Ah, Valentine’s Day. A time to celebrate romance with long-stemmed roses, Hallmark sentiments and decadent chocolates. Just make sure you’re not spreading more than love. If you’re sexually active, Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Your overall health is closely tied to your sexual health, and STDs can cause serious problems if you don’t treat them. Getting tested regularly is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself—and others. Here are three reasons why.
1. You could have an STD and be symptom-free.
Don’t wait for you or your partner to show symptoms. If you’re having sex, you should get tested. Period. STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis may go undetected because there are no obvious signs of infection. This can also be the case for HIV and herpes.
If you don't want to wait for a doctor's appointment, visit your nearby Indigo Urgent Care for testing. The sooner you do, the sooner you'll know you’re in the clear—or not. Most STDs can be easily cured or treated.
Not sure which STD test is right for you? The Centers for Disease Prevention & Control offers helpful testing guidelines.
2. Testing reduces the risk of spread.
Most of the time, STD symptoms are mild or unnoticeable. Think about that. If you have an STD and don’t know it, how can you prevent spreading it to your sexual partners? Getting tested not only benefits your health and ensures a healthy sex life, it also shows respect for your significant others.
3. It's an easy way to check up on your health.
When you contract an STD, you put your overall health at risk. Rather than wait until you need medical attention, take a proactive approach. A quick and simple urine, swab or blood test is all you need. Depending on what you're being tested for, your results should be available within a few days to two weeks. Learn more about STI and STD testing and treatment.
Let Indigo show you some love
This Valentine’s Day, nothing says “I love you” more than caring about your own health, your partner’s well-being and a safe and healthy sex life. The friendly caregivers at your nearby Indigo Urgent Care provide confidential STD testing and can prescribe medications. We’re here every day, 8 am to 8 pm, including holidays.
