The issue of safe sex is very significant in the big city and no-one should under-estimate the importance of STD testing. Los Angeles in particular is one city who takes this matter seriously and there are many opportunities to have it done quickly and confidentially. In this article we’ll explore some of the issues behind this sensitive subject – though please keep in mind that this is not qualified medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, you should always contact a medical professional.

A Quick Refresher – the Basics

The harsh reality is that you can catch a number of diseases if you’re sexually active - and not necessarily only through full sexual intercourse. The good news is that for many such conditions, treatment is often available and full cures may be achieved in many cases. That’s why when it comes to STD testing, Los Angeles is not the only city where it’s is important.

Unfortunately, not all STDs are quite so easily treatable. Some infections are becoming more resistant to standard antibiotics, and some viral infections cannot be cured as such, although they can be treated and hopefully kept in remission. In the case of HIV, if full AIDS subsequently develops then obviously it can be potentially life threatening. Where STDs are concerned, prevention is ALWAYS better than the cure.

STDs – Prevention

You may well know this already and if you’re sexually active, you sure should do! Even so, let’s revisit the principles ‘just in case’.

• Abstinence. OK, fair enough, not an attractive proposition for many. In reality though, it’s the only way to be near 100% sure that you won’t contract an STD.

• Reduce your number of sexual partners. Whatever your sexual orientation, it’s now commonly accepted that the more partners you have and the more ‘casual sex’ you engage in, then the higher your chances are of encountering an infected person. This is not a morality issue – it is just statistics.

• Practice safe sex. The only widely accepted method of protection when engaging in full sexual intercourse is the use of a condom for men or a femidom (female condom, Reality condom) for women. This is not just a form of contraception because, as it reduces or eliminates the exchange of bodily fluids, it also offers significant protection against infection. It’s worth noting though that this is not a 100% foolproof method.

• Pre-sex STD screenings. This form of prevention is often controversial and certainly it’s not something that can be done spontaneously in the heat of passion. Even so, it’s logical enough. The idea is that you don’t engage in sex with your partner until you have both had some form of STD check (for STD testing, Los Angeles services are listed on the Net and elsewhere) that shows you’re both clear. This does, of course, only have meaning if both partners remain entirely ‘monogamous’ from the point the test results are in.

STD testing Los Angeles – Because Life isn’t Risk-free

Few things in life are entirely free of risk. Condoms and femidoms can slip or tear and even a long-term partner can ‘cheat’ and thereby make immediately useless their previously clear test results.

The harsh message is, that unless you want to become entirely and permanently celibate, the risk of contracting an STD will always exist. If you behave responsibly and sensibly you can hugely reduce the risk but you can’t eliminate it altogether. However, this isn’t cause for panic and the fitting of security locks on your bedroom door! What it may suggest is that it might be sensible and practical to keep a close watch on your sexual health.

Unfortunately, assuming you’re fine because you are completely without symptoms isn’t always a safe way to go about things. Some STDs are notoriously ‘sneaky’ and can rest dormant and asymptomatic in your body (although you may be infectious and perfectly capable of passing on the condition to others). So, it may make sense to get regular checks at any of the Los Angeles STD testing centers. The testing is typically simple, often involving only some swabs, blood tests and general examinations. If the results are all clear then you’re reassured and if they’re not – well, at least you know the problem is there and can get it dealt with!