Steer Clear of HIV with Regular STD Check in Tampa 

The virus known as HIV targets the immune system, which is the body's natural protection against illness. HIV can impair the immune system to the point that it is unable to combat infection if treatment is not received. AIDS is a late stage of the infection that can be fatal.

Individuals of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations are susceptible to HIV, a dangerous illness. 

Even though over 40,000 Americans receive an HIV diagnosis each year, up to one in seven individuals living with the virus are unaware that they have it.

Importance of HIV and STD testing

The majority of private GPs and clinics offer STD check Tampa. Additionally, several STD clinics provide private ultrasound scans and specialized tests to determine your status as an STD positive or negative.

Only by conducting an STD test can you determine whether or not you have an STD. There are various advantages to STD testing.

You can determine whether you have HIV or another STI by being tested. Antibiotics can be used to treat many STIs. Advantages consist of:

• Since testing is the only way to determine whether you have HIV or another sexually transmitted disease, it can provide you with piece of mind.

• There are HIV medications available. The earlier you take them, the better they work. Everyone in Tampa who requires medication can get it. HIV can be managed with proper medical care. Antiretroviral therapy, or ART, is a common term used to describe HIV treatment. For many HIV-positive individuals, it can significantly extend their lives and reduce their risk of spreading the virus to others. 

• Infertility (the inability to conceive) can affect both men and women who have untreated STIs.

• Genital warts and several types of cancer can result from untreated human papillomavirus, or HPV.

• A sample of blood or saliva is taken by the doctor for analysis during an HIV test. In around 20 minutes, you'll be able to tell if you have the infection. Almost always, an HIV test is free.

• You can receive the necessary therapy to maintain your health if your test results indicate that you have HIV. People with HIV can now live long, normal lives thanks to antiretroviral medications.

• Knowing your HIV status allows you to take precautions for both present and potential sexual partners, as well as to encourage past partners to be tested.

• STDs typically cause a number of unpleasant symptoms. Certain sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV and herpes, have no known cure, so if treatment is not received, the symptoms become more dangerous and potentially fatal. By assisting with early detection, testing for certain sexually transmitted diseases improves treatment outcomes.

So, Who Needs to Have HIV & STD Check Tampa?

Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should get tested for HIV at least once as part of their regular medical treatment.

People who are more likely to contract HIV should generally be tested annually. It may be beneficial for gay and bisexual men who are sexually active to get tested more frequently, perhaps every three to six months. Your healthcare practitioner might suggest HIV testing if you are at risk and older than 64.

Having anal or vaginal sex with someone who is HIV positive or whose HIV status you are unsure of is one of the factors that raises your chance of contracting the virus.

• Giving out needles, syringes, or other drug supplies to other people.

• Trading sex for cash or illegal substances.

• Having syphilis or another sexually transmitted illness (STD).

• Having sex with someone who possesses any of the above-mentioned HIV risk factors.

Discuss your HIV risk and the frequency of your HIV testing with your healthcare professional.

Should Pregnant Mothers Have an HIV Test?

All pregnant women should get tested for HIV, so that if they test positive, they can start taking HIV medications. HIV-positive pregnant women use HIV medications for their personal health and to lower the risk of HIV transmission during pregnancy and childbirth.