Medical Health Tests Articles Medical Tests

Unsafe sex is the principal cause of sexually transmitted diseases, be it oral or anal sex with a single partner or multiple partners, whether between heterosexuals or homosexuals.

Men and homosexuals who are ‘sexually active' need to undergo STD tests along with their routine annual check-up to ensure that they have not contracted any sexually transmitted diseases. Resorting to used needles for injections or IVs also give rise to STDs. It should be noted that men are more prone to some STDs, despite using condoms.

Types

STD test procedure for men: Male STD test procedures are carried out according to the kind of infection contracted. There are different types of STD tests for men and therefore the STD tests for men procedure would differ to some extent from each other. A swab taken from lesions or open sores around the genitals is tested for STDs. Hepatitis infection can be diagnosed through a blood sample.The six most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are as follows:

• Syphilis (also known as a sexually transmitted infection, STI): A blood test is taken to detect the presence of the infection; a swab of open sores and lesions in the genital areas is also taken.
• Gonorrhea: The second most prevalent STD in the US. The first urine specimen of the morning is taken for testing any infection. Alternatively, a Q-tip can be inserted through the penis into the urethra to collect a urine sample. A swab taken from the lesions around the genital region are also sent for STD infection testing.
• Chlamydia: The morning's first urine sample or a swab of genital sores is sent for clinical tests.
• Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus 2, HSV-2): A blood test is taken to test for infection.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Warts on the skin around the genital region are sent for biopsy. Extreme cases could lead to cancer of the penis, rectum, and anus.
• HIV AIDS: Although the numbers have reduced since 1992 when its prevalence was at its highest, about 38,000 Americans still fall prey to this disease. If not diagnosed in time or left untreated, it could be fatal.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (or CDC) recommend an annual STD testing for men only if they've shown symptoms or have had sex with other men. A teenager or adult aged 13 to 64 is recommended to include STD tests in their routine screening, especially if the person has had more than one partner. The tests include a blood test and a rectal swab.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea if left untreated could lead to HIV AIDS and other types of STD.