April 25, 2025 • 11 mins
In this episode of The Health Pulse Podcast, we uncover the silent epidemic of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—a growing health issue that affects 1 in 5 Americans, often without any symptoms.
We discuss the most common STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HPV, and HIV, and why asymptomatic carriers are a major reason they continue to spread. You'll also learn about the risks of leaving STIs untreated—from infertility and organ damage to cancer and chronic disease.
🎧 Tune in to learn why regular, confidential STI testing is essential for everyone who is sexually active—and how fast, easy, and private today’s testing options can be.
📞 Need lab work done from the comfort of home? QLM offers fast, reliable mobile phlebotomy services—no clinic visit required.
📅 Book your appointment or learn more at:
👉 Quick Lab Mobile
📧 Contact us: info@quicklabmobile.com
💬 Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover next! Your feedback helps us bring you the content that matters most.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The content discussed is based on research, expert insights, and reputable sources, but it does not replace professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. We strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, medical research is constantly evolving. Listeners should always verify details with trusted health organizations, before making any health-related decisions. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, such as severe pain, difficulty breathing, or other urgent symptoms, call your local emergency services immediately. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that The Health Pulse and its creators are not responsible for any actions taken based on the content of this episode. Your health and well-being should always be guided by the advice of qualified medical professionals.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Nicolette (00:01):
Welcome to the Health Pulse, your go-to source for
quick, actionable insights onhealth, wellness and diagnostics
.
Whether you're looking tooptimize your well-being or stay
informed about the latest inmedical testing, we've got you
covered.
Join us as we break down keyhealth topics in just minutes.
Let's dive in.
Mark (00:26):
Ever feel like you're just swamped, trying to keep up,
figure out what's actuallyimportant, but there's just so
much noise.
Rachel (00:33):
Yeah, it's a lot.
Mark (00:34):
That's kind of what we try to do here.
Cut through that and todaywe're diving into something
really fundamental for healthsomething that affects so many
people.
Often, you know, without themeven knowing it, Sexually
transmitted infections or STIsExactly, and I think there's
this idea that they're like rare, or you definitely know if you
had one.
Rachel (00:54):
Right, that's a really common thought, but it's well.
It's a misconception and onethat can have some pretty
significant impacts.
Mark (01:00):
Totally so.
Our mission today, reallysparked by this great article
Are you at risk?
Totally so.
Our mission today, reallysparked by this great article
Are you at Risk?
The Most Common STIs and how toGet Tested is to look at how
common these things really are.
Rachel (01:10):
And why they're often so silent.
So symptom free.
Mark (01:13):
Yeah, and why.
Getting tested regularly isjust well smart for you, for
your partners.
Ok, so let's get into it.
Rachel (01:21):
Well, the first thing that jumps out and the article
highlights this using CDC datais the sheer scale.
Over one in five people in theUS have an STI right now.
Mark (01:30):
One in five, yeah, wow.
Rachel (01:32):
Yeah, think about that.
It's a huge chunk of thepopulation.
It really drives home that thisisn't some, you know, fringe
issue.
Mark (01:38):
And the kicker is, like you said, a lot of those folks
have no idea.
Yeah, a lot of those folks haveno idea.
Yeah, right, because they feelfine.
Rachel (01:43):
Exactly.
The article really hammers thispoint home.
So many STIs are asymptomatic.
It's like a silent infectionit's there doing its thing, but
your body's not sending upflares.
Mark (01:55):
You feel OK, so you assume you are OK.
Rachel (01:58):
Precisely, and you add to that over 20 million new STI
cases diagnosed every singleyear in the US.
Mark (02:06):
Whoa.
Rachel (02:06):
Yeah, that shows how actively these infections are
spreading.
The article specifically flagsa rise in chlamydia and
gonorrhea, especially in peopleunder 30.
Mark (02:15):
And it's not just those two, is it?
The article mentioned HPV humanpapillomavirus?
Rachel (02:20):
Oh, absolutely.
Hpv is incredibly common.
The article states that nearlyall sexually active in-veil will
get HPV at some point Nearlyall.
Mark (02:26):
Yeah, that's almost universal for anyone active.
Rachel (02:29):
Yeah.
Mark (02:29):
Makes you wonder why it's not talked about more.
You know.
Rachel (02:32):
It's a really good point and it leads straight into why
people often don't get tested.
The article mentions the mainreason.
Mark (02:39):
They feel fine.
No symptoms, no problem, or soyou think.
Rachel (02:43):
But that's where the risk comes in.
The NIH data backs this up.
Waiting for symptoms can meandelaying treatment.
Mark (02:49):
Which lets the infection maybe get worse, or you might
pass it on without realizing.
Rachel (02:53):
And potentially leads to some serious, sometimes even
irreversible, complicationslater on, things that really
impact your long-term health.
Mark (03:01):
Okay, so this is where it gets really practical.
Let's look at some of thesecommon STIs the article mentions
and what happens if they'rejust sort of lurking.
Rachel (03:09):
Good idea.
Let's start with chlamydiaOften asymptomatic, the article
says, especially for women.
Mark (03:15):
So you might not know at all.
Rachel (03:16):
Right.
If symptoms do pop up.
It might be like unusualdischarge, maybe some pain when
you pee or just sort of adiscomfort down low in the
abdomen.
Mark (03:26):
OK, but the danger is if it goes untreated.
Rachel (03:29):
Yeah, untreated chlamydia can cause pelvic
inflammatory disease, pid, andthat can lead to infertility.
It's a really serious outcome.
Mark (03:38):
Wow, ok, what about gonorrhea?
Rachel (03:41):
Often similar.
It can overlap with chlamydiasymptoms or again be totally
silent.
Mark (03:46):
So same kind of pattern.
Rachel (03:47):
Pretty much.
If you do get symptoms maybe aburning feeling during urination
, discharge, guys might gettesticular pain.
But the risk if it's left alonethe article note it can spread.
Mark (04:01):
Spread where.
Rachel (04:02):
To your joints, even into the bloodstream, which
sounds pretty scary.
Mark (04:05):
Yeah, definitely Okay.
What's next?
Syphilis.
Rachel (04:08):
Ah yes, Syphilis.
The article calls it the greatimitator.
Mark (04:11):
Why is that?
Rachel (04:12):
Because its symptoms can be all over the place, making
it hard to you know.
Tin down Early on maybe apainless sore, then later
perhaps a rash or flu-likefeelings.
Mark (04:21):
So it did seem like lots of other things.
Rachel (04:23):
Exactly.
But the long-term consequencesof untreated syphilis are no
joke potential damage to yournerves, your heart, your brain,
other organs really seriousstuff.
Mark (04:31):
Okay, trichomoniasis, is that another sneaky one?
Rachel (04:35):
Often is yeah, especially for men Frequently
silent.
Women might notice itching,burning, maybe an unusual
discharge.
Mark (04:41):
And the treatment.
Rachel (04:49):
The interesting thing the article points out is it's
usually just a single dose ofantibiotics, super treatable.
Mark (04:51):
But if you don't know you have it because there are no
symptoms, you don't get treated.
Right, You've got to test toknow.
Okay, herpes HSV1 and 2.
Rachel (04:56):
Right.
So herpes can cause thosepainful sores or blisters,
sometimes tingling beforehand.
But and this is key many, manypeople with the virus never show
symptoms.
Mark (05:06):
Never, but they can still pass it on.
Rachel (05:08):
That's right, they can still transmit it, and while we
don't have a cure for herpescurrently, there are antiviral
meds that really help manageoutbreaks.
Mark (05:15):
Got it and then back to HPV.
So it's super common.
Often no symptoms.
Rachel (05:20):
Correct.
The big concern with HPV isn'timmediate symptoms usually, but
the risk that certain strainsnot all of them can lead to
cancers down the road.
Mark (05:29):
Like cervical cancer.
Rachel (05:30):
Exactly Cervical, anal throat cancers are linked to
certain HPV types.
That's why routine screening,like pap tests and specific HPV
tests for women, is so critical.
It catches early changes.
Mark (05:42):
Okay, and lastly, hiv.
Rachel (05:43):
Hiv Early on symptoms might feel like the flu or again
there might be nothing for along time, years even.
Mark (05:50):
And all that time it's damaging the immune system.
Rachel (05:53):
Yes, silently weakening it.
But the really positive messagein the article and it's crucial
is that with early detectionand treatment, people with HIV
can live long, healthy lives.
The treatments are incrediblyeffective now.
Mark (06:07):
So, taken all together, it just really paints a picture,
doesn't?
Rachel (06:10):
it.
Mark (06:10):
Relying on symptoms is well, it's risky.
Rachel (06:14):
It really is, which leads us to the next big
question.
Mark (06:16):
Who should be getting tested and when?
Rachel (06:19):
Yeah, and the article is super clear.
Sti testing isn't just forpeople with symptoms or you know
lots of partners, it's you'resexually active.
Mark (06:29):
Like getting your teeth cleaned or physical.
Rachel (06:31):
Exactly like that.
So the article lays out somespecific times when testing is
definitely recommended.
Anyone sexually active for one,especially if you're under 30,
where rates for some STIs arehigher.
Mark (06:42):
OK what else?
Rachel (06:42):
If you have a new partner or multiple partners, if
you've had unprotected sex,even just once.
Mark (06:47):
Makes sense.
Rachel (06:48):
Also, if you're starting a new relationship, just being
proactive, if you're pregnant orthinking about getting pregnant
, that's really important forthe baby's health too, right,
and of course, if you have everbeen diagnosed with an STI
before, your risk might be a bithigher for others.
Or if you have any symptoms,even mild ones discharge,
irritation, pain.
Don't ignore those.
Mark (07:08):
And just routinely right If it's been a while.
Rachel (07:11):
Yeah, the article suggests if you haven't been
tested in the last year, it'sprobably a good time for a
check-in.
Mark (07:16):
And I thought this was interesting.
The article mentions evenpeople in monogamous
relationships.
Why is that?
Rachel (07:22):
Well, because STIs can be silent for so long, right?
If either partner was sexuallyactive before the relationship,
there's a chance something couldhave been acquired back then
and just never caused symptoms.
Testing offers peace of mind.
Mark (07:34):
Yeah, that makes sense, okay, Okay.
So someone decides, right, Ishould get tested.
What's that actually like?
Is it a big ordeal?
Rachel (07:45):
Not usually.
No.
The article reassures that it'soften quick, easy and pretty
discreet like under 20 minutessometimes and results usually
come back in a few days.
Mark (07:52):
Okay, that doesn't sound too bad.
What kind of tests are involved?
Rachel (07:54):
It depends a bit, as the article explains, depends on
your symptoms, if any, yoursexual activities, because that
affects where you might need tobe swabbed, and whether it's
just routine or because youthink you were exposed.
Mark (08:06):
Gotcha, so what are the common methods?
Rachel (08:09):
You've got urine tests often used for chlamydia and
gonorrhea simple pee in a cup.
Mark (08:13):
Easy enough.
Rachel (08:14):
Then blood tests.
Those can check for HIV,syphilis and also herpes
antibodies which show if yourbody's encountered the virus
before.
Mark (08:22):
OK.
Rachel (08:23):
And swabs.
Depending on risk factors andpractices, that could be a
throat swab, rectal swab orgenital swab, and for women, as
we mentioned, the pap smearoften includes HPV testing.
Mark (08:35):
now, and it's confidential .
People worry about that.
Rachel (08:37):
Yes, testing is confidential.
It's often covered by insurancetoo, and the article even
points out there are at-hometesting kits now for extra
privacy, if that's a concern.
Mark (08:46):
Oh, interesting, so lots of options.
Rachel (08:48):
Definitely, the goal is to make it accessible.
Mark (08:50):
Which brings us back to that core idea, doesn't it?
The absolute importance oftesting regularly, even if you
feel perfectly fine.
Rachel (08:59):
Exactly Because, as we've said over and over, most
STIs, especially early on, aresilent, no symptoms, Like a
hidden risk, just sitting there.
Mark (09:07):
And letting them sit there untreated.
That's where the real problemscan start.
Down the road, the articlereminds us.
Rachel (09:13):
Yeah, chlamydia and gonorrhea potentially leading to
PID, infertility, chronic pain,testicular inflammation for men
.
Mark (09:21):
The syphilis hitting the nervous system, brain, heart.
Rachel (09:24):
Certain HPV types increasing cancer risk over time
.
Hiv weakening the immune systemif it's not managed.
Mark (09:30):
So regular testing isn't just about avoiding an itch or a
discharge right now.
It's actually about protectingyour long-term health,
preventing some really seriousstuff.
Rachel (09:39):
And protecting your partners too.
Of course, it's about sharedhealth and responsibility.
Early detection, as the articlereally stresses, means early
treatment, and early treatmentoften means a complete cure or
very effective management.
Mark (09:51):
Right, it's the key.
Rachel (09:52):
So to kind of wrap up our deep dive here, the big
takeaway is STIs are common waymore common than you might think
.
Mark (10:01):
And often silent.
No warning signs.
Rachel (10:04):
Which makes regular testing absolutely crucial.
If you're sexually active, it'sjust part of taking care of
yourself.
Mark (10:09):
And it's not something to be like embarrassed or anxious
about.
It's actually really proactiveand responsible.
It's about knowing your status.
Rachel (10:16):
Right.
Knowledge is power here.
It lets you and your partnersmake informed choices.
Mark (10:21):
The article frames testing as simple, smart and empowering
.
Whether it's your very firsttest, just a routine annual
check, or something you do forpeace of mind when starting with
someone new, it's all good.
Rachel (10:33):
Yeah, it's a positive step for your overall well-being
.
Mark (10:35):
And remember, for anyone who prioritizes convenience or
privacy, those at-home testingoptions the article mentioned.
Like QuickLab Mobile, theyexist.
Find what works for you.
Rachel (10:46):
Absolutely, because ultimately, as the source
material really underscores,knowing your status is maybe the
best protection you have.
Mark (10:52):
So we really hope this conversation gives you something
to think about.
Take control, get informed.
Make the choices that are rightfor your health.
What are you going to do withthis knowledge now?
That's the important next step.
Nicolette (11:11):
Thanks for tuning into the Health Pulse.
If you found this episodehelpful, don't forget to
subscribe and share it withsomeone who might benefit.
For more health insights anddiagnostics, visit us online at
wwwquicklabmobilecom.
Stay informed, stay healthy andwe'll catch you in the next
episode.
Welcome to the Health Pulse, your go-to source for
quick, actionable insights onhealth, wellness and diagnostics
.
Whether you're looking tooptimize your well-being or stay
informed about the latest inmedical testing, we've got you
covered.
Join us as we break down keyhealth topics in just minutes.
Let's dive in.
Mark (00:26):
Ever feel like you're just swamped, trying to keep up,
figure out what's actuallyimportant, but there's just so
much noise.
Rachel (00:33):
Yeah, it's a lot.
Mark (00:34):
That's kind of what we try to do here.
Cut through that and todaywe're diving into something
really fundamental for healthsomething that affects so many
people.
Often, you know, without themeven knowing it, Sexually
transmitted infections or STIsExactly, and I think there's
this idea that they're like rare, or you definitely know if you
had one.
Rachel (00:54):
Right, that's a really common thought, but it's well.
It's a misconception and onethat can have some pretty
significant impacts.
Mark (01:00):
Totally so.
Our mission today, reallysparked by this great article
Are you at risk?
Totally so.
Our mission today, reallysparked by this great article
Are you at Risk?
The Most Common STIs and how toGet Tested is to look at how
common these things really are.
Rachel (01:10):
And why they're often so silent.
So symptom free.
Mark (01:13):
Yeah, and why.
Getting tested regularly isjust well smart for you, for
your partners.
Ok, so let's get into it.
Rachel (01:21):
Well, the first thing that jumps out and the article
highlights this using CDC datais the sheer scale.
Over one in five people in theUS have an STI right now.
Mark (01:30):
One in five, yeah, wow.
Rachel (01:32):
Yeah, think about that.
It's a huge chunk of thepopulation.
It really drives home that thisisn't some, you know, fringe
issue.
Mark (01:38):
And the kicker is, like you said, a lot of those folks
have no idea.
Yeah, a lot of those folks haveno idea.
Yeah, right, because they feelfine.
Rachel (01:43):
Exactly.
The article really hammers thispoint home.
So many STIs are asymptomatic.
It's like a silent infectionit's there doing its thing, but
your body's not sending upflares.
Mark (01:55):
You feel OK, so you assume you are OK.
Rachel (01:58):
Precisely, and you add to that over 20 million new STI
cases diagnosed every singleyear in the US.
Mark (02:06):
Whoa.
Rachel (02:06):
Yeah, that shows how actively these infections are
spreading.
The article specifically flagsa rise in chlamydia and
gonorrhea, especially in peopleunder 30.
Mark (02:15):
And it's not just those two, is it?
The article mentioned HPV humanpapillomavirus?
Rachel (02:20):
Oh, absolutely.
Hpv is incredibly common.
The article states that nearlyall sexually active in-veil will
get HPV at some point Nearlyall.
Mark (02:26):
Yeah, that's almost universal for anyone active.
Rachel (02:29):
Yeah.
Mark (02:29):
Makes you wonder why it's not talked about more.
You know.
Rachel (02:32):
It's a really good point and it leads straight into why
people often don't get tested.
The article mentions the mainreason.
Mark (02:39):
They feel fine.
No symptoms, no problem, or soyou think.
Rachel (02:43):
But that's where the risk comes in.
The NIH data backs this up.
Waiting for symptoms can meandelaying treatment.
Mark (02:49):
Which lets the infection maybe get worse, or you might
pass it on without realizing.
Rachel (02:53):
And potentially leads to some serious, sometimes even
irreversible, complicationslater on, things that really
impact your long-term health.
Mark (03:01):
Okay, so this is where it gets really practical.
Let's look at some of thesecommon STIs the article mentions
and what happens if they'rejust sort of lurking.
Rachel (03:09):
Good idea.
Let's start with chlamydiaOften asymptomatic, the article
says, especially for women.
Mark (03:15):
So you might not know at all.
Rachel (03:16):
Right.
If symptoms do pop up.
It might be like unusualdischarge, maybe some pain when
you pee or just sort of adiscomfort down low in the
abdomen.
Mark (03:26):
OK, but the danger is if it goes untreated.
Rachel (03:29):
Yeah, untreated chlamydia can cause pelvic
inflammatory disease, pid, andthat can lead to infertility.
It's a really serious outcome.
Mark (03:38):
Wow, ok, what about gonorrhea?
Rachel (03:41):
Often similar.
It can overlap with chlamydiasymptoms or again be totally
silent.
Mark (03:46):
So same kind of pattern.
Rachel (03:47):
Pretty much.
If you do get symptoms maybe aburning feeling during urination
, discharge, guys might gettesticular pain.
But the risk if it's left alonethe article note it can spread.
Mark (04:01):
Spread where.
Rachel (04:02):
To your joints, even into the bloodstream, which
sounds pretty scary.
Mark (04:05):
Yeah, definitely Okay.
What's next?
Syphilis.
Rachel (04:08):
Ah yes, Syphilis.
The article calls it the greatimitator.
Mark (04:11):
Why is that?
Rachel (04:12):
Because its symptoms can be all over the place, making
it hard to you know.
Tin down Early on maybe apainless sore, then later
perhaps a rash or flu-likefeelings.
Mark (04:21):
So it did seem like lots of other things.
Rachel (04:23):
Exactly.
But the long-term consequencesof untreated syphilis are no
joke potential damage to yournerves, your heart, your brain,
other organs really seriousstuff.
Mark (04:31):
Okay, trichomoniasis, is that another sneaky one?
Rachel (04:35):
Often is yeah, especially for men Frequently
silent.
Women might notice itching,burning, maybe an unusual
discharge.
Mark (04:41):
And the treatment.
Rachel (04:49):
The interesting thing the article points out is it's
usually just a single dose ofantibiotics, super treatable.
Mark (04:51):
But if you don't know you have it because there are no
symptoms, you don't get treated.
Right, You've got to test toknow.
Okay, herpes HSV1 and 2.
Rachel (04:56):
Right.
So herpes can cause thosepainful sores or blisters,
sometimes tingling beforehand.
But and this is key many, manypeople with the virus never show
symptoms.
Mark (05:06):
Never, but they can still pass it on.
Rachel (05:08):
That's right, they can still transmit it, and while we
don't have a cure for herpescurrently, there are antiviral
meds that really help manageoutbreaks.
Mark (05:15):
Got it and then back to HPV.
So it's super common.
Often no symptoms.
Rachel (05:20):
Correct.
The big concern with HPV isn'timmediate symptoms usually, but
the risk that certain strainsnot all of them can lead to
cancers down the road.
Mark (05:29):
Like cervical cancer.
Rachel (05:30):
Exactly Cervical, anal throat cancers are linked to
certain HPV types.
That's why routine screening,like pap tests and specific HPV
tests for women, is so critical.
It catches early changes.
Mark (05:42):
Okay, and lastly, hiv.
Rachel (05:43):
Hiv Early on symptoms might feel like the flu or again
there might be nothing for along time, years even.
Mark (05:50):
And all that time it's damaging the immune system.
Rachel (05:53):
Yes, silently weakening it.
But the really positive messagein the article and it's crucial
is that with early detectionand treatment, people with HIV
can live long, healthy lives.
The treatments are incrediblyeffective now.
Mark (06:07):
So, taken all together, it just really paints a picture,
doesn't?
Rachel (06:10):
it.
Mark (06:10):
Relying on symptoms is well, it's risky.
Rachel (06:14):
It really is, which leads us to the next big
question.
Mark (06:16):
Who should be getting tested and when?
Rachel (06:19):
Yeah, and the article is super clear.
Sti testing isn't just forpeople with symptoms or you know
lots of partners, it's you'resexually active.
Mark (06:29):
Like getting your teeth cleaned or physical.
Rachel (06:31):
Exactly like that.
So the article lays out somespecific times when testing is
definitely recommended.
Anyone sexually active for one,especially if you're under 30,
where rates for some STIs arehigher.
Mark (06:42):
OK what else?
Rachel (06:42):
If you have a new partner or multiple partners, if
you've had unprotected sex,even just once.
Mark (06:47):
Makes sense.
Rachel (06:48):
Also, if you're starting a new relationship, just being
proactive, if you're pregnant orthinking about getting pregnant
, that's really important forthe baby's health too, right,
and of course, if you have everbeen diagnosed with an STI
before, your risk might be a bithigher for others.
Or if you have any symptoms,even mild ones discharge,
irritation, pain.
Don't ignore those.
Mark (07:08):
And just routinely right If it's been a while.
Rachel (07:11):
Yeah, the article suggests if you haven't been
tested in the last year, it'sprobably a good time for a
check-in.
Mark (07:16):
And I thought this was interesting.
The article mentions evenpeople in monogamous
relationships.
Why is that?
Rachel (07:22):
Well, because STIs can be silent for so long, right?
If either partner was sexuallyactive before the relationship,
there's a chance something couldhave been acquired back then
and just never caused symptoms.
Testing offers peace of mind.
Mark (07:34):
Yeah, that makes sense, okay, Okay.
So someone decides, right, Ishould get tested.
What's that actually like?
Is it a big ordeal?
Rachel (07:45):
Not usually.
No.
The article reassures that it'soften quick, easy and pretty
discreet like under 20 minutessometimes and results usually
come back in a few days.
Mark (07:52):
Okay, that doesn't sound too bad.
What kind of tests are involved?
Rachel (07:54):
It depends a bit, as the article explains, depends on
your symptoms, if any, yoursexual activities, because that
affects where you might need tobe swabbed, and whether it's
just routine or because youthink you were exposed.
Mark (08:06):
Gotcha, so what are the common methods?
Rachel (08:09):
You've got urine tests often used for chlamydia and
gonorrhea simple pee in a cup.
Mark (08:13):
Easy enough.
Rachel (08:14):
Then blood tests.
Those can check for HIV,syphilis and also herpes
antibodies which show if yourbody's encountered the virus
before.
Mark (08:22):
OK.
Rachel (08:23):
And swabs.
Depending on risk factors andpractices, that could be a
throat swab, rectal swab orgenital swab, and for women, as
we mentioned, the pap smearoften includes HPV testing.
Mark (08:35):
now, and it's confidential .
People worry about that.
Rachel (08:37):
Yes, testing is confidential.
It's often covered by insurancetoo, and the article even
points out there are at-hometesting kits now for extra
privacy, if that's a concern.
Mark (08:46):
Oh, interesting, so lots of options.
Rachel (08:48):
Definitely, the goal is to make it accessible.
Mark (08:50):
Which brings us back to that core idea, doesn't it?
The absolute importance oftesting regularly, even if you
feel perfectly fine.
Rachel (08:59):
Exactly Because, as we've said over and over, most
STIs, especially early on, aresilent, no symptoms, Like a
hidden risk, just sitting there.
Mark (09:07):
And letting them sit there untreated.
That's where the real problemscan start.
Down the road, the articlereminds us.
Rachel (09:13):
Yeah, chlamydia and gonorrhea potentially leading to
PID, infertility, chronic pain,testicular inflammation for men
.
Mark (09:21):
The syphilis hitting the nervous system, brain, heart.
Rachel (09:24):
Certain HPV types increasing cancer risk over time
.
Hiv weakening the immune systemif it's not managed.
Mark (09:30):
So regular testing isn't just about avoiding an itch or a
discharge right now.
It's actually about protectingyour long-term health,
preventing some really seriousstuff.
Rachel (09:39):
And protecting your partners too.
Of course, it's about sharedhealth and responsibility.
Early detection, as the articlereally stresses, means early
treatment, and early treatmentoften means a complete cure or
very effective management.
Mark (09:51):
Right, it's the key.
Rachel (09:52):
So to kind of wrap up our deep dive here, the big
takeaway is STIs are common waymore common than you might think
.
Mark (10:01):
And often silent.
No warning signs.
Rachel (10:04):
Which makes regular testing absolutely crucial.
If you're sexually active, it'sjust part of taking care of
yourself.
Mark (10:09):
And it's not something to be like embarrassed or anxious
about.
It's actually really proactiveand responsible.
It's about knowing your status.
Rachel (10:16):
Right.
Knowledge is power here.
It lets you and your partnersmake informed choices.
Mark (10:21):
The article frames testing as simple, smart and empowering
.
Whether it's your very firsttest, just a routine annual
check, or something you do forpeace of mind when starting with
someone new, it's all good.
Rachel (10:33):
Yeah, it's a positive step for your overall well-being
.
Mark (10:35):
And remember, for anyone who prioritizes convenience or
privacy, those at-home testingoptions the article mentioned.
Like QuickLab Mobile, theyexist.
Find what works for you.
Rachel (10:46):
Absolutely, because ultimately, as the source
material really underscores,knowing your status is maybe the
best protection you have.
Mark (10:52):
So we really hope this conversation gives you something
to think about.
Take control, get informed.
Make the choices that are rightfor your health.
What are you going to do withthis knowledge now?
That's the important next step.
Nicolette (11:11):
Thanks for tuning into the Health Pulse.
If you found this episodehelpful, don't forget to
subscribe and share it withsomeone who might benefit.
For more health insights anddiagnostics, visit us online at
wwwquicklabmobilecom.
Stay informed, stay healthy andwe'll catch you in the next
episode.
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