One of the most widespread infections around the world are sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Millions of people are infected every year across the globe. A large number of the infected are unaware of their infection. This is because most STIs are asymptomatic. This is where the problem lies. You think you are fine when you are not. You continue to have sexual contact with people and spread the infection. This is how HIV became a global epidemic in 1981. Today, HIV is manageable through antiretroviral therapy, but during the 1980’s, there wasn’t any treatment. The situation was similar to Coronavirus pandemic. Doctors were trying to understand the virus. They were largely unaware of how the virus behaves and replicates. It led to an uncontrolled situation. Come 2020 and doctors know HIV well enough to manage it. There is not yet a cure. Nor a vaccine. However, there are treatments, both pre exposure and post exposure, that let people stay away from the deadly sexually transmitted disease, AIDS. Testing and testing When it comes to curbing the spread of STIs, doctors have only this to say: test yourselves. An increase in the number of testing among the population is needed. Sounds similar to what doctors suggest for Coronavirus, right? According to doctors, most STDs are also caused by viruses. These are notorious microbes, known to mutate fast and replicate in the body of the host faster. So, when handling viruses successfully, you need to detect it as soon as it enters the body. And for this, testing is required. The height of deadliness Many viruses are known for their power to destroy body organs mercilessly. But this is not all. Many of these invisible “monsters” stay dormant in the body for years. The infected person doesn’t know he/she is carrying the virus. It is dormant, so no symptoms. For example, HIV can stay dormant in your body for 10-15 years! Unless you undergo a test, how would you know you are infected? Doctor’s advice Please do not wait for symptoms to arrive. Please do not think you are healthy, if you have no symptoms. You know your sexual life better than anybody else. So, if you have had unprotected sex with somebody who is not tested either, you must walk in an urgent care clinic and request a test. The benefit of visiting an urgent care clinic is that you need not reveal your identity. The clinic conducts anonymous testing because they understand the social stigma attached to a sexually transmitted disease. The tests are affordable. Testing and treatment are available on the same day. It takes just 10 minutes of your time to ensure you are free from sexually transmitted infections. Is this too much to ask for? When you know you are sexually healthy, you can enjoy your sexual life better. You also feel good, knowing that you did a responsible thing to protect your and your partner’s health. Just like we need to be responsible enough to isolate ourselves when experiencing Coronavirus symptoms, we must undergo a test after having unprotected sex. Both steps carry the same aim – to prevent the spread of infection.
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