Every year in the United States, millions of people are diagnosed with STDs — more than 20 million, in fact. While these infections may be common (and treatable, by the way), there’s no denying the impact they can have on your confidence and your sex life.
At Desert Star Institute for Family Planning, DeShawn Taylor, MD, MSc, FACOG, helps patients stay healthy, confident, and empowered through regular STD testing, enabling them to manage their personal infection risks. Here, learn five ways regular testing can help you enjoy a better sex life and a higher quality of life overall.
Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) don’t cause noticeable symptoms, which means you can have one without realizing it. Regular testing helps catch infections early, even when everything seems normal.
Not only can that mean you enjoy better health now, but you can also avoid serious complications that can develop later when infections go undiagnosed and unmanaged for a longer period of time. Plus, early detection means treatment can be quicker and simpler, too.
STD testing isn’t just about you — when you’re in a committed relationship, it’s about mutual care, too. That’s because regular testing encourages open conversation, helping each of you feel heard, respected, and comfortable with one another.
Plus, testing provides accurate, up-to-the-moment information that reduces anxiety and helps both of you feel more secure and connected, creating a foundation of safety and trust that supports your relationship now and in the future.
STDs are common and even pervasive — and without testing, it’s easy to feel anxious about the state of your health, especially when it comes to intimacy. Even if you think your risk is low, not knowing your status can create unnecessary stress.
Scheduling testing on a regular basis based on your own needs and risks helps reduce or even eliminate that anxiety, eliminating the “what if” feeling that can take a toll on your peace of mind. Negative test results can definitely provide you with important peace of mind that, in turn, supports confidence in your relationship — and if you do have an infection, proactive treatment achieves the same benefits.
There’s no denying that sexual health and satisfying intimate relationships rely a lot on feeling confident. When you have doubts or worries about intimacy, it can definitely have a big impact on your overall experience — and the experience of your partner, too. Those doubts and worries don’t just happen during sex. They can influence your entire relationship, too.
On the flip side, taking control of your sexual wellness can lead to surprising benefits. When you’re not worried about unknown risks, it’s easier to be present, relaxed, and engaged with your partner during intimacy and at other times during your relationship.
Left untreated, even a seemingly mild STI can lead to far more serious health issues over time. Untreated infections significantly increase your risk of scarring, infertility, and even chronic pain that can take a major toll on your overall wellness and quality of life. Some infections even increase your risk of cancer.
On the flip side, routine testing helps prevent complications by “catching” and treating infections early. By having yourself tested on a regular basis, you’re taking a proactive step toward protecting your health — and that can go a long way toward helping you feel more empowered in other areas of your life, too.
Regular STD testing isn’t about fear — it’s about taking control of your health, your life, and your future. When you prioritize your sexual health, you’re investing in your overall well-being, too.
If you’re due for testing or have questions about testing, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Taylor and the team at Desert Star Family Planning in Phoenix, Arizona, today.
