If you’re sexually active, then yes, it is necessary to get regularly tested for STDs. We know it doesn’t sound or feel very glamorous to be regularly tested, but it’s important for your and your future partner’s sexual and overall health.

Our AFC Urgent Care Memphis team further highlights why STD testing is important below.

What Is an STD?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections or STIs, are very common. In fact, they’re too common, as millions of new and preventable infections occur every year in the United States.

STDs are passed from one person to another through sexual activity, including vaginal, oral and anal sex. Many STDs don’t even cause symptoms, which makes it even more important to get regular STD tests if you are sexually active. We’ve listed some of the most common STDs below.

Common STDs

• Chlamydia
• Herpes
• Gonorrhea
• Hepatitis B
• Syphilis
• HIV/AIDS
• Trichomoniasis

What Complications Do STDs Cause?

Like we said earlier, some STDs don’t cause symptoms; however, this doesn’t mean that they are harmless.

When left untreated, most STDs can lead to serious conditions. They can cause infertility, urinary tract problems, and cancers of the vulva, cervix, vagina, penis and anus. Some STDs, including syphilis and AIDS, can cause death. Below, we’ve listed some effective ways to limit your risk of getting an STD so you can stay healthier for longer.

Ways to Lower STD Risk

• Practice abstinence. The surest way to avoid getting STDs is to not have sex.
• Use condoms. Condoms lessen the risk of infection for all STDs, but you can still get certain STDs, like herpes or HPV, from contact with your partner’s skin even when using one.
• Have fewer partners. First, make sure you know that neither of you has an STD, then have sex with one person who is only having sex with you. This will dramatically lower your STD risk.

If you are sexually active with more than one person, it’s important to get STD-tested at least every three to six months. Visit our AFC Urgent Care Memphis for same-day testing and same-day results, no appointment necessary.