Taking Care of Your Sexual Health
For many people, the topic of sex is highly personal and they think it’s best not to talk about it. However, modern institutions, which include the World Health Organization (WHO), consider formal discussions about sex and sexual health essential in today’s world. From concerns on how to have more enjoyable sex to more serious health issues such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), many things are under the broad topic of sexual health.
If you are sexually active, the more it is important to visit a GP clinic and talk to a Singapore healthcare professional about sexual health check-ups and health issues you may have in mind.
What is a sexual health check-up?
A sexual health check-up is an examination done by a doctor to find out whether you have sexual health problems, like sexually transmitted disease. During the check-up, the doctor gives you a physical exam and inquires about your sexual activities and behaviours. You will be encouraged to raise questions and concerns during a check-up.
Who performs the check-up?
A sexual health check-up is performed only by professional healthcare providers, but the exact physician depends on where you go for your check-up. You may see a doctor or a nurse when you go to a community health centre or a family GP clinic. If you intend on go for anonymous hiv testing at M Lam clinic in Singapore there may also be another professional who will perform the test on you. If it entails collecting of blood sample or a swab, it is usually the nurse who will attend to you.
Who needs a sexual health check-up?
Every sexually active individual needs to be checked regularly. How often and when you need to have the check-ups depend on your sexual activities and lifestyle. If you have not had a sexual health check-up and STD screening before, now is the best time to do so, especially if any of the following applies to you:
• If you have had unsafe sex, whether it’s vaginal, anal, or oral
• If you suspect you have STD
• If you are in an open relationship (you and your partner agree to engage other people)
• If you are with a new partner
• If your partner had previous partners before you
• If you have shared injecting tools, like syringes and needles.
What happens in a sexual health check-up?
A check-up usually begins with a discussion about your sexual history and practices. Expect your Singapore healthcare provider to ask you personal questions, such as:
• What kinds of sexual activities you have engaged in?
• How many sexual partners you have had?
• Do you experience any symptoms or do you suspect you have STD?
• Have you tried injected drugs or sharing needles?
• Do you have piercings or tattoos?
Answering some of these questions may make you feel uncomfortable. However, keep in mind that if you do not answer the questions honestly, your health care provider would not be able to order accurate tests for you, which could seriously affect your health. Take not that some infections can lead to long-term health complications if they are not treated properly.
In the examination, with your consent, your genital might have to be examined. A series of test might be conducted, including:
• Urine and/or blood test
• Swabs, where a culture sample from the genital area will be taken and examined thoroughly under a microscope. The doctor may sometimes order to take extra swabs from the anus or throat for further examination
• In women’s health clinic, patients undergo vaginal examination, like Pap smear. Women who are sexually active should regularly have this examination. Talk to your healthcare provider how often to have this test.
• In men’s health clinic, the doctor will physically examine the penis and the scrotum for any irregular lumps and bumps.
When your STD screening test appears positive, you might want to consider telling your previous partners about it, so they can also get their own HIV testing or any STD tests and get the appropriate treatment if necessary.
How Can You Get Infected?
STD-causing bacteria and viruses are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or through exchange of body fluids. If you do not practice safe sex, such as using condoms, you are at high risk of catching an infection.
Likewise, having lots of sex partners increases your chances of getting n infection. People who have sex, with different partners are more at risk than those who stay with the same partner. However, even if you and your partner have been together for years but neither of you have been tested, it will not save you from contracting an infection. Make sure that both of you are negative of any infection by getting tested.
How to protect yourself against sexual health issues?
Sex should be a pleasurable experience for partners, but it can also pose a great risk if the people who engage in it are not careful. STDs can be worrisome, painful, have serious long-term effects (such as infertility), and can even be fatal. Here’s what you can do to guard your health against infections.
• Identifying the Infection: Know the signs and symptoms of various STDs, as well as the possible effects of infections. This helps you understand how important it is to get tested and treated right away.
• Taking STD Tests: STD and HIV testing is a critical part of a sexual health plan. Finding out whether you are positive of an STD enables you to start a treatment immediately, which gives you a better chance of curing the disease.
• Take Preventive Care: Taking the necessary precautions help prevent the spread of infection or helps you avoid catching an infection. Use barriers such as condoms and dental dams to avoid direct skin-to-skin contact and the risk of getting infected.
It’s normal to feel uncomfortable or even embarrassed when discussing your sexual practices with a stranger, but a healthcare professional should be able to make you feel at ease. If your doctor or nurse seems pushy or if they make you feel uncomfortable to the point of feeling ashamed, you have all the right to look for another women’s health clinic or men’s health clinic.
