Normalising STD screening - Stigma versus Reality
When we discussing about general health and wellness, greater emphasis are placed on much more pertinent topics such as cardiovascular health, nutritional health and cancer prevention. Sexual health and STD screening often take a backseat. As humans, sex is a huge part of our lives. With that, so are the infections that can spread from our sexual encounters. Despite this, the whole conversation around STD are clouded with shame and a stigma that is usually worse than the infection itself. Part of holistic health and wellness commitment to our patient, we would like to dedicate our effort to normalizing sexual health, helping to destigmatise reproductive and sexual health care through proper education, increasing awareness, comprehensive STD testing and treatment in order to help empower our patient to take charge of their health.
Book an appointment today for STD Testing
Anyone who is sexually active, monogamous or not, should receive regular STD testing and screening to ensure that a wide range of STD are diagnosed early and treatments provided. This isn’t just an issue of public health. It’s a vital part of your overall health picture and could have a profound impact on your life if you allow stigma to prevent you from seeking and receiving care.
STD screening and prevention are relevant to patients across all spectrums of age and not just for young population. STD infection can be prevented and treatable if catch earlier. STD infection like Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Syphilis are curable but potentially grow progressively worse and more aggresive the longer it lefts untreated. With advances in medical treatment, HIV patient can now have a normal life expectancy provided they are diagnosed and received treatment early. So, STD screening regularly is not only important for early diagnosis but can potentially save your life.
It is essential to get yourself tested at least once a year, even if you’re in a monogamous relationship. Doing STD screening together with your annual health checkups provides you with a greater picture of your overall health. However, if you have a new sexual partner or new sexual encounter, you and your partner should get tested.
Despite the high prevalence of STD worldwide, there are still lack of understanding about the disease which reinforces the misconceptions surrounding STD. Talk to your doctor today and get a better understanding about STD and how it can affect not just your sexual health but your overall well-being.
Book an appointment today for STD Testing
