Dr. Inderjyothi

Benefits of getting regular tests for STIs

STIs or sexually transmitted diseases are infections whose transmission to a healthy person from an infected person happens through sexual contact. However, with modern medicine and diagnostic techniques, there are ways to prevent, detect and cure them effectively and quickly.

Not all diseases are curable though and it is best to follow preventive measures. Also, for sexually active adults it is an absolute necessity to get tested regularly for their health as well as the well-being of their partners.

Why do people tend to avoid getting tested for STIs or sexually transmitted infections?

One of the major factors that avert people from regular tests is the social stigma attached with sexually transmitted diseases. It is absolutely imperative for sexually active adults to go for regular checkups so that if they have any infections or diseases, it can be diagnosed quickly and remedial measure can be taken appropriately.

The benefits of regular checkups

Some of the benefits of regular checkups are mentioned here:-

• Regular checkups can detect problems at a stage when the conditions may not have progressed too much and this will make it easily treatable.
• With HIV positive patients, the quicker the testing gets done the quicker the treatment can be started. Thus, can prevent the onset of AIDS.
• Regular checkups can control the progression of the diseases such as Chlamydia, which if left untreated can cause permanent infertility.
• Getting a prospective partner tested is also a good idea as this can enable one to protect themselves from STIs.
• Symptoms for certain STIs can be similar to many other non-sexual or non-venereal diseases. Thus getting tests done is the only way to get to know if there is an STI or if it is some other nonsexual disease.
• HPV or Human Papilloma Virus can be detected easily with regular STI checkups and thus appropriate treatment can be started. If HPV isn't detected early, it can manifest much later in the form of cancer, which makes it more important to get yourself checked early on.

'Consult'.

Related Tip: How too much sugar can adversely affect your sex life

Bloodshot eyes indicate the reddening of the eye vessels. They can cause irritation and make the eye swollen. The condition may arise due to allergies, eye infections, allergies, fatigue and other illness of the eye. It does not signify a disease but indicates an eye condition which might have caused the eye to redden. Bloodshot eyes can be encountered in one or both the eyes.

Causes of Bloodshot Eyes:

One of the frequent causes of bloodshot eyes is irritants such as dry air, pollen, pet dander, dust and UV rays of the sun. Shortage of sleep also tends to make the eyes red. Inflammations of the eye can also make them red giving a bloodshot appearance. It can even happen with people who wear contact lens for more than 16 hours without soaking it in the disinfectant. At times excessive dryness can make the eyes red. Some other reasons for the eye to become red include conjunctivitis, blepharitis, glaucoma and corneal ulcer. Another concerning reason of bloodshot eyes is a subconjunctival haemorrhage. While the latter is not dangerous in nature, it can cause significant trouble if proper care is not taken on time.

Symptoms of Red Eyes:

Some of the common signs of bloodshot eyes include watery eyes, foreign sensation, burning feeling, dermatitis, falling of eye lashes, light sensitivity, swollen eyelid, itching of the eye and feeling of irritation of the eye.

The Complications Involved:

In most of the cases, bloodshot eyes do not imply serious complications. In case it happens from conjunctivitis, a person may not be able to go to work, wear cosmetics and come in public places since it is a communicable disease. If bloodshot eyes arise from a serious condition such as glaucoma and trauma, some of the possible complications may involve the following:

1. Eye scarring

2. Vision loss due to complete blindness

3. Spreading of the existing condition to other persons

4. Eye loss in severe cases

Preventive Measures:

Bloodshot eyes might arise from an array of reasons. While it cannot be totally dodged, some general preventive measures can ensure that such a condition does not arise:

1. Keeping hands clean by thoroughly washing them with liquid soap

2. Not sharing personal belongings such as washcloths, linen, and cosmetics

3. Get immediate medical attention in case of any eye injuries

4. Stay away from an environment that is full of allergens

5. Staying away from people who are suffering from infectious eye diseases such as conjunctivitis

6. Taking a shower immediately after getting in touch with an infected person suffering from conjunctivitis

7. Wearing eye glasses in a dusty environment

   If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an ophthalmologist.