Five Reasons to Take a Multi-STI Test 

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Five Reasons to Take a Multi-STI Test 

When it comes to sexual health these days, testing is paramount. Prevention is number one, but testing comes shortly after. Whether you are having symptoms or not, getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is nearly always a good idea. The reasons range from the obvious to the specific, but if you have engaged in unprotected sex with someone who isn’t a long-term partner, it’s a good move to take an STI test. Here are five reasons why you should. 

Stop the Spread 

Since a lot of STIs can be asymptomatic, getting tested will illuminate whether or not you have been transmitted one, even if you haven’t been experiencing symptoms. This is how many STIs spread. People don’t realize they have one and have unprotected sex with someone else, transmitting the infection. It doesn’t matter whether it’s HPV, chlamydia, or HIV, getting tested is always the first step beyond prevention to stop the spread of STIs and mitigate their damage to the public. 

You Can Get Tested for Multiple STIs 

One great reason to get tested for STIs is that you can get screened for multiple infections at once. An Aptima Multitest swab provides a flexible way to be tested for a wide variety of STIs. With a throat, vaginal, rectal, or penile swab, you can detect up to seven different infections in various stages of the disease. These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, bacterial vaginosis, mycoplasma genitalium, candida species, and more. With a multi-test swab, you can find out what you’re dealing with and how to move forward. 

Slow the Progression 

Another very important reason to get tested for STIs is to stop the progression. Depending on which STI it is, the longer you wait to get treatment, the more complications arise. Many STIs are now easily treatable, but since they can be asymptomatic people fail to get the treatment they need for it. This can lead to all kinds of health problems in the future. HPV can even lead to cervical cancer. Even if you will be able to treat the STI easily, it’s very important to know that you have contracted the infection as soon as possible. Knowing earlier may prevent all kinds of ancillary health and sexual issues. 

STIs Can Affect Fertility 

STIs can also have a negative impact on fertility. If you are trying to have a baby and can’t conceive, you should get an STI test to determine if you have an asymptomatic infection that you didn’t know about beforehand. While it depends on the infection, STIs can lead to permanent infertility if left untreated. That’s, of course, why you should get tested—so you know what you are dealing with in the first place. Screening for STIs not only gives you the information that you have this infection, but it will also provide a way for you to get the proper treatment and avoid long-term complications in the future. 

Avoid Long-Term Health Problems 

Cervical cancer from HPV and infertility aren’t the only long-term health problems that can arise after contracting an STI. Untreated STIs can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, tubal or ectopic pregnancies, as well as perinatal and congenital infections in infants born to mothers who have an STI. Of course, there are more. AIDS leads to all kinds of immune-deficient health problems and can even result in death. Just because nearly all STIs can be effectively treated doesn’t mean that they won’t harm you if left undetected and untreated. That’s why testing is pivotal. 

Even if you don’t think you have an STI, if you’ve had unprotected sex with a partner that isn’t long-term, you should be thinking about getting tested. After all, there are no downsides. Knowing that you have contracted an STI earlier is always a benefit. You will be able to stop the spread, get treatment, and put an end to the infection’s progression. Don’t allow fear to get in the way. Believe it or not, it is always better to know what you are heading towards so that you can prepare for it. Treatment isn’t possible without testing, especially when so many STIs are asymptomatic. So, if you’ve been having unprotected sex, it’s a good time to take a multi-test for STIs.