WHY CONSIDER PRIVATE STI SCREENING NOW?
OVERVIEW:
Now is a good opportunity to be screened for sexually transmitted infections (STI) such as genital warts, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhoea, herpes and HIV.
In this blog, find out:
- the reason now is a key moment for STI testing for everyone,
- when should you personally be tested,
- key facts about common STIs,
- how to get free STI testing through the National Health Service (NHS),
- and four reasons some people consider a private doctor for STI screening.
“LOVE” LOCKDOWN MEANS STI SPREAD IS DOWN
The Covid-19 pandemic has locked down sexual activity to a great extent. That means now is an important window of opportunity to get tested for sexually transmitted infections, according to health professionals quoted in a recent BBC report. In short, the drop in sexual encounters with new partners during the lockdown period means that testing and treatment could lead to very significant reductions in the spread of STIs.
SHOULD I BE TESTED for STI’s?
Many people do not get symptoms from STIs but still can spread the infections and can have adverse effects themselves. For example, most women with chlamydia and 50% of women with gonorrhoea do not notice or do not have symptoms. Untreated, chlamydia can affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant. Men, too, can have gonorrhoea without symptoms.
So, it’s a good time to get tested, even if you feel fine. The following also are reasons to test:
You have a new sexual partner(s).
You or your partners have other sexual partners and it's been more than three to six months since your last test.
You notice any changes in your body.
You had sex with someone who has an STI.
You had sex without a condom or the condom broke.”
(from SmartSex Resource, a service of the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control)
The following are links to more information about some of the most common STIs:
FREE STI/STD TESTING FROM THE NHS
“Everyone can get free tests for any STI, including HIV, from their GP or local sexual health clinic,” according to the NHS. For a map and listing of Northern Ireland’s sexual health clinics (also known as Genitourinary Medicine or GUM clinics), click here.
FOUR REASONS TO CONSIDER PRIVATE STI TESTING
1. Enhanced privacy: All your test results and consultation notes are confidential.
2. No waiting: Same or next day appointments available Monday to Friday.
3. Get examined, not just tested. Vitalis health offers a full sexual health MOT with examination of any rashes, warts or growths you may be worried about. This can also help you decide what tests you really need.
4. Reliability over test kits purchased online. Online test kits can be difficult to perform if a blood sample is required. Urine tests are often chosen instead of a swab test as collecting a urine sample is easier;However, studies show swabs taken from the end of the penis by a doctor or swabs taken from the cervix are more accurate at picking up infection. We therefore recommend having your tests done in a clinic if your symptoms persist despite negative results on a home test kit.
Click here to book online today for an STI Screening check-up or other service with Vitalis Health.
Vitalis Health is a private GP and Wellness clinic conveniently located in Belfast City Centre. Book online or by phone.