Ways to Maintain Your Sexual Health
1) Annual Pap Smears and STI testing:
Women should see a clinician or gynecologist at least once a year once they’ve become sexually active or are over the age of 18. During a pap smear a clinician will take a sample of cervical cells to test for abnormalities or any indications of cervical cancer. While pap smears can be uncomfortable they usually only take a few minutes. Gynecological exams can also reveal the presence of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it is important to inform the clinician or staff if you are worried that you’ve been exposed to an STI. Most clinics do not test for these without the patient’s consent. Be proactive about your health and make the request.
Males do not need exams nearly as often, but should definitely see a doctor if they have issues or concerns. If health insurance and cost are concerns, many family planning agencies can provide services and supplies for free or no cost.
Most important: If you are regularly engaging in unprotected or protected sex, get tested at least once a year. Some STI’s have no symptoms at all and many such as herpes can be spread through skin-to-skin contact as well as vaginal, anal or oral sex.
