New Study Highlights Importance Of Regular Sexual Health Screening

(Newswire.net — November 1, 2015) Melbourne, VIC —

 

New study published in the Journal Of Sexual Medicine has highlighted an increased presence of sexually transmitted infection in people with multiple sexual partners.

Most concerning what that for some of the infections many people had no symptoms of these infections making them much more likely to be shared with other intimate partners.

Infections such as Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia can be found in sites of the body not normally associated with STI’s such at the throat, again compounding the risk of people spreading these infections without any knowledge.

For this reason having a regular, comprehensive sexual health screening in an important aspect of staying healthy for all people who are seuxally active.

Dr George Forgan-Smith a family doctor based in Melbourne Australia recommends all sexually active people have at the very least an annual set of screening test or more frequently if you have had more than 10 sexual partners in six months.

“We know that many infections can be present with no actual symptoms to show a person has been exposed. Examples include HIV, Hepatitis, Syphilis as well as Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea.

For this reason I recommend all people have an annual screening that checks for all of these diseases.”

Sexual health screening can be done in a simple GP appointment after discussion with your doctor about your particular risks and recent partners. Now is a good time to be frank and honest, remember the doctor only cares about your health so honesty is going to help ensure you get the best treatment.

For most people screening includes blood tests for HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis and a urine test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. Additional tests with swabs may be ordered depending on particular sexual practices.

Each medical practice has different procedures in handling results. Some are happy to offer these via the telephone, others require you come in to discuss results whether or not they have significant results.

If any infections are found it’s vital to ensure you get the correct treatment as well as counselling so you can notify your intimate partners that they may have been exposed. In Australia there are agencies that can help with this process if you are not comfortable with the process.

Of course people who have any symptoms, worries or concerns about their health should see their doctor immediately.

Any pain or discomfort with urination, discharge, rashes, sores or ulcers should be reviewed by your doctor. As with all medical issues early treatment is always better.

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