Why have STD tests?
What should be understood is that many STD’s can not show any symptoms for long periods of time and sadly there are numbers of people who have no idea that they have an infection. If left undetected STD’s can cause serious additional medical risks in both males and females and this is why you should visit one of the STD testing clinics in London or other major cities.
If left untreated STD’s such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea can cause infertility in both men and women. Women can suffer the risk of a miscarriage and possible premature birth if pregnant and infected. The risk of cancer certainly increases in both men and women, men that have had a history of Gonorrhoea are at increases risk of developing prostate cancer too. You will be advised if you are diagnosed with an STD to have a full screening as there is a stronger chance of other STD’s. If a woman is pregnant, STD’s should not be underestimated as they can be passed on to the child with the possibility of adverse health conditions such as severe neurological damage, blindness and even death.
Why is STD testing important?
Sexually transmitted diseases can be life threatening if not detected and treated, which it is why you both men and women should undertake regular STD testing at one of the many centres that can be found in London and throughout other major centers in the UK. You should visit a testing centre if you see any signs of genital sores, including fluid filled blisters, ulcerations or warts, or if you have an unusual discharge from your penis or vagina. If you’re a woman, abdominal pain or fever along with unusual discharge may indicate pelvic inflammatory disease, which is a condition that can result in infertility.
Men and women indulging in unprotected sex with multiple partners are the most at risk, but having sex with one person who is infected with an STD with be at great risk. Women in particular who are undergoing regular smear testing should not assume that they are also receiving STD testing. This is almost certainly not the case. Sexually active women under the age of 24 years and those over this age, particularly with new or multiple partners should get screened annually for gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Men having sex with men are at the greatest risk and should undertake to have regular STD testing. Most testing carried out at private clinics in London and other centres is simple and completely confidential, with results available quickly by ‘phone or by collection.
Testing for HIV
The modern phenomenon HIV/Aids became evident and has led to the deaths of more than 25 million people since it was first recognized in 1981, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. HIV is a retro virus which can lead to Aids in which the immune system begins to fail leading to life-threatening infections we ordinarily would be able to fight naturally.
Infection with HIV occurs through the transfer of blood, semen, vaginal fluid, pre-ejaculate, and breast milk and it is vital that anyone who may have been exposed is tested for the infection in order that antiretroviral treatment can be administered. The test for the infection can be quick and simple and with a blood test and other methods a result is possible within 60 seconds. There are many testing centres in London, which because of its cosmopolitan and changing society has a greater number of sufferers than other parts of the country. Mothers are at high risk but proper management can reduce the risk of transmission of passing this virus on to her child.
HIV testing in London
Filed under: HIV Testing, Sexual Health Clinics, Walk In Clinic
Many people require an HIV test to be carried out and a certificate issued for business, or a tourist visa as examples and these can be provided in London and most major cities quickly, often this can be done on the same day. If you are travelling to Russia for instance it can be a requirement that you have a certificate before being allowed to enter the country.
However, if you are sexually active and think that you may have been exposed to HIV, or another STD we feel sure that you will want peace of mind. It is strongly recommended that you get a complete STD screen or an HIV test, these STD screens include tests for many sexually transmitted diseases and results can be made available quickly. In all but a few cases a basic screening will be sufficient, but if you are showing visible lesions or warts, an extended test is recommended.
Detecting Syphilis
Although during the 1990’s the rates of syphilis declined, recently the number of cases has been on the increase and early detection and subsequent cure are important. Although many attribute some of the decisions that were made by Hitler to madness brought on by the disease, not much data is available to support this. However, if syphilis is left untreated the disease can affect other organs of the body, including the central nervous system.
In the early stages, it just appears as a round and painless rash which can heal itself in 3 to 6 weeks but if left untreated secondary syphilis will develop. Anyone who is sexually active with a new or multiple partners showing signs of these symptoms should, as a matter of urgency, seek to have a confidential test which is confidential and unobtrusive.
Walk in HIV Test
Just think of it, you are worried that you may well have a sexually transmitted disease or perhaps you just need a health check because of your history or recent mistake. Those feelings of guilt, worry and anxiety that someone may judge you because you need a HIV Test need not be there with a walk in HIV test clinic. With a walk in clinic testing for STD’s you can usually see a medical professional the same day.
Such sexual health clinics usually carry a consultation fee, but of course the benefits of seeing your own private doctor cannot be overstated. Clinics are anonymous without the need to register or indeed give your real name when you talk to them. Patients can literally walk in and see a doctor that can advise on a variety of conditions.