Although STD stands for sexually transmitted disease, it is still possible to catch an infection without having had intercourse. All of the following put you in danger of contracting an infection and if you've indulged in any recently then it may be time to book yourself in for an STD test.
Getting a Tattoo
It is possible to contract HIV and Hepatitis B and C through dirty needles at a tattoo parlour. However, the risk for all of these diseases is pretty low. In order to contract a disease an infected person would have needed to use the needle just before you and the parlor would have to have failed to clean the needle correctly. As most tattoo parlors now use disposable tips the risk of infection is very low. If you are worried that your tattooist failed to use a clean needle then you may want to calm your fears by taking an STD test.
Taking Drugs
Drug users are at extremely high-risk of contracting STDs, particularly when using shared needles. HIV, Hepatitis B and C can all be contracted by sharing needles or using previously discarded needles with dried blood on them. Using intravenous drugs is extremely high-risk and half of all new HIV infections in the United States occur amongst those that inject illegal drugs. As most of these infections could be prevented if drug users did not use contaminated needles, there are numerous needle exchange programs that addicts can use across the US, which also provide help and advice for those battling drug addiction.
Share a Toothbrush
You may need an STD test if you have recently shared a toothbrush with someone known to have hepatitis. Brushing your teeth can cause your gums to bleed, and therefore sharing a toothbrush with someone infected with hepatitis puts you into contact with their contaminated blood. Sharing a razor is another risky activity for the same reason and although both of these carry very minimal risks it is still a risk not worth taking.
Sleeping on Unclean Sheets
Some STDs like crabs can be caught by sleeping on unclean sheets. Crabs are small parasites that can live for a number of hours away from the body, so sharing towels, sheets and clothes are all valid ways to catch crabs. As crabs can be found in beards, eyelashes and armpits, close face-to-face contact is another possible way of catching crabs.
Being Born With One
Sadly, it is possible to be born with an STD, and Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Hepatitis B, Syphilis, HIV and genital herpes can all be passed on to the baby before, during, or after birth. It is even possible to catch STDs through being breastfeed.
The harmful effects of STDs in babies can include stillbirth, low birth weight, deafness, neonatal sepsis, cirrhosis and meningitis amongst others. However, most of these problems can be prevented if the mother receives routine prenatal care, which includes an STD test early on in the pregnancy and repeated close to delivery, if necessary. Other problems can be treated if the infection is found at birth.
Tim Leach is part of USALabTesting, a company that can provide you with a confidential, online STD test. With over 2,000 clinics across the USA and a large range of STD Tests available, getting peace of mind is discreet, easy and painless.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3491720
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