Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are rising in Kingwood, Texas. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are more than 20 million new cases of STIs in the U.S. each year. That’s a lot of people who are at risk for serious health complications if left untreated. Here are key reasons you need to visit a Kingwood family practice nurse practitioner for the tests.
- Early Detection of Infection
One of the most important reasons to get screened for STIs is because it can help with the early detection and treatment of an infection. Many STIs, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems down the road.
For example, chlamydia and gonorrhea are two common STIs that can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)in women. PID is a severe infection of the reproductive organs that can lead to infertility, chronic pain, and ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus).
- Peace of Mind
Another critical reason to get screened for STIs is to have peace of mind. Knowing that you’re not infected with an STI can be a huge relief, especially if you’re in a sexually active relationship. It can also help you to make informed decisions about your sexual health.
Getting screened for STIs can also help you be more careful when choosing partners. If you know that you’re not infected, you’re less likely to engage in risky behavior with someone who might be infected.
- Preventing the Spread of Infection
Another important reason to get screened for STIs is to prevent the spread of infection. If you have an STI and don’t know it, you could unknowingly spread the disease to your sexual partners. Getting screened and treated for an STI can help prevent this from happening.
If you want to reduce your risk of getting an STI, consider going for the test regularly. It’s the best way to know whether or not you’re infected. And if you are infected, getting treatment is the best way to prevent the infection from spreading.
- STDs Show No Signs or Symptoms
You might think you don’t need to get screened for STIs because you don’t have any symptoms, but this isn’t always the case. Many STDs show no signs or symptoms, so you could be infected and not even know it. This is why getting screened regularly is so important.
If you’re sexually active, the best way to protect yourself from STIs is to use condoms every time you have sex. But even if you’re using condoms, it’s still a good idea to get screened regularly, just in case.
- Preservation of Future Fertility
If you’re not planning on having children now, you might not think getting screened for STIs is vital. But even if you don’t have immediate plans to start a family, it’s still a good idea to get screened. That’s because some STIs can cause long-term damage to your reproductive system, making it difficult to conceive.
STDs are growing more and more common these days, and family medicine centers are more beneficial. This is through the testing work they do. Through STD screening, you have the opportunity of detecting any infections before they worsen. It also prevents disease to your partner.