Comprehensive STD vs. Recent Exposure – which is the right one for you?
Choosing the right STD test is simply a matter of having a good idea of when you were exposed. Your body produces antibodies after 28 days of exposure. Testing with an HIV ½ Antibody test is useless before 28 days and can lead to a false sense of security. If you believe you’ve been exposed to HIV within the last 28 days, you may want to consider a Recent Exposure STD test instead,
- HIV ½ Antibody - can detect the presence of antibodies produced by the body as a result of an HIV infection. It can take three weeks or more for the body to develop HIV antibodies, so this test must be conducted after 28 days of exposure in order to be effective. The detection of HIV antibodies indicates that the person has HIV. No antibodies may indicate that the person is not infected, but may not be completely conclusive. It is possible that the body has not yet developed HIV antibodies. Therefore anyone who believes they have been exposed to HIV should be retested three to six months later to see if antibodies are present. HIV leads to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV weakens the immune system making the individual with HIV more susceptible to diseases such as TB, pneumonia and other diseases. Early detection of HIV allows medication intervention which anc lead to a long life with HIV without complications from AIDS.
- Chlamydia/Gonorrhea – are the two most common STDs/STIs in the United States. Although often they have no symptoms, left untreated, they can cause pelvic inflammatory diseases which can lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancies.
- Syphilis – can lead to brain, heart and bone damage and may not show symptoms or signs for years. Syphilis symptoms include an outbreak of a sore or chancre and can lead to a rash in the genital or rectum area causing burning or itching.
- Hepatitis B and C – loss of appetite, weakness, fatigue and jaundice are the most common signs of hepatitis disorders. Hepatitis can lead to severe liver damage and may require a liver transplant.
- Genital herpes – can spread even if there is no outbreak and if you are using protection.
Spread the word, not the STD.
The spread of STDs and STIs is at an epidemic proportion. Most STDs and STIs have no visible symptoms or signs so many people spread the disease without even knowing it. Unfortunately even when people find out, they are too embarrassed to tell their partners, so the cycle continues. The only way to find out if you have an STD is to just get tested. One way to stop the spread of STDs is to spread the word. Tell partners if you’ve exposed them to an infection. Tell friends to just get tested. Spread the word.
