Women, whether you have one sexual partner throughout your life time or 100, it is always a good thing for BOTH you and your partner to get tested. Women always seem to be so nonchalant when it comes to talking about condoms, sex, STD’s, and whatever else comes with those plethora of topics. Men on the other hand seem to conceal themselves when you even slightly mention your period. I’m sure everyone has been bombarded with the phrase, “Get tested!” But how many of you actually do it or even know what that means? The media and society act like it is this big and scary thing, but really it is a pee test, a mouth swab, a blood sample and there you go. Wouldn’t you feel better knowing you’re healthy? In this day and age, some STD’s are just as likely to contract as it is to get the flu, this is why we need to be so careful!
“I definitely think that there shouldn’t be such a stigma on it. I think guys should be more open about getting tested especially because it’s a lot easier to be a carrier without knowing. If you’re having sex protected or unprotected in college with multiple partners, or even monogamously I feel like it’s a duty to be tested. I mean don’t you want to know that you are healthy?” –Anonymous male at CWU
Here some statistics…I know, I know, eww boring, but, these are VERY important and should be taken seriously:
- One in two sexually active persons will contract an STI by the age of 25.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly 20 million new STIs occur every year in this country, half of those among young people aged 15- 24.
- Even though young people account for half of new STI cases, a recent survey showed only 12% were tested for STIs in the last year.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that undiagnosed STIs cause 24,000 women to become infertile each year, along with men contracting other complications with STDs such as heart disease, infertility, arthritis, and HPV related cancers.
“If it ever came down to it, I would totally feel comfortable going in and getting tested. –Anonymous male at CWU
Men, I want you to know that it is COOL for you to get tested, most people really like the idea of everyone getting tested. Sometimes you may not know you have even contracted something because not everything contains obvious symptoms. Many STD’s are curable, so please find out so you can continue to live a healthy life. STD’s can affect any one who is sexually active regardless of their age, race, or sexual orientation. The only way to have a foolproof plan to get out of this one guys is to abstain from sexual activity forever.
Me and my girlfriend are very open about that sort of thing and always have been.” –Anonymous male at CWU
Regular STD testing is always a good idea whether you are in a long-term relationship or not. You can virtually get tested anywhere, but a good place to start is at your regular family doctor. If you do not have a regular doctor, there are many clinics that would be happy to test you for STDs. If annual testing does not occur, and you have contracted an STD, it can lead to complications that can be life- threatening.
Men listen, I am not trying to scare you, I am only trying to tell you that this is a serious thing. Yes, it can be intimidating and embarrassing to talk about it or actually going through with it, but the long-term effects will greatly benefit your health and your overall lifestyle. Just because you go get tested does not mean you will have anything, but the thing you will have is peace of mind, the knowledge that you are healthy, and the lack of worry that you could give a future partner something. Please take this seriously because some of us want to have sex, but not with someone who is not serious about getting tested.