Health Tips from a Mother of Three

Tips To Help You Prepare For A Visit To A Free STD Clinic

If you are planning to visit a free clinic in order to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STD's,) you are to be commended.  According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC,) there are approximately 19 million new STD cases occurring each year, making it critical that you find out your status.  However, it can be a bit nerve-wracking to prepare for a visit to the free clinic because you may be nervous concerning what to expect.  Use this information to learn more about how you can be ready for your visit so you can make the most of it.

Discontinue Sexual Activity As Far In Advance As Possible

One of the best ways for you to get the most out of your visit to the free clinic is to discontinue having sex as far in advance as possible.  Although this may not be possible if you are concerned about an encounter that you had just a few days prior to your visit, there's a good reason why this is advisable.

Some STD's take some time before they will show up on a blood test.  For example, it takes several weeks for the antibodies associated with genital herpes to show up in your system.  In addition, it could take as long as three months for an HIV infection to be reflected in a blood test.  This means that the longer you can wait before having sex ahead of your visit to the free clinic, the more accurate your results will be.

A good way to approach this matter is to plan well.  You can make it a point to visit the free clinic on a set date each year.  Once you realize that this date is approaching you should stop all sexual activity well in advance of it.

Be Prepared To Be Completely Transparent

Another way you can prepare for your visit to the free clinic for STD testing is to be ready for complete openness.  The doctor will more than likely ask you some highly personal questions, and it is your job to be transparent and honest so that your diagnosis is correct.

Be prepared to answer questions pertaining to the number of intimate partners you have had, the type of sexual activity you engage in and information about STD's that you may have had in the past.  The more honest you are, the more you will benefit from your day at the clinic.

Going to get tested for STD's doesn't have to be a frightening thing if you know what to do.  Before you visit the free STD clinic, use this advice so your experience will be a profitable one.


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