Every person involved in sexual activity is at risk of contracting STIs, especially HIV. Family planning is something most people tend not to consider. But, to protect your generation from hereditary diseases and mutations, STI test and medical screening can play a huge role. 

If you are planning to have a baby, putting STI tests and regular medical exams in your family planning is a great way to protect yourself, your partner, and your newborn from several deadly infections. Read this guide to understand why STI screening should be necessary for family planning. 

What are Sexually Transmitted Infections?

Sexually transmitted infections are different infections caused by sexual contact. Some STIs are short-term and curable. While some STIs like HIV, hepatitis B and C are fatal, hereditary, and, if left undiagnosed or untreated, can lead to death. 

Every person involved in sexual activity, such as vaginal intercourse, or oral and anal sex, is at risk of STIs. 

Getting the STI test is a safer option whether you are planning for pregnancy or want to maintain healthy sexual life. STI testing is a medical exam performed to diagnose various STIs, including; 

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhoea 
  • HIV
  • Hepatitis 
  • Public lice
  • Syphilis 
  • Bacterial vaginosis and more.

Sexually Transmitted Infections and Pregnancy 

Whether you are pregnant or not, every STI requires immediate treatment. Unfortunately, if you are pregnant and diagnosed with STI, it can also impact the baby. Here is a list of different STIs and their effect on the newborn baby; 

  • Herpes can be passed down from any partner to a child. It can lead to partial or complete blindness in the infant. 
  • Gonorrhoea during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, premature delivery, or ectopic pregnancy. 
  • Chlamydia is common in women. Hence, a pregnant woman diagnosed with chlamydia is at higher risk of miscarriage. It also causes pneumonia and eye infections in the newborn baby. 
  • Hepatitis B is a deadly liver infection. A pregnant woman with Hepatitis B can transmit this STI to her baby. A newborn baby infected with Hepatitis B can get a liver infection, organ failure, or even death.

Who should go for STI Test?

The medical tests for STIs are not only for those who are sexually active or have had multiple sex partners. You can undergo STI screening if you are an adult and want to maintain your sexual health. 

Here is a list of people who should consider STI testing; 

  • People aged 13 to 60 should get an STI test once in a while, especially for HIV.
  • Females younger than 25 have a higher risk of chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Young women should go for frequent STI tests. 
  • We recommend women with multiple or new sex partners get the STI test. 
  • STIs can be passed down from a mother to a newborn. Pregnant women should get tested for gonorrhoea, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B or C. 
  • A sexual health exam, especially STI screening, is essential if you have unprotected sex.
  • Bisexual, gay, and homosexual people should undergo STI testing twice a year for HIV, syphilis, genital herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea. 
  • People with a history of multiple sexual partners should consider getting STI checked every 3, 6, to 12 months. 
  • People with a medical history of HIV should go for STI tests for hepatitis every year
  • People engaging in oral or anal sex should get STI testing options for throat and rectal infections. 

Final Words 

Most STIs have no apparent symptoms. And if left undiagnosed can lead to infertility in both males and females.