Do you know that one out of five people will contract an STI in his lifetime? However, the most unfortunate part is that most of them do not even remain aware of the germ they are carrying within themselves, until some severe thing happens. Thus, if you are sexually active, (especially when you have multiple partners or you have been informed about a previous partner who suffers from an STI), frequent testing must be considered.
Knowing about sexually transmitted diseases
Sexually transmitted infections or STDs happen due to highly contagious microbes that pass from one individual to other through sexual contact. These are also known as venereal diseases, and mostly happen due to bacteria and viruses. With early intervention, these infections can be easily managed and cured. However, some exceptions may be there, that requires constant monitoring and management. For example, HIV, herpes, etc.
When you need to test for STDs?
When you are sexually active and involve multiple partners, you must obtain routine STD tests. Also, those who have a past history of sexually transmitted infections must get themselves tested frequently. In London, there are many private clinics that carry out your diagnosis in a confidential manner. Even after you get a positive result, they will comprehensively help you obtain the necessary treatment.
5 reasons why you should consider STI testing in London
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Prevents future complications
Identifying an STI in its primary stages is beneficial for obtaining effective treatment and preventing critical outcomes. Also, early detection aids individuals lead longer and healthier lives.
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Detects the ‘silent’ STDs
Most STIs remain asymptomatic for extended periods until they have attained some severity. In these cases, although a person may appear fully fit and fine, the germ is still growing inside him actively. Undoubtedly, such carriers present a high risk of transmitting the infection to healthy individuals. With routine STI tests, it is possible to detect these hidden infections and curb them before they step up to something severe.
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Prevents disease transmission
Getting regular tests is a form of respecting and showing responsible care towards sexual partners. It helps you know about your STI status and make well-informed decisions regarding intimacy. Prevention of germ spread is not only limited to safeguarding the life of your partners, but it also helps maintain the health of the future society.
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Improved fertility and reproductive well-being
Undiagnosed STIs are the biggest culprits for causing reproductive ailments in individuals. It can cause irreparable damage to the reproductive system in both males and females, in forms of epididymitis and PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) respectively. In worst cases, it can potentially contribute to infertility, too. However, with routine STI tests, these situations can be averted to a great extent.
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Reduces the taboo revolving around sexual health
With STI testing becoming a part of routine self-care, the conversational taboo that goes around sexual health reduces. Just as people visit doctors for regular physical check-ups, normalising STI tests helps maintain a healthier and more forward and open culture.
Role of private sexual health clinics in providing STI diagnosis
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Quicker appointments and minimal wait times
It is the best advantage of visiting a private STI clinic. Although free services can be obtained through the NHS, there is a lot of hassle during confirming appointments. This often results in unnecessary treatment delays and worsening of symptoms. Contrarily, private clinics offer the facility of same-day and walk-in appointments, reducing the risks associated with germ transmission. This also eases patients’s mental anxiety by ensuring early treatment.
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Confidential approach
Most people feel uncomfortable and embarrassed while discussing about their sexual health issues to the public NHS professionals. This can be resolved by visiting a private STI clinic as there the staffs handle sensitive information with utmost care, discretion and privacy. Some private STI clinics even offer anonymous testing services – an approach that allows you obtain tests without disclosing your name.
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Wide range of diagnostic services and tests
Private STI clinics offer a full suite of comprehensive diagnostic medical tests and services for sexual health. Such tests include identification of STIs, such as, HIV, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhoea as well as other less common infections like:
- Mycoplasma genitalium
- Trichomoniasis
- Ureaplasma
- Herpes (Type 1 and 2)
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
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Flexibility and convenience
STI identification needs to be done on time, which, otherwise can lead to potential health troubles. With ever-busy lifestyles, most people now have to adjust themselves into odd working hours, and frequent travelling, causing unnecessary delays in diagnosis and treatment. By opting for an appointment in a private STI clinic, you receive prompt care with faster result delivery.
While the NHS clinics take around several days and weeks to deliver results, private clinics offer quicker turnaround times, preferably within 24 to 72 hours. Sometimes, they can even offer same-day delivery for certain tests. This faster approach to information processing means reduced anxiety and quicker diagnosis. It also reduces the likelihood of unintentional transmission of the infection to healthy partners.
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Longer and personalised consultations
Despite the qualifications of NHS doctors and nurses, they mostly operate under intense pressure because of the large number of patients. This leads to hurried consultations and fewer chances to explore health issues thoroughly. Conversely, private clinics typically provide extended consultation durations. This allows you obtain the following benefits:
- An extensive and detailed examination of the medical history
- In-depth conversations regarding STI symptoms, sexual issues, and lifestyle habits
- Customised guidance and therapy strategies
- Enhanced doctor-patient relationship and continuity of care over the time
Conclusion
STI testing should be an essential aspect of healthcare for everyone who is sexually active. Consistent testing not only safeguards your health, but it also demonstrates your responsibility and concern for your partners, thereby helping to avoid the transmission of infections. By normalising STI testing, you break the deeply attached stigma to sexual health and prioritise it effectively. Schedule an appointment at one of your nearby sexual health clinics today to foster a healthier, safer, and more educated community for tomorrow!
