STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) tests are there to protect us and the people we care about, so why is no-one getting tested?
It’s date night, and you’re about to head out to meet up with that special someone. Sex is something that’s definitely on the cards, and you want to make sure you’re prepared. So you scamper into the bathroom, give yourself a last look over in the mirror, and check your pockets for the essentials.
But when was the last time you had an STI test?
Hi, my name’s Alex, I’ve been tested for STIs. But you know what? A lot of my friends haven’t.
STI testing is something that’s really important when you’re thinking about your health and the health of your sexual partners, but it’s something that nobody talks about it. Despite the fact that going to the doctor for a check-up, the dentist for a filling or the optometrist for an eye test is something most people do regularly, STI testing has a reputation of being something only promiscuous people need to do, and by young people especially is seen as totally embarrassing.
Let’s face it: STI testing has a bad reputation, which it doesn’t deserve. And as a result, people aren’t getting tested.
The short answer is yes. Unfortunately, while less than one in ten young people think they’re at risk of contracting an STI, there were over 62,000 new reported cases of Chlamydia in Australia in 20101.And it’s young people who are most at risk: four out of five cases are people who are aged between 15 and 29 years. That means that over 50 000 young people were diagnosed with Chlamydia in a year!
The reasons for the high rates of STI transmission among young people seem to be a combination of a few things. These include wanting to take risks, having shorter relationships and social stuff like peer pressure and drinking alcohol 2.
People often only get an STI test when they’ve got symptoms of an STI, like a rash or a weird discharge. But a lot of STIs have no symptoms, and besides, there are heaps of reasons to get an STI test, including:
But even if none of these apply to you, the fact is that STI testing should be a part of every sexually active person’s regular health check-up. Condoms aren’t always completely effective, so it’s important to get tested at least once a year and every three months if you have multiple partners. Plus the majority of STIs are easily treatable if they’re caught early, and even if they’re not curable (like HIV) it’s always better to find out as early as possible. This way, you’re able to start treatment earlier, and you aren’t putting others at risk.
So, despite STI testing’s bad reputation, getting tested is actually an awesome thing to do to protect not just yourself, but your sexual partners as well! It’s quick, easy, and you’re putting both your mind and your partner’s at ease.
So poor STI tests have been getting a bad rap for some time, and it’s about time it changed! This week (14 – 20 February 2011) is Sexual Health Awareness Week, and it’s time to get tested. It’s time for a call to action!
Together we can help to lessen the stigma around getting tested for STIs. If you live in WA, one way to get tested, is to log on to Could I Have It and fill out an online form (not in Wa, why not see if there is a service like t near you_. Then all you have to do is take the form to a Pathswest centre and pee in a cup.
STI testing is, literally, a piece of piss!
Is getting tested not enough? Do you want to keep raising awareness? Here are some other things you can do to help reduce the stigmas around STI testing!
Have you got any other ideas on how to encourage your peers to get tested for STIs? Do you have any questions about what’s involved in STI testing? Do you want to keep talking about testing? Have your say in the comments below!
Also check the related topics:
Sexual health check up Types of STI’sSpeaking to someone about your problems can be the first steps to a solution.
