If you’re sexually active, you’re at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD). These highly contagious infections are equal opportunity invaders and don’t discriminate based on age, orientation, marital status, or the number of partners you have.
Testing for STDs is quick and easy, and it brings many benefits. Our compassionate and experienced medical team at the offices of Beth and Howard Braver, MD, in Aventura and Hollywood, Florida, want to help you understand these benefits.
Keep reading to learn what you need to know about STDs, testing, and the many benefits it brings.
Before we discuss STD testing and why it’s so important, we want you to have an understanding of what an STD is and how you might get an STD. Let’s review the basics of STDs and why testing is paramount to your health.
STDs, also sometimes referred to as STIs (sexually transmitted infections) or venereal diseases, are infections usually spread through vaginal or anal sexual intercourse or oral sex.
There are over 25 types of STDs, and each one is caused by different viruses or strains of bacteria and can cause different symptoms.
STDs are very common, with about 20 million new cases occurring each year in the United States. Some of these highly contagious diseases are curable, especially with early intervention. Others, like HIV/AIDS, cannot be cured and may lead to death.
It’s important to take STDs seriously as they have a significant impact on your health. Early detection makes treatment more effective and it could save your life and the life of your partner.
If you are sexually active, include a test for STDs in your health care routine to protect your health and your partner’s health.
Some people have a higher risk of contracting an STD based on their sexual history and current sexual activity. When you visit our primary care practice, we discuss your personal testing needs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends specific testing based on your age and risk factors.
At Beth and Howard Braver, MD, we make testing for STDs easy and comfortable. Rest assured that your test results are confidential. If you test positive, our compassionate staff is here to help you receive the treatment you need.
We help our patients understand why STD testing should be part of your routine health care, especially if you are sexually active with multiple partners. With confidential testing at our offices, you learn if you’re infected and get treatment if you do have an STD.
STD testing offers peace of mind because it’s the only way to confirm whether you have an STD, which could develop into a more serious condition. STD testing also:
Schedule confidential STD testing at one of our offices in Aventura or Hollywood, Florida, by calling or booking online now.
