What to do After a One Night Stand; Sexual Health and STDs
With one night stands on the increase, there are several social conventions to take into account on the morning after. “Do I sneak out?”, “Do you wait and make breakfast?” and sometimes even “What was his/her name again?” The last thing one your mind is often “Were we safe?” or “What if they had an STD?” but perhaps it should be.
Increase in STD Figures
STD figures are on the rise, increasing the risks of contracting an STD from casual sex. Statistics also show that most one night stands are a result of drink, unique situations and holiday romances. This means most couples have little or no information about their partner. So, after an evening where you might not even remember the most basic information about who you just slept with, it’s unlikely you’ll remember details of their sexual health (if they even told you). So you may need an STD test.
Need for STD Tests
Hopefully there is no problem, and neither of you will have anything. This depends partially on the contraceptive used (if any). Many people use condoms as an effective contraceptive and instrument of safe sex. Condoms are one of the most effective contraceptives at preventing the spread of STDs, as they create a barrier to the bodily fluids that most STDs are transmitted through. However, some STDs (like scabies and public lice) are spread through the contact of pubic hair, while others can be spread by unprotected oral sex. Overall, in cases where you won’t be talking to the person tomorrow for whatever reason, it’s best to have an STD test to ensure your sexual health.
Where can I get anonymous STD Testing?
While you don’t necessarily need an STD test, it is worth getting checked out, as the most serious STDs can lead to debilitating symptoms and death. Checking with a local doctor is usually the best course of action; however, this may be too personal for some people. Anonymous STD testing is available countrywide, and clinics are non judgemental and highly accurate. There are personal STD tests available, but the risk is choosing the wrong test. Further, one reason for having an STD test is the inability of certain symptoms to be self diagnosed – many STDs have no visible symptoms depending on the sex of the infected person.
The best advice when it comes to one night stands and STDs
A little thought before a one night stand could save you pain and embarrassment afterwards. It’s not always polite, practical (or possible!) to get a full medical history and sexual health update on someone you are about to sleep with – checking off a list of STDs your partner does or doesn’t have before bed will often dampen the mood. If even a few subtle questions are not on the cards, make sure you practise safe sex. A condom is essential on top of any other contraceptives. If all else fails, make sure you get an STD test. Prevention is always preferable to cure (if possible), but should the worst come to the worst it’s important to know there is anonymous STD testing available.
