Standard 7 Sexual Health Test

LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, plays a role in transporting fats like triglycerides throughout the body. However, it is often labeled as “bad cholesterol” because elevated LDL levels are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular conditions, including heart disease and heart attacks.

High LDL levels can contribute to the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) along the walls of your arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Over time, these plaques can restrict blood flow, increasing the likelihood of serious cardiovascular complications. Monitoring and managing LDL levels is essential for maintaining heart health and preventing disease.

Triglycerides are a type of blood fat that plays a vital role in your body’s energy storage and metabolism. They are produced in the liver and serve as the primary method for storing fat, which can later be used as an energy source. While triglycerides are essential for healthy bodily functions, elevated levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, including heart disease and stroke. High triglyceride levels often correlate with other risk factors, such as obesity, poor diet, and lack of physical activity. Monitoring your triglycerides alongside other cholesterol markers is crucial for maintaining overall heart health.

If you suspect you might have chlamydia, it’s important to get tested as soon as possible. Testing is available at your local Planned Parenthood health center, your doctor’s office, or various clinics.

Types of Chlamydia Tests
There are two primary types of chlamydia tests: a urine test and a swab test.

Urine Test: This test checks for the presence of chlamydia in your urine.
Swab Test: This test involves collecting a sample of discharge from your vagina or penis to check for the bacteria causing the infection.
Both tests are quick, easy, and performed privately at your healthcare provider’s office. Results are typically available within a few days.

Treatment and Next Steps
If your test comes back positive for chlamydia, don’t worry—it’s treatable with antibiotics. Your doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics to be taken over 7-10 days. Be sure to complete the entire course, even if you start feeling better before finishing the medication.

It’s also important to avoid sexual activity until you’ve finished your antibiotics to ensure the infection is fully cleared from your body.

Why Testing Matters
Chlamydia is an easily transmissible infection that can affect both men and women. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications, including:

For Women: Chlamydia can cause permanent damage to the reproductive organs, increasing the risk of infertility or complications during pregnancy.
For Babies: An infected mother can pass the infection to her baby during childbirth, potentially leading to eye infections or pneumonia in newborns.
Regular Testing
If you’re sexually active, regular chlamydia testing is important for your health. It’s recommended to get tested at least once a year, especially if you have multiple partners or do not consistently use protection. You can get tested at your doctor’s office, a clinic, or some Planned Parenthood health centers. At-home test kits are also available.

Informing Partners
If you test positive for chlamydia, it’s crucial to inform your current and past sexual partners so they can also get tested and treated. Untreated chlamydia can lead to serious complications, including infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and arthritis.

Taking action by getting tested and treated ensures better health outcomes for you and your partners.

Chlamydia
Gonorrhoea
Trichomoniasis
HIV (Types I & II, P24 Antigen)
Syphilis
Hepatitis B (Infection & Immunity)
M. genitalium