Ok, you know you’ve got something; it started off with an annoying little itch here, a faint little rash there, and sometimes things just don’t look quite right, you know, down there. It can be a very worrying time wondering if it’s serious, if it’s curable or, if indeed it’s anything to be concerned about at all. But there are two things for certain; an STD test can give you the answers you need and, ignoring an STD definitely won’t make it go away. Don’t bother testing the theory, the pages of history are packed to the brim with people who, whether knowingly or unknowingly, have turned a blind eye to their weird and worrying symptoms and either lived to regret it, or died, to presumably even deeper regret.

There’s a lot of myth and misconception out there about sexually transmitted diseases but, in these modern times with STD testing so readily available, there’s no longer any need to hide behind dark glasses and an oversized trench coat as you sidle in to a doctors’ surgery three bus rides across town. If you ARE unfortunate enough to be the unlucky recipient of an STD, remember, you’re not alone. (well... obviously there’s at least ONE other person you know that has it too) Nowadays many STD’s can be easily treated as long as they are detected by an early STD test and, although the subject is still somewhat taboo as a dinner party conversation, being vaguely aware of some of the symptoms (or non-symptoms) of these ‘big three’ could save you a lot of heartache in the long run.

Syphilis

This is a tough one because it is notoriously hard to diagnose from symptoms alone and, in fact, often shows no symptoms. A disease in three stages, if left undiagnosed and allowed to develop, Syphilis can ultimately become fatal so early STD testing is a must if any of these stage one symptoms are present. Small, painless sores around the genital region; a non-itchy rash on the soles of feet or hands; swollen glands; unexplained weight loss and fatigue; sore throat, muscle aches and headaches. Once these symptoms (if present) disappear, in most cases the disease is virtually undetectable in its latent stage without an STD test.

Gonorrhea

In most cases Gonorrhea is very easily detected through an STD test and treatment can be as simple as a course of antibiotics. However, as with other STD’s if left to its own devices the disease can cause irreparable damage to the blood or joints, and chronic pelvic problems. Symptoms, although not as elusive as Syphilis, can be a little ambiguous but include yellow or bloody discharge; abdominal pain; and a burning sensation during urination.

Herpes

The butt of many a teenage joke, Herpes is no laughing matter. Because its symptoms can be virtually non existent, if you are sexually active you should have a regular STD test whether you experience any of the following symptoms or not; sores on the genital area; tingling or itching of infected area; a flu-like fever. Although unfortunately Herpes is incurable, if detected via STD testing the outbreaks can be managed and the discomfort for the sufferer can be minimal.