Have you been tested recently?
Here at Medsana, we are passionate about preventative health and STI testing certainly fits the bill. We encourage regular screening and testing as STIs can be asymptomatic. We certainly encourage those who might have symptoms to come in and have a chat with one of our GPs if you’re unsure about your STI status or any symptoms you might have.
Why is this important?
STIs can remain asymptomatic for a long time, but can have unseen complications such as infertility and can unknowingly spread to others. Thus, STI testing can help to prevent issues for yourself but also for your partner and potentially contribute to better population health.
Who should be tested?
We recommend that everyone who is sexually active get tested regularly as not all STIs present with symptoms and sometimes there can even be a delay in testing producing a positive result. This is why it is important to get tested if you’ve had a new sexual partner or are unsure about your STI status. It’s also important to test if you have had an STI before as treatment for some STIs does not mean you cannot get it again.
How often should you be tested?
Some people may need testing as often as every 3 months. This depends on your situation and may be affected by certain medications you may be on or if you have additional risk factors. Depending on your history, you may also need different kinds of tests.
What do you test for?
The standard asymptomatic screening tests for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, Hepatitis B and syphilis. This can be a combination of urine testing, swabs or blood testing. Sometimes, knowing this can help you to prepare for testing. Furthermore, tests do not all need to be collected on the same day and self collection of some tests can make this more convenient.
Why do some people choose not to test?
We respect everyone’s right to choose their healthcare, but we find that not everyone is aware of STI testing. If it’s appropriate, we may even bring this up with you in a consult for other matters. So don’t be anxious that we are bringing this up and you can always decline to discuss this if you’d rather discuss this with your regular GP or to discuss another day. Ultimately, the consult room is a safe space to discuss your concerns without judgment. If you’re nervous about visiting your GP, remember that healthcare providers are trained to handle these discussions sensitively and professionally.
Take the Next Step
Don’t wait until symptoms appear—take charge of your sexual health by scheduling an STI screening today. It’s a quick and often painless process that can lead to peace of mind and better health for you and your partners. Your health matters, so book that appointment today! The collection of blood and samples may be done onsite Monday to Friday 8-11am.
