By: Plume Community Member
- Introduction to STIs and Health Testing
- Why STI Testing is Important for Transgender and Nonbinary People
- Types of STI Tests for Transgender and Nonbinary People
- What to Expect from an STI Screening
- Risks of Not Getting Tested for STIs
- How to Prepare for an STI Test
- How to Find an STI Testing Center Near You
- What to Do After Getting Tested for STIs
- Tips for Managing Your Sexual Health
- Conclusion
We all want to stay healthy and take good care of ourselves. If you’re a transgender or nonbinary person, that means getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs, sometimes also called sexually transmitted diseases or STDs). STIs can affect any gender, so it’s important to get tested regularly to make sure you’re not putting your health at risk. Regardless of your sexual preferences or practices, you can take good care of yourself by getting tested!
Introduction to STIs and Health Testing
STIs are infections that spread through unprotected sexual contact, such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You don’t need to have penetrative sex to get an STI. Toys can also pass infections.
STIs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Some common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV/AIDS. STIs can have serious consequences if left untreated. That is why it’s important to get tested regularly and use safer sex practices to ensure your health and safety.
Getting tested for STIs is a simple process that involves a physical exam, lab work, and sometimes additional tests. During the physical exam, a health care provider will examine your genitals, anus, and other areas of your body to look for signs of an infection. Lab tests involve collecting samples of blood, urine, or other bodily fluids, which will then be sent to a lab for testing.
Additional tests may also be performed to detect specific infections, such as HIV or syphilis.
Why STI Testing is Important for Transgender and Nonbinary People
STI testing is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for transgender and nonbinary people. This is because the risk of contracting an STI is higher for transgender and nonbinary people than it is for cisgender people. This is due to:
- Lack of access to care
- Need for more awareness and education about STIs
- Potential for discrimination and stigma in health care settings faced by the transgender and nonbinary community
Transgender and nonbinary people also have unique risks when it comes to STIs. For example, if you use hormones or silicone injections, there is a higher risk of developing an infection. Additionally, if you have undergone gender confirmation surgery, you may be at an increased risk of infection due to the healing surgical site. While these are not necessarily sexually transmitted infections, these types of infections do put your health at risk.
Types of STI Tests for Transgender and Nonbinary People
The types of STI tests you may need depend on your gender identity and sexual activities. If you are a transgender man and/or you have a penis, you may need a test for gonorrhea and chlamydia. If you are a transgender woman and/or if you have a vagina, you may need a test for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. If you are a nonbinary person, you may need tests for all of the above, as well as HIV and syphilis.
The type of STI test you need also depends on the type of sexual activity you engage in. For example, if you engage in anal sex, you may need a test for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV. If you engage in oral sex, you may need a test for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis.
What to Expect from an STI Screening
When getting tested for an STI, you can expect a physical exam, lab work, and sometimes additional tests. During the physical exam, a health care provider will examine your genitals, anus, and other areas of your body to look for signs of an infection. This may include looking for signs of discharge, sores, rashes, or other abnormalities.
Lab tests involve collecting samples of blood, urine, or other bodily fluids, which will then be sent to a lab for testing. Additional tests may also be performed to detect specific infections, such as HIV or syphilis.
Risks of Not Getting Tested for STIs
Not getting tested for STIs can have serious consequences. If left untreated, STIs can cause health problems such as infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and even death. Additionally, if you are HIV positive and not getting treated, you are at greater risk of developing AIDS.
How to Prepare for an STI Test
Before getting tested for an STI, it’s important to prepare for the appointment. This includes gathering information about your sexual history, understanding the types of tests that may be performed, and being honest with your health care provider. If you’re concerned about your sexual health, you can always reach out to your Plume Care Team to talk about your options.
It’s also important to know the risks of getting tested for an STI. For example, some tests require the collection of bodily fluids, which can be uncomfortable or even painful. Additionally, some tests may require the collection of genital or anal samples, which can be invasive.
If you have a history of sexual trauma or medical trauma, communicate your needs ahead of time. It may be helpful to bring a friend who understands how to support you during an STI test.
How to Find an STI Testing Center Near You
Finding an STI testing center near you can be a challenge, especially if you are in a rural area or if there is limited access to health care. Fortunately, there are a number of resources available to help you find a testing center.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a website called GetTested, which can help you find testing centers in your area. Additionally, Planned Parenthood offers STI testing services in many locations across the US. Finally, the National Network of STD Clinical Prevention Training Centers provides information on local testing centers.
What to Do After Getting Tested for STIs
Once you have been tested for an STI, it’s important to follow up with your primary care provider (if you have one) and your Care Team at Plume. If your test results come back positive, your health care provider will work with you to develop a treatment plan. If your test results come back negative, you should discuss steps you can take to stay healthy and protect yourself from STIs.
It’s also important to tell your sexual partners that you have been tested for an STI. This is to ensure that they are also tested and can receive treatment if needed.
Tips for Managing Your Sexual Health
Managing your sexual health is an important part of staying healthy and safe. Here are some tips for managing your sexual health:
- Use condoms or other barrier methods when engaging in sexual activities.
- Avoid having unprotected sex with multiple partners.
- Limit your use of drugs and alcohol.
- Get tested for STIs regularly.
- Talk to your primary health care provider or your Care Team about your sexual health.
- Make an appointment to talk with your Care Team about your concerns in Plume’s easy-to-use app!
Conclusion
As a transgender or nonbinary person, it’s important to get tested for STIs regularly. Getting tested can help you stay healthy and protect you from serious health problems. It’s also important to talk to your health care provider about your sexual health and get tested if you engage in unprotected sex. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can take control of your health and get tested for STIs.
