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Dear doctor, I’m 27 years old and sexually active. I don’t have a steady sexual partner. Should I routinely get screened for sexual infections, even though I keep myself fairly safe?
Any sexually active individual should consider getting screened for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at some point. Undiagnosed, and untreated STIs can have long-term health implications. Some STIs do not manifest with easily recognizable symptoms, hence the value of routine screening. Once an STI has been diagnosed, prompt treatment and subsequent preventive measures will guard against associated complications.
Minimum recommendations for routine sexual health screening already exist. For obvious reasons, there is an emphasis on the screening of sexually active adolescents below the age of 25 years. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections are fairly common in this age group, and the recommendation is for them to undergo annual screening. Older adults with multiple sexual partners, or new partners should also subject themselves to chlamydia and gonorrhoea screening. If your sexual partner has already been diagnosed with an STI, it goes without saying that you should also get tested.
Everyone should aim for at least a single episode of HIV screening, and get re-screened if there’s continued risk of exposure. Syphilis and Hepatitis B are routinely screened for during pregnancy. However, you do not need to wait till you get pregnant to subject yourself to such screening. Those who combine unsafe sex habits with drug use are especially at risk for Hepatitis B, and a multitude of other STIs, and should be screened sooner.
The question often arises about where to get tested, usually due to associated stigma and worries about confidentiality. You family doctor, or your gynaecologist should suffice. You will also find sexual health clinics spread all over, you can simply walk into one and get screened. If you find yourself getting too uptight about physically walking into a testing facility, you can order the tests online. All you need is to identify an on-line lab which will mail a self-testing kit.
If your screening tests come through as negative, that should give you a sigh of relief. But you must maintain vigilance, guard yourself against future risks, and get re-tested whenever appropriate. Any positive results will require appropriate treatment and follow-up. Your sexual partner should not be forgotten. They should also be appropriately screened and treated as necessary.
The importance of sexual health cannot be overemphasized. Some infections will impact on future reproductive performance, with potentially irreversible consequences. Additional complications involving multiple organs may also occur, with grave consequences on longevity and quality of life. Get yourself appropriately screened for STIs. Always use preventive measures, like condoms, every time you have sex with a partner of unknown sexual health status. Or only have sex with a single uninfected partner, who in turn only engages in sex with you.
Dr Alfred Murage is a Consultant
Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist.
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