While sexually transmitted diseases are affecting individuals of all ages, it is taking a heavy toll on young people.
According to an estimate by CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), youth aged 15-24 accounted for nearly half of the 26 million new cases of STDs that occurred in the United States in 2018.
There is no reason why the figure would be any different today.
Adolescents are increasingly influenced by digital technology. This includes the internet, gaming and mobile phones. These technologies are allowing youngsters to engage in chatting, flirting and dating in innovative ways.
It also allows the youth to get access to health information and sexual health. While this is a positive aspect of digital technologies, it also exposes them to sexual risk.
According to a doctor at an Arlington walk-in STD testing clinic, “Adolescents are vulnerable to sexual risk because they are undergoing rapid cognitive, emotional and social development”.
Sexually transmitted diseases do not always have symptoms or at most may have mild symptoms. Therefore, it is possible for an individual to be infected and be unaware of it. That is why it is important to get tested if you are having sex with multiple partners or are unaware of the status of your partner.
If you are sexually active, get tested for STDs. Nothing else is more important for your health. If you have reservations regarding whether to get tested or not, have an open and honest discussion with your doctor. Tell him or her about your sexual history and get their opinion on when you must get tested.
If the doctor does recommend testing, it may prove to be a sensitive and embarrassing situation for you.
However, do not neglect to know your sexual health status. You can visit a walk-in testing near Arlington VA. No appointment is needed. You may even have the benefit of same day STD test and STI (sexually transmitted infection) treatment.
For reassurance keep in mind that tests at such clinics are FDA-approved/cleared. Arlington walk-in STD testing clinics offer a number of treatment options approved by the CDC. The in-house doctor will explain the treatment procedures to you in detail and the lifestyle change you may need to make to ensure best results.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
PEP refers to taking HIV medicines within 72 hours after a possible exposure to HIV to prevent HIV infection. This treatment is available at some of the Arlington walk-in STD testing clinics. If you do not delay after exposure, PEP can stop the virus from replicating in your body.
It is really important to get tested and treated, because if you do not do so you are likely to get other STDs, like HIV.
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