Sexual Health: STDs, STIs, & Getting Tested in Beijing
Discussing STIs or STDs can be a highly stigmatized - or even an awkward - conversation topic, but it's extremely important to be mindful about sexually transmitted diseases and infections, especially if you are going on dates!
Joshua Hiller has lived in China since 2007 and currently works at the OASIS International Hospital in Beijing. He shares the differences between STIs and STDs, how often you should get tested, and how/where you can get tested in Beijing.
Be Mindful of Your Sexual Health: STIs & STDs
Author: Joshua Hiller
Questions of your sexual health may not seem a topic for polite conversation, but it certainly is one to consider. Sexually transmitted diseases and infections are more common than you might think and can cause irreversible harm if left untreated.
To differentiate between these two terms STD (sexually transmitted disease) and STI (sexually transmitted infection), an STD refers to the disease itself, which is usually when symptoms occur, whereas an STI refers to the infection which may be present even without any symptoms. HIV is an STI and there are more than 25 other STIs that can be transmitted through sexual contact. Globally, the WHO estimates that more than one million people get an STI every day.
Left untreated, STIs can cause serious health problems including cervical cancer, liver disease, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility and pregnancy issues. Some of the most common STIs are chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital warts, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, herpes, HIV, and syphilis.
STDs & STIs: A Subject Highly Stigmatized
One of the biggest barriers to testing for these infections and diseases is the fear of being judged by our peers and those around us. Disease, in a word, has always gone hand in hand with stigma, just like the recent pandemic of COVID-19 where some people have lashed out at certain populations in blind belief they are doing what is right for public health.
Shame and stigma is a powerful weapon of control that has been used throughout history to marginalize people. The language we use surrounding the topic of disease and infection, particularly STIs and STDs, in this case, should be non-judgmental. Words such as “clean” when referring to a negative test result should be refrained from use, as “clean” on the flip side infers those with a positive result are “dirty”.
Changing our own view and opinions on this subject and shifting terminology away from “purity” language of clean and dirty can not only remove the sting of stigma, but help those find the courage to talk honestly with a medical professional and get the help they need.
When and How Often Should You Get Tested?
The Center for disease and Control, CDC, recommends:
All adults and adolescents from ages 13 to 64 should be tested at least once for HIV.
All sexually active women younger than 25 years should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year. Women 25 years and older with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners or a sex partner who has an STD should also be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.
All pregnant women should be tested for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B starting early in pregnancy. At-risk pregnant women should also be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea starting early in pregnancy. Testing should be repeated as needed to protect the health of mothers and their infants.
All sexually active gay and bisexual men should be tested at least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Those who have multiple or anonymous partners should be tested more frequently for STDs (i.e., at 3- to 6-month intervals).
Sexually active gay and bisexual men may benefit from more frequent HIV testing (e.g., every 3 to 6 months).
Anyone who has unsafe sex or shares injection drug equipment should get tested for HIV at least once a year.
Reasons to get Tested:
Symptoms are not always present.
Infections left untreated could causes serious health issues.
Testing is quick and easy.
Consult openly with your physician, not all STD screenings may be necessary.
STD tests are readily available, and results are fast.
STI Screening Available at OASIS International Hospital
OASIS is a certified HIV antibody testing center, certified since 2013 by the Beijing Municipal Health Commission. Our in-house laboratory is accredited by the NCCL EQA since 2018 and is in full operation 24/7.
*STI screening may be covered by insurance. Contact OASIS to query your insurance benefits.
*Corporate and individual memberships, discounts apply.
Learn more about Getting Tested in Beijing: Where to Go and What To Do.
HPV: Prevention is Vaccination!
Human Papillomavirus, HPV, is a colossal viral system with over 130 subtypes identified. Each strain has a different virulence and can be divided into low-risk and high-risk types that can cause warts in mild cases and cancer in severe. For example, HPV-6 and HPV-11 can cause abnormal growths in the genital areas, such as warts, these are not carcinogenic, however, HPV-16 and HPV-18 are the main pathogenic types of cervical cancer.
This highly contagious virus lives dormant in males and females and is most commonly spread during sexual intercourse. The rate of infection increases rapidly past a persons first experience, and has a cumulative rate of infection increasing annually.
Most HPV infections clear without any intervention within 2 years and are medically referred to as "transient infections". A small proportion of infections with certain types of HPV can persist and progress to cervical cancer. Although low-risk HPV strains are almost never cancerous, prolonged infection can lead to genital warts or very subtle changes in cervical cells, thus, are still dangerous regardless with persistent infection.
The Main Reason to Vaccinate against HPV is to Prevent Infection, Screening is to Treat Early Infection. OASIS provides vaccination services for HPV.
Read more about HPV by OASIS: HPV - Important Details and Package Pricing.
About OASIS International Hospital
OASIS is a full-service high-end international hospital with over 30 clinical departments and has been accredited since 2016 by the Joint Commission International (JCI). We provide multilingual hospital services and maintain about one-third international patient volume.
Working within the hospital system, I was very interested in the relationship between departments - their independence and inter-dependence on one another, and I found it to be very forward thinking and patient centered here at OASIS, particularly within the Obstetrics Dept. We offer LDRP rooms for pregnant women, meaning Labor, Delivery, Rest and Postpartum all within the comfort of one room. No need to move from room to room for each stage of labor, delivery and rest.
Our goal in writing and sharing articles is to provide health information that will enhance people’s awareness of health concerns so they can make the right choice for a healthy lifestyle between regular doctor visits. Our motto here at OASIS is “Experience Healthcare Excellence” and that is what we try to live up to everyday.
Find Out More About OASIS:
Information on OASIS can be found on many social media platforms.
WeChat (OASIS_hospital)
Facebook
LinkedIn
Official website (www.oasishealth.cn)
As well as a convenient App for OASIS patients providing easy access to booking appointments, medical results and payment.
For more information about our services or to book an appointment, please visit www.oasishealth.cn or call 400-UR-OASIS (400-87-62747). Current patients only can book appointments on our official WeChat account: MYOASIS and hospital App.
Thanks to Joshua Hiller and OASIS International Hospital for sharing more information about STDs and STIs.
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