Let’s get real for a moment. Talking about sexual health isn’t always a walk in the park. It can feel awkward, uncomfortable, and downright embarrassing for many of us. But here’s the thing: prioritizing your sexual health and regularly getting tested is crucial. It helps protect you and can safeguard your partner from sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). Testing helps us catch and prevent these pesky infections, ensuring that any unwanted guests are identified and shown the door early on. Being responsible and proactive with your sexual health by getting tested regularly can protect you and your partners from harm.
The Numbers Don't Lie
Now, let’s dive into some eye-opening statistics that might make you sit up and pay attention:
- 1 in 5 people in the US has an STI. That’s a staggering 68 million infections in 2018 alone.
- 26 million new cases of STI in 2018. And get this, almost half of those cases were among youth aged 15 to 24 years old. Yikes!
- Chlamydia takes the gold (not in a good way) as the most commonly reported STI in the United States. In 2019, there were over 1.8 million reported cases.
- And then there’s gonorrhea, with more than 600,000 reported cases in 2019 affecting young adults aged 15-24.
But that’s not all. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is still a serious public health concern. An estimated 1.2 million people in the US are living with HIV; shockingly, around 13% of them are unaware of their infection. STI statistics only include reported cases, so actual numbers may be higher due to underreporting and undiagnosed cases.
Early Detection and Treatment
Many STIs do not show visible symptoms, making it easy for them to go unnoticed and spread. Sneaky, right? Regular testing helps us detect and treat STIs early, preventing them from causing further harm. For instance, if left untreated, STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women, which can lead to infertility. Getting tested is the only way to know if you have an STI.
Protecting You and your Partners
By prioritizing regular sexual health testing, you take an active role in protecting your own health and the health of your sexual partners. Testing helps identify any unwelcome guests, allowing you to take appropriate precautions, seek treatment if necessary, and reduce the risk of spreading diseases to others.
Peace of Mind
Regular testing banishes anxiety and uncertainty giving you the confidence to navigate intimate relationships without much worry. Knowing your status empowers you to make informed decisions about your sexual activities and to have open conversations with your partners about sexual health.
Overall Well-Being
High fives for self-care! Prioritizing regular sexual health testing is vital to maintaining your overall well-being. It shows that you’re committed to responsible sexual behavior. Regular testing contributes to a healthier lifestyle by promoting awareness, personal accountability, and safer sexual practices. It’s a powerful statement that says, “I’ve got my health in check, and I’m in charge of my health.”
How Often Do I Need to Get Tested?
The wise folks at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that sexually active individuals get tested for STIs at least once a year. But if you have multiple partners, engage in unprotected sex, or have a history of STIs, you may need to up the ante and get tested more frequently. And hey, pregnant women should also hop on the testing train since STIs can pass from mother to baby.
Where Do I Get an STI Test?
Now, you might be wondering where to get an STI test that’s as convenient as ordering your favorite pizza. At Healthyr, we’ve got your back. Our at-home STI test is affordable, private, and accurate. It screens for seven of the most common STIs in one convenient kit:
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- HIV,
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
No more juggling multiple appointments and tests. Our kit gives you a full and accurate picture of your sexual health status in no time. And if your results require further attention, you can book a same-day, low-cost telehealth appointment on our website. We’ve even got HealthyRx, our online pharmacy, that can ship any necessary medication directly to your doorstep. It’s like having a personal health concierge at your service.
So, take a leap and prioritize your sexual health today. Order our STI Test and take control of your own healthy story, one responsible decision at a time!
