City Doc

Whilst most people could name some STDs, many haven’t a clue about how they may contract one, and have never had an STD test.

London is a popular place to party and in many cases, partying leads to a new sexual partner. Unfortunately for some, a new sexual partner can, in turn, lead to a nasty sexually transmitted disease, which could stay with you for the rest of your life. That’s why an STD test, London-based or around the country, could make a real difference to your sexual health.

What do you know about STDs?

Most people would be able to tell you what “STD” stands for, and most would be able to name at least one disease or infection. Ask anything more specific than that, however, and you may be surprised at how little most people know. Just as myths used to (and still do) abound about pregnancy, so people believe things about STDs that just aren’t true, and that might explain why STD tests in London aren’t as common as they should be.

Common STD myths

Wearing a condom can prevent STDs. This isn’t true. Using a condom can help to prevent pregnancy, and it may protect you against some STDs, but if infected skin areas come into contact, you can still contract some diseases. If you use a condom but you are worried about your sexual health, you should get an STD test. London patients can call CityDoc for an appointment today.

I’ve only had oral sex with my current partner, so I won’t catch an STD. Wrong. STDs can be transmitted through oral sex, so you and your partner must get an STD test before you become sexually active.

I’m on the pill, which means I won’t get an STD. According to research, this is one of the most common myths about STDs. The pill is a contraceptive, so its purpose is to prevent pregnancy – and most pills are not 100% effective at that. Taking the pill gives you absolutely no protection at all against STDs.

I had an STD test in London a few years ago and I’m clean. But how many partners have you had since your test? Can you be sure that you haven’t caught anything in the past few years? The best way to make sure is to have an STD test every time you change partners.

I don’t have any symptoms. Many STDs carry no outward symptoms, so you could be carrying and infecting others without knowing about it. Don’t assume that you are safe because you have no physical signs of STDs.

These are just some of the most common attitudes towards STDs. In fact, if they are left untreated, they can become dangerous and you could be putting not only your own health at risk, but the health of others. Don’t put yourself in this position – get an STD test as soon as possible.

CityDoc gives you all the medical services you need, right in the heart of London. With a clinic in Harley Street and one on Moorgate, this is the ideal GP practice for busy Londoners. Offering individual care, and a corporate health services to businesses, CityDoc provides a comprehensive healthcare service, with rapid referrals to specialists where necessary. Whether you’re looking for a private doctor, an STD test or other sexual health tests, a single MMR for your child, or you just need inoculations before your next holiday, CityDoc can help. Call for an appointment on 0207 935 6260 (West End) or 0207 256 8668 (City) or just fill in our online form for more information.