How to Get a Sexual Health Check?
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.
Why is sexual health check important?
Undergoing a sexual health check-up is essential when:
- You are sexually active and haven’t had your sexual health check done in the past 6 months or ever!
- You have developed symptoms that could be due to a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- You are starting a new sexual relationship
- You have had unprotected sex recently, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex
- You noticed a tear in the condom after sex or the condom fell off or broke during sex
- You or your partner have multiple sexual partners
- You have recently shared needles or any other injecting equipment
Spotting the symptoms of STIs
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:
- Unusual discharge from the vagina, penis, or anus
- Itching or irritation in the genitals
- Pain during sex
- Sores, ulcers, warts, blisters, and rashes in the genital parts
- Pain during urination
- Lumps or bumps on the genitals
- Pain in the testicles or scrotum
- Recurrent fever
Where can you get checked?
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.
What to expect during sexual health checks?
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 number of sexual partners you have had
- The types of sexual activities you engage in
- With whom you have sex; whether men, women, or both
- Whether you have any symptoms that indicate a sexual health problem
The physician will also perform a physical examination. It may include:
- Examination of your genital area
- Taking swabs of discharge or fluid on a cotton bud to be examined under a microscope
- A pap smear for women to test for the signs of cervical cancer
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.
Which tests are included in the sexual health check?
Blood tests
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.
Swab test
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.
Urine test
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.
How can Stigma Health help?
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.