The stigma around getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) goes back centuries. Getting an STD is often wrongly conflated with a personal moral failing, when in fact it’s extremely common.
Even with the increasing availability of free STD testing, many still express reluctance. Let’s dive into some of the reasons why people feel shame around this normal medical procedure, and why it’s necessary to get tested.
The Stigma of Having an STD
Today, people are more sexually open than ever before. It can be considered empowering to express and embrace your sexuality. So why do we avoid free STD checks like the plague?
The Centers for Disease Control estimates that there are about 20 million new STD infections per year – that’s about 6 percent of the U.S. population. In terms of disease, that is extremely common. For reference, there are only about 2 million new cancer cases per year.
There is also a social aspect to learning you have an STD. The right thing to do is to contact recent prior partners and encourage them to get tested as well. But that means admitting your illness out loud. This admittance can make you feel embarrassed or dirty.
It can also feel shameful to not be 100% sure how you acquired an STD. You may have questions such as, can you get an STD without having sex? Can I get an STD without intercourse? How can I get an STD without being sexually active?
Why You Should Take Advantage of Free STD Testing
While many STDs are symptomatic, and it will be obvious to you that something is wrong, that’s not true of all of them.
Many of the most common STDs like gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia can present no symptoms at all. You may have absolutely no idea that you’ve contracted it.
Many of these infections are easily cured with a round of antibiotics if they are caught relatively early. That’s one reason why taking a free STD check is so important – you may catch something that you otherwise would not have noticed for years.
There are also STDs that are not curable, such as HIV and hepatitis. However, with both short- and long-term infections, early detection is crucial to your health. Any STD can be dangerous if it is left untreated.
You should also keep in mind that the medical professional administering the test can answer any questions you may have. They’ve heard it all, so don’t feel ashamed to ask about the basics, such as, can you get an STI without having sex.
Where Can I Get a Free STD Check-up?
Despite the stigma, getting periodically tested for STDs is vital to your health. When you take advantage of a free STD check, you are committing an act of responsibility and care.
However, you can still be discreet with your test. Free STD testing is even available online through STD Test Info. We balance the importance of getting tested with concern for your privacy, and we even offer STDcheck coupons.
Even if you are asymptomatic, do the right thing for your body and look up online STD testing today. You will never regret taking steps to protect your health.