It is important to get a sexual health test after each new sexual partner

From family planning to a new romantic partner, there are a number of reasons to get a sexual health check. With the number of diagnosed STIs on the rise, and some not showing any symptoms, it is important to protect your wellbeing with regular sexual health tests.

Why should you get a sexual health test?

When was the last time you went for STI testing in Northern Ireland? Looking after our sexual health is incredibly important, and last year saw over four million UK residents visit their local centre for a consultation. 

Despite this being a significant increase compared to previous years, many people still put off a visit either because they feel like the process will be uncomfortable or awkward, aren’t showing symptoms and so believe they couldn’t have an STI, or think it’s too much effort. Sexual health testing with Hushhh is easy, fast and discrete. You simply need to order a test online, wait for it to arrive, collect your sample in the comfort of your own home, post it back, and await results! If this isn’t persuading enough, there are many reasons you should regularly get tested. Let’s look at the top 5!

1. An STI can be symptomless

Not all sexually transmitted diseases have symptoms, and you might have an STI without realising it. Getting tested is the only way to know for sure what your sexual health status is. Only with a diagnosis can you access appropriate treatment, and since STIs can lead to more serious health conditions if left untreated, getting treated early is vital.

2. Protect you and your partner

Another very popular reason to undertake STI testing in Northern Ireland is to protect your partner. If you are in a new relationship, getting tested will give you both complete peace of mind that you have a clean bill of sexual health.

3. Condoms are not guaranteed protection

While wearing a condom or utilising other barrier methods of protection like a diaphragm or dental dam is a fantastic way to reduce the risk of developing an STI, it is not a guaranteed barrier. If you are sexually active, you are at risk of catching an STI and so, regular testing will ensure that you are always aware of your current sexual health status. 

4. Family planning

Do you have plans to expand your family and try for a baby? Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause issues like miscarriage, still birth, low birth weight, and premature labour. They can even be spread to babies during pregnancy through the placenta, or during childbirth as the baby passes through the birth canal. Due to their under developed immune systems, these infections tend to be much more serious in babies too. Therefore, being aware of your sexual health status prior to trying for a baby is very important. It will allow you seek treatment or take any necessary precautions to protect you and your baby.

5. You are showing symptoms of an STI

Most STIs won’t clear up on their own. Some common signs of an STI can include pain or burning when urinating, unusual discharge, pain in the abdomen, itching, and spots, lesions, or ulcers. These are not pleasant symptoms to live with and anyone experiencing them will be keen to clear them up as soon as possible. Appropriate treatment can cure an STI in as little as 3 days, but the only way to access this treatment is with first getting a test.

Want to look after your sexual health?

Regular STI testing in Northern Ireland is essential to ensuring that you are able to keep yourself and any sexual partners safe. Here at JACE, our mission is to improve the sexual health of as many people as possible, and our team of medical professionals are here to help remove the stigma and make the process as simple and as straightforward as possible. 

With our home test kit, you will get results within seven days, so if you are looking to improve your health, get your STI test kit today.