test for STIs like HIV, Hepatitis C, chlamydia, herpes, syphilis, and gonorrhea.
If you have any ulcers, discharge, or sores on the genitals, the doctor will press a cotton swab gently against the part. The swab will be sent to a laboratory to test for STIs.
You will be asked to provide a sample of urine in a small container. The sample will be sent to a laboratory to test for urinary infections and STIs.
Most men and women hesitate to visit a doctor for a sexual health check-up. They do not realise how essential it is to get themselves checked for STIs and sexual dysfunctions.
There can often be embarrassment and shame associated with getting a health check, Stigma Health can provide STI and STD in a simple and cost effective way. By ordering a referral online there is no appointment required a your local Doctors office, once you receive your referral head down to your local test centre and compete the testing and results will be sent directly to your phone in 2-3 days. For judgement free testing, order your referral today, https://www.stigmahealth.com/get-tested-now/. If you think you may have contracted an STI it is extremely important that you do not engage in further sexual activity, until you have been tested and know that you are safe.
We are an online healthcare service that aims to make your life more convenient by eliminating the barriers like embarrassment and inconvenience, which often prevent people from undergoing simple medical tests. We started with STIs because they are a serious problem in Australia and are for the most part easily tested for and treated, but we will be expanding our service offering soon so stay tuned!