Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing
Planned Parenthood clinics offer testing services for an array of sexually transmitted diseases. While many do not want to face this growing problem, it simply must be realized that more and more individuals are engaging in unprotected sex and the diseases are spreading faster than ever. Some sexually transmitted diseases don’t even have symptoms, so some people will never know they have one and may pass the disease to partners unknowingly. Routine testing is necessary to diagnose and treat these diseases, so that spreading can be controlled. When a patient visits a Planned Parenthood clinic for any reason, a panel of tests can be administered to check for most of the sexually transmitted diseases. However, patients must ask for these tests; they will not be performed unless specifically requested. Anyone who engages in unprotected sex should be tested frequently, especially before having sex with a new partner. Based on the type of sexual acts, a physician or health care provider can help determine which diseases the patient would be at risk for, and which tests should be performed.
Once a test comes back positive, the staff at Planned Parenthood clinics can provide treatment and counseling, as well as discuss safer sex practices in order to avoid similar problems in the future. Many sexually transmitted diseases are completely treatable through antibiotics, and can be cleared up within just a few days or weeks. Routine testing can help people to catch the diseases early, before further damage is caused to their bodies. For example, untreated chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease in women, which can in turn affect a woman’s ability to conceive a child. The clinics also offer an array of contraception designed at helping to prevent disease. However, some sexually transmitted diseases can be contracted even through safe sex practices, so individuals should be tested frequently even if using condoms.
Tags: Health, Health care, Human sexual behavior, Sexually transmitted disease