Despite high-profile media campaigns, screening events and clinics – STIs are still a major problem and show no signs of abating. The majority are easily cured with antibiotics, so why are there still so many infections occurring? Unfortunately, many people don’t get cured because they don’t know they need treatment. Often STIs can lurk for some time before showing any symptoms at all. Here are some reasons why so many people fail to get themselves tested:
Education
The standards of education vary hugely depending on where you are in the world. If you don’t know the risks, then how can you protect yourself from them. In developed countries, HIV information is widespread, but gonorrhoea and chlamydia facts not so clear. Some countries teach a thorough sex education curriculum, whilst others won’t educate about STIs at all.
For older people, their sex education was likely received in a time when it was not spoken about much and there was a lot of misinformation bandied about. STIs are on the increase amongst the older generation too, who are starting new relationships now their children are grown, or spouses have died.
Inconvenience
Another reason for people not to get tested is the inconvenience of finding time to visit a sexual health clinic. Perhaps it’s difficult getting time off work to visit the doctor when you don’t look sick. A positive result means a return trip as well to receive treatment. A lot of people would rather bury their head in the sand and hope the problem goes away by itself. However, these days it’s possible to test yourself in the privacy and convenience of your own home. Find out about a home STI test Greenwich at https://www.checkurself.org.uk/plus/
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is also a major concern for those worried about their sexual health. Sexual relations are intimate and private, despite the sexual revolution, most of us would prefer it to stay that way. No matter how much it seems silly, there is still much stigma surrounding fun sex and enjoyment. There aren’t many people who would happily and openly chat about STIs with their friends or colleagues. Opening up to a doctor or healthcare professional and the fear of being judged puts many people off.
Symptoms
Another major reason for people not getting checked out is a lack of visible symptoms. Some common infections can remain symptomless, such as chlamydia. Sometimes any symptoms that do present will clear up, leaving the person believing all is well when in fact the infection remains. These infections can linger for a long time and often cause problems in new relationship when couples stop using condoms because they are now in a committed monogamous relationship. STIs that appear now are going to look like infidelity.
It might feel like an invasion of privacy or the height of inconvenience but getting tested is so important for not building up potential health problems further on in life. Whether you’ve experienced symptoms or not, regular testing will keep you on top of your sexual health and staying well for longer – which is also great for anyone sleeping with you too!