Sexual intercourse is a healthy activity for healthy people, but unfortunately slip-ups can lead to worsening health.
Most people are at least partially aware of the threat of STDs with sexual intercourse, but few completely understand just how contagious they can be.
Even if you practice safe sex, there are possibilities of STD transmission.
Seeing a doctor after every instance of sexual intercourse seems like overkill, so what are the signs that it is time for STD testing? If you feel pain, itching, or increased sensitivity after sexual intercourse in or around your genitals, you should get STD testing immediately.
Don't wait to see if it goes away on its own, because even if it does, you may still have a disease.
Seeing a doctor is important for you and your partner.
The pain can get pretty bad, and you could end up spreading the disease to your partner if you don't know you have it.
Itching may seem less serious, but for those who have had serious itching, it can be torture.
The doctor is going to be able to relieve any pain or itching substantially, if not altogether.
If you don't practice safe sex, or have multiple partners, you should get STD testing even if you don't have any noticeable symptoms.
For sexually active women 25 years old and younger, testing every year for Chlamydia is suggested.
For anybody sexually active and not in a long term, mutually exclusive relationship, thorough STD testing at least once a year is good goal.