Sexual health is one aspect of our self-care that tends to slip to the bottom of our priorities – mainly because its problems never show themselves with obvious symptoms. You could be carrying an infection for months without a single noticeable symptom, feeling fine all the time. So, how do you identify and treat these problems on time? By getting screened for STIs as soon as possible.
If you have been meaning to book one of these screenings for a while but have hesitated due to uncertainty about the process, this guide has you covered. Let’s go through everything you need to know about STI screenings, what happens during an appointment, and how to best prepare yourself for the tests.
When and why should women get screened for STIs?
There are several situations in which getting an STI screening can be particularly important for your health and safety. If you’ve started seeing a new partner recently, have had unprotected sex, or have been intimate with someone who recently tested positive, get yourself tested with zero delays.
Similarly, if you’ve noticed any strange symptoms like changes in your vaginal discharge, bleeding outside your period, pelvic discomfort, or pain during sex, it’s best to arrange a test immediately. If you’ve recently become pregnant, any untreated infection can pose a significant risk to both you and your baby – so, this one is non-negotiable.
What makes STI screening so crucial for women is that many infections show no symptoms at all. As mentioned in the beginning, you could be carrying infections like chlamydia or gonorrhoea without feeling a single thing, and when left untreated, these infections can lead to serious complications. Some of these infections can also increase the risk of complications during pregnancy or lead to long-term health problems.
How can you best prepare for an STI screening?
While preparing for an STI screening doesn’t require much from your end, a few small steps can ensure that your results are accurate on the very first try. If you’re having swab tests, avoid sexual intercourse for 24 to 48 hours beforehand, as that can sometimes affect test accuracy and lead to inconclusive results. You should also note any and all the symptoms you’ve been experiencing recently, as this is handy information for your doctor. If you’re on your period, that’s usually fine for most tests, but check with the clinic first when you book. That’s about it. After this, all you need to do is turn up and be honest about your sexual health history, symptoms, and medications.
What happens during an STI screening?
Getting an STI screening for the first time can feel a bit complicated and even scary, but the process is easier than you might think – let’s take you through it step by step. Your first appointment for the screening will begin with you sharing your sexual health history, symptoms, and past medications with the doctor. During this stage, they may ask about your recent partners and your usage of contraception as well.
After this, the actual screening process varies depending on the infections you are being tested for. It can either start with a pelvic examination to check for visible signs of illness or with a swab test, which involves gently collecting a sample from the cervix. You may also be asked to provide a urine sample, as many infections can be easily detected in it. A blood test may also be added to the screening to test for diseases like HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis.
You’ll typically receive your results within a week or two, depending on the number and type of tests performed. A negative result from screening means that there are no infections in your body, while a positive result indicates that an infection has indeed been found in your body. Though rare, you may also receive an inconclusive result, which means you’ll need to repeat the tests once more. This usually stems from a technical issue or an insufficient sample, so you need not worry about this.
As for where to get tests, most women recommend going with a private gynaecologist in London. When you go private, you get the advantage of shorter wait times, an easier time scheduling appointments, and faster results, while maintaining the same level of confidentiality as the NHS. Of course, this is entirely your call, and whether you go private or use the NHS, the process will remain straightforward and respectful of your privacy.
How to treat your STI after a positive result?
If you test positive for an STI, the next few steps are very straightforward, and your treatment plan will depend entirely on the type of infection you have. Most bacterial infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis tend to go away with the help of antibiotics, either as a single dose or a short course. On the other hand, viral infections such as herpes or HIV require antiviral medications instead, which help manage their symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission. Another important step after receiving a positive result is informing your recent sexual partners so they can get tested and treated, too. While this can feel slightly awkward or uncomfortable, please remember that it is an essential step to prevent the potential spread of infection.
Look: It’s completely normal to feel a range of emotions after receiving a positive diagnosis – shock, worry, maybe even embarrassment. But issues like STIs are incredibly common, and having one doesn’t say anything about you as a person. At the end of the day, it’s just a minor health issue that can be easily treated when caught early.
Taking control of your sexual health
In the end, STI screening is nothing more than a routine part of looking after your sexual health. It’s simple, quick, and gives you peace of mind or, if needed, the chance to treat an infection before it causes any real problems. As such, there’s no reason to delay booking an appointment, especially when early detection makes such a difference. So if you haven’t been tested recently or this is your first time, book that appointment right away. This time, don’t undermine your sexual health and take that first step forward with courage.