One of the crucial health aspects is sexual health which has been overlooked and is stigmatized making it a taboo subject. Many people fear getting tested due to the embarrassment and judgment they might get or due to busy schedules. But in reality, sexual health and diseases associated with it should be talked about openly and prioritized as it plays a crucial role in overall well-being. The advancements in modern healthcare have revolutionized the way people used to monitor their sexual health. The modern diagnostic tests are much more private, convenient, and hassle-free as they are now available at your doorstep.

Dubai is a city where people value privacy and here the home-testing services gained immense popularity mostly because of the privacy it offers. People can now prioritize their well-being without fearing or getting embarrassed. A comprehensive understanding of sexually transmitted infections is required for better awareness of the testing. This article explores all the significant aspects of STDs and their testing.

What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)?

Sexually transmitted diseases or infections are caused by various bacteria, viruses, or parasites and their transmission is primarily due to sexual contact but can also spread through other means as well such as sharing needles and personal use items like razors, etc., improper blood transfusion, and others which will be discussed in detail in the latter section. STDs are spreading rapidly worldwide and are becoming a global health concern. The common STDs are as follows;

• Chlamydia is a common bacterial infection that is asymptomatic but is responsible for causing severe reproductive complications.
• Gonorrhea is characterized by painful urination and discharge but in some cases, it remains asymptomatic.
• Syphilis is also a bacterial infection and it progresses slowly resulting in severe health issues if it is left untreated.
• Human immunodeficiency virus causes a viral infection that is responsible for weakening the immune system and if it progresses to advanced stages it can become unmanageable. The infection makes the body susceptible to various infections.
• Some strains of human papillomavirus can lead to genital warts while other strains can cause cervical cancer.
• Herpes is one of the viral infections characterized by the presence of painful blisters but many infected individuals may show no signs or symptoms.

It is observed that many sexually transmitted infections remain asymptomatic during the early stages and only become visible once the disease has progressed to advanced stages, which makes the testing crucial even when an individual feels fine.

How STDs are Transmitted?

Prevention of STDs can be done effectively when one is aware of its transmission. Here we will explain briefly the modes of transmission so that people can take responsible actions for their well-being.

• The risk of contracting the infection increases if an individual is involved in unprotected intercourse whether oral, vaginal, or anal sex.
• Some STDs can even spread through skin-to-skin contact such as herpes virus and human papillomavirus rather than fluids of the body.
• Drug administration through shared needles that might be contaminated is a common route of transmission of HIV and hepatitis.
• Some sexually transmitted infections can even pass from an infected mother to their child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
• In some rare cases blood transfusions can also cause HIV transmission, though less common now due to the strict screening process before transfusion but has been a great route of transmission of HIV in the past.

Why do People fear Getting Themselves Screened?

Despite the significance of STD testing many people usually fear or avoid getting themselves screened due to various reasons such as;

• People fear getting judged by the healthcare professional, their friend circle, and family members.
• People have anxieties associated with a positive test result as they have misinformation that a positive result is the end of life.
• Some people are unaware that they might be carrying the virus even if they feel no symptoms at all.
• Individuals usually find it uncomfortable to discuss their sexual health with a doctor.
• Some people have busy schedules and the hospitals and testing facilities are far away from their homes.

These factors lead to delay in the STD testing which is crucial for the well-being of an individual, limiting the spread of the virus, and controlling the disease in early stages to prevent severe health complications. To combat these factors modern healthcare has introduced the service of STD test at home that caters to the needs of the individuals.

Home-Based STD Testing

In the old times diagnostic testing was a hassle and many people stressed getting the test done due to long commutes, long waiting hours, inconvenience, and social anxiety. For STD testing the fear and anxiety doubled as discussed above, however, with the introduction of home-based STD testing the screening of sexual health has become easier. At-home STD test is a simple design that works simply;

• Individuals are required to book an online test or schedule an appointment via a phone call, website, or an app. The booking is discreet.
• A professional technician visits your home for the collection of the sample, privacy of the patients is maintained throughout the process while ensuring their comfort.
• The sample is then delivered to the accredited laboratory for the analysis of sexually transmitted infections.
• The results are then provided confidentially through email or an online portal within 24 to 48 hours.
• If the test results come back positive medical consultation is provided via telemedicine services, the consultation involves guidance on the available treatment options and lifestyle modifications needed to limit the spread of the virus and manage the disease.

Conclusion

The increasing demand for STD testing at home and comprehensive STD screening Dubai has allowed people to prioritize their sexual health without fearing or having anxieties regarding the social stigma as the service offers discreet testing, prompt results, and immediate treatment if required without going through the hassle of visiting a clinic.

It is essential to normalize STD testing and break the stigma so that people can be encouraged to regularly get screened for the detection of the virus and get the treatment timely for overall well-being and a healthy society.