If you are sexually active, it is important to be aware of the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Even practicing safer sex methods involves a greater degree of risk than abstaining. The best way to protect yourself is to routinely undergo testing for STDs.
STD Tests in Kentucky
There are a wide range of STDs that pose a risk to sexually active people, so it is best practice to seek comprehensive testing that covers the gamut of diseases that you may be at risk of contracting. Common STDs are:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Herpes simplex 1
- Herpes simplex 2
- HIV (the virus that causes AIDS)
- Syphilis
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
In many cases you may be able to test for most of the above STDs simultaneously; however, be aware that HPV testing is currently unavailable for men. Woman can be swabbed for an HPV test, which is often performed at the same time as PAP tests.
Kentucky – Sexually Transmitted Disease Facts to Know
If you think that you are free of STDs because you have not experienced any symptoms, you may be mistaken. You may not experience symptoms right away (or at all) after contracting an STD. Because of this, it is even more important to be proactive in seeking routine STD testing. That said, common STD symptoms are as follows:
Symptoms in Men
- Blisters on the penis (or around the genital area)
- Discharge from the penis (may be clear, white, or yellow in color)
- Oozing from the penis tip (may be thick or thin)
- Burning during urination
- Pain during urination
- Pain during ejaculation
- Itching on the penis tip
- Rash on the penis, scrotum, or around the genital area
Symptoms in Women
- Vaginal discharge (may be thick or thin and white, yellow, or green in color)
- Vaginal itching
- Vaginal blisters (or blisters around the genital area)
- Vaginal rash (or rash around the genital area)
- Burning sensation during urination
- Pain during urination
- Pain during sexual intercourse
To further underscore the importance of routine STD testing, consider these alarming STD statistics for the state of Kentucky:
- Per every 100,000 men, 16.1 were diagnosed with HIV in 2011
- 8,513 cases of HIV were reported in the state in 2012
- White men engaging in sex with other men accounted for 3,299 of HIV infection in KY in 2012
- In 2011, 16,629 people tested positive for Chlamydia
- In 2010, 79.4% of new HIV infections in women were due to heterosexual sex
Can I Get Discount on STD Testing?
In the interest of overall community health, there are some sites that offer low cost STD testing and discount coupons for such purposes. Here is a list of sites that provide STD testing at low prices with the help of discount coupons:
Most STDs are very treatable and even curable. Early detection is key in successfully treating or managing some diseases, so if you are sexually active, routine STD testing is an easy way to protect your health without breaking the bank.