The most frequently cited list of threats to the health of expats living in Thailand usually includes factors like air pollution, food poisoning or traffic accidents. But there is another danger you should consider- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) – and you don’t necessarily have to frequent the seedy underbelly of Bangkok’s nightlife to encounter it. If you’re sexually active and want to protect your nether region from looking like a car crash, then postpone logging on to Tinder for a moment and swipe down to keep on reading.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs – also known as sexually transmitted infections) are caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites that are most commonly spread through unprotected sex. Anyone who is sexually active is potentially at risk – and prevention is far more convenient than treatment.
With that in mind, let’s untangle some myths and facts on this sensitive issue to help you stay healthy.
MYTH: Online dating is not related to STDs.
FACT: The rise in popularity of dating apps and online dating has been directly linked to a surge in STDs. So make sure you take extra care when getting Thai-friendly online.
General STI symptoms
Depending on the contagion, symptoms can appear within days or weeks (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes), or weeks or months (hepatitis B, HIV, syphilis) after the first exposure. This being said, symptoms can often go undetected which is why it is vital to get regular sexual health check-ups.
It’s important to identify and treat STDs as soon as possible. Common symptoms include:
- Unusual discharge from your genitals or anus;
- Painful urination;
- A rash, lumps or skin growths around your genitals or anus;
- Discomfort, pain, itchiness, blisters or sores around your genitals or anus.
What Happens At a Sexual Health Clinic?
Remember, a general health practitioner probably isn’t an expert and may only test you for the most common infections based on your age or your symptoms, or if you specifically request a particular test. A visit to a sexual health clinic is, therefore, a more sensible option. At the clinic, a doctor or nurse will ask questions about your sex life and may need to examine your genitals or anus.
They will then recommend the most appropriate tests for your situation. If a test reveals you have an STD, it’s important that you tell your sexual partner and any ex-partners so they can get tested and treated too.
You might feel embarrassed, but don’t worry, there’s no need to be – the staff at these clinics see all kinds of infections EVERYDAY. It’s their job and they won’t judge you.
You can go to a sexual health clinic whether you’re male or female, whatever your age, regardless of whether or not you have STI symptoms.
Staying Safe
You may be proud of yourself for having showing restraint in the throes of passion last night, but that seemingly innocent dry hump also has the potential to attract some unwanted visitors through skin-to-skin contact. Even if you’ve been in a serious relationship for years and both got screened at the beginning, can you say with 100% certainty that neither of you have flirted with temptation?
If you are sexually active, getting tested is as important for your health as using protection. Everyone is advised to be screened at least once a year, while sexually active gay, bisexual, and transgender people would benefit from being screened every six months.
Did you know that if detected early, most STI except HIV can be cured with one or two medications?
MYTH: Testing once gives you a clean bill of health.
FACT: Every time you engage in sexual activity, you expose yourself to STD risks.
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