Sexual Health Awareness: Things to Know About STDs and STIs

Posted by Carollyne Dewi on May 12th, 2021

Taking care of your sexual health is important, no matter what your age may be. By learning about the facts, causes, and symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), we can better protect ourselves and practice safe sex.

Individuals who are sexually active and are taking steps towards protection and prevention may already know all that they need to know about STDs and STIs, but there are still a few facts that they may not be aware of.

With that said, here are 3 surprising facts that you should know about STDs and STIs.

1. STI rates are on the rise

Around the world, STI rates are on the rise. For instance, in the United States, gonorrhoea and chlamydia, two of the most common STIs in the country, rose from 2014 to 2018. Gonorrhoea rates increased by 63%, while chlamydia rates rose by 19%, according to a national report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In Singapore, the Department of STI Control (DSC) revealed in January 2018 that chlamydia had the highest STI rates with 2,719 cases in 2018, followed by gonorrhoea and syphilis as the second and third most common STDs respectively. STD rates were also increasing for the age group of 10-19-year-olds in 2018.

This rising rate could be due to several factors. With medical advances in HIV prevention, individuals could be skipping the use of condoms as they feel safer relying on the effectiveness of these medications.

2. Testing recommendations can vary for individuals

While annual STD screening is often recommended for individuals, specific screening recommendations are different for every individual. These recommendations depend on the individual’s risk factors and their particular sexual behaviours. For instance, women who have sex with other women may have an overall lower STI risk, but they could face other issues of HPV risk.

It is essential to go through regular screening, but the amount and frequency may differ between individuals. If you are in a relationship and is sexually active with your partner, you should look to get tested once a year at least. If you have multiple partners, you should get tested much more frequently.

3. STD screenings do not test for everything

If you have decided to go to an STD clinic in Singapore for a screening, it is important to note that there is no single STD test that can test for all STDs. This is because different screenings have different procedures. For instance, gonorrhoea and chlamydia are screened through a genital swab or a urine sample, while a blood test is used to detect syphilis or HIV.

You should consult your doctor before an STD screening so that they can screen you for any STIs that you are at risk for. They will ask you for your sexual history, such as when was the last time you had sex, who it was with, and how you did it. If you are looking to test for a specific STI, or are concerned about a particular infection/symptom, then you should bring it up to your doctor.

Conclusion

It is important to ensure that you practise safe sex at all times so that you can minimise you and your partner’s risk of contracting an STD. If you wish to see a doctor regarding a specific STD test, contact 6802 7208. We provide essential healthcare services such as HIV testing, STD screenings, and wart treatment so you can have peace of mind regarding your health.