Just Tested Positive for STD, What’s Next.

Being sexually active, and with multiple partners, puts you at the greatest risk of contracting STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease), preferably termed by experts as STI (sexually Transmitted Infection); especially without regular use of protection.

It is wise to voluntarily get tested as regularly as you can, even if you feel healthy, if you are at high risk of being infected with STD. It is possible to have a sexually transmitted infection without presenting any signs or symptoms, but still able to pass it on to others. Don’t confuse your gynecologic exam or pap smear, with STD testing. If you think you need to be tested; talk to your health care provider about your concerns, and make a choice on what kind of tests you’d like done on you. So….

What Happens Next, If You Test Positive for STD?

Do not fear, you are not alone. STIs are common, and can be managed with proper medical care, and close monitoring. The following are steps recommended by The Centre for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) to guide you, moving forward:

 

Get Treated

Testing positive for STD simply means that you are now aware of your status, and can take a step towards gaining back your good health. Make this possible by getting appropriate medical treatment, to prevent any long term health complications, as well as minimize the possibility of passing on the infection to your partner(s). The decision on your what your next cause of action will be is entirely yours, however, the sooner you begin your treatment, the better it is for you.

Image Alt Tag: Just Tested Positive for STD, What’s Next

Delaying or choosing to not seek treatment, may pose serious health risk for you. Speak openly with your doctor, so you can get the right medication prescribed for you. Alternatively, you can seek treatment from your local health department’s STD clinic, Family Planning clinic, a student health center, or an urgent care clinic, as advised by the CDC.

It is also important to note that if you’ve tested positive for; chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV/AIDs and hepatitis C, your test results will be shared with public health.  This is because these group of STDs all fall under the category of reportable STIs. This is to ensure that you and your partner(s) get the necessary treatment and support.

Treatment options for:

• Chlamydia

It is paramount that you do not have any sexual contact while still undergoing treatment. Make sure to finish taking all your medicine as directed by your doctor, before you can engage in sexual activity. Your partner should also do the same to be on the safe side.

Chlamydia is usually treated with an

 

If left untreated, it can cause complications such as, PID (, which can also lead to health issues like; ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy occurring outside the womb) in women, or in both sexes. Men are at risk of developing painful conditions, in the tubes attached to the testicles.

 

• Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is usually treated with two different kinds of antibiotics. It is recommended to get injected with one antibiotic, and follow it by taking a single pill of another antibiotic.

Although, very convenient, sometimes the injection may not be available. In such cases, the alternative is to take two types of antibiotic pills. This treatment works well for the treatment of chlamydia too.

 

If left unattended, gonorrhea may lead to (DGI), as well as pelvic inflammatory disease.

 

• Syphilis

If you test positive for syphilis, it is advisable for you to be tested for HIV as well.

Avoid sexual contact while on medication. Early diagnosis, and onset of treatment with antibiotics will clear off syphilis, and ensure prevention of long-term problems.

 

You may be required to occasionally give blood sample to be tested, to ascertain the effectiveness of the treatment. Treatment should be for you and your partner, for best results.

 

Untreated syphilis may lead to the development of serious illnesses like, heart problems, neurological problems, leading to eventual brain damage, paralysis, blindness. Serious complications may result in death.

 

• Hepatitis C

This disease is treated with antiviral medications, which are aimed at clearing the virus from your body. The focus is to have the virus become undetectable in your blood, 12 weeks after the completion of treatment.

 

The choice of medication will be determined by the genotype of the virus, the effects of the virus on your liver, any present medical conditions, and previous treatments.

 

There are no vaccines available for . However, your health provider may recommend getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B viruses, which may complicate the recurrence of hepatitis C, by causing liver damage.

 

• Herpes

Herpes results from being infected with (HSV); leading to the formation of sore and blisters around the mouth or genitals.

The two types of HSV are:

 

1. HSV-1

Causes oral herpes, meaning it will affect the tongue mouth and the face. Symptoms usually comprise cold sores, blisters and fever.

 

1. HSV-2
2.  

Testing positive for HSV means you’ll have it for the rest of your life, even though you might never develop symptoms.

 

The bad news is, there’s no cure for herpes. To manage it, your health care provider may give you a prescription for an antiviral medication to ensure that the virus doesn’t multiply. Maintain intake of these drugs daily, over a long period to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

 

• HIV

Unlike other STDs, receiving a positive test result for HIV is no walk in the park! It can be a life altering experience for a person. One can be overwhelmed by strong emotions such as; hopelessness, sadness, or anger.

 

On the brighter side, it’s important to remember that with , and appropriate treatment, HIV has become less life-threatening. Early detection screening can detect the virus just 10 days of potential exposure, thus ensuring prompt medical care and treatment with medicines known as

 

Recommended to everyone with HIV, these medicines are taken every day to help in .  They also prolong, and adding quality to life, while reducing the risk of .

 

Without effectively managing the infection, HIV can eventually develop into full blown which is life-threatening.

 

Your main aim should be to have your viral load become undetectable in your body. However, of importance is to keep in mind than reaching this point does not mean you are cured from HIV. It simply means that the virus is dormant, and can no longer multiply itself. Dedicate yourself to taking your medication daily, to sustain a healthy life.

 

• HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)

Testing positive for HPV means you have the highest risk of developing cervical cancer. And even though you may not be having cervical cancer currently, this is warning of probable development of the cancer in future.

 

A follow-up test may be carried out by your doctor, to find out if the virus has cleared off, a year after the commencement of treatment. This is also done to check for any signs of cervical cancer.

 

Inform Your Partner 

 

There is no easy way to go about this. With the overwhelming emotional distress, and all, you may find yourself questioning your partner’s faithfulness, or worrying about partner, beginning to question their trust in you.

Be honest and transparent, while keeping an open mind. Restrain from blame games with each other; sometimes it’s impossible to determine who had the infection first.

Go out of your way, to ensure your partner gets emotional support during these times. Listen to their fears and immediate concerns, and voluntarily offer information about the STD, its symptoms, and available treatment.

Give them time to absorb the information, and encourage them to go for testing as well.

Sometimes it can be difficult, and you not know how to begin talking to your partner about these things. In such cases, conversation starters from start talking. Stop HIV campaign from CDC’s division of HIV/AIDS prevention, will go a long way in guiding you on how to do this.

 

Get Retested 

It’s recommended to get retested, three months after the completion of your treatment. This is because it is possible to get re-infected with std.

A handy way to remember, is to set a reminder on your phone, mark it on your calendar, or get an email notification. You can also ask to be sent a reminder from your doctor’s office or clinic. Be sure to do all you can to keep enjoying a healthy life.

Conclusion

You’ve just tested positive for STD. So, what? STIs are common, lots of people have them. Testing positive is no big deal at all. The secret is to seek treatment as soon as you find out about your status. With the right medical care and monitoring, STDs can be effectively managed and treated. This means you still get to live a healthy, normal life moving forward.