Let's get tested

The government has been pushing for Muslims to be tested for HIV before marriage, which is a responsible move and should be extended to all Malaysians regardless of race. The ban on HIV marriages, though, is a different thing. I think it's up to the couple once they've been fully informed to make the choice.

Anyhoo, in the same vein, let's all be socially responsible and get tested for not just HIV, but all STDs. It doesn't matter if you're sexually active, because a full battery of tests won't harm you and will keep you informed as to your health and well-being. The facts are:

• Condoms do not fully and completely protect you from all STDs. The spread of STDs such as herpes are not prevented by condoms.
• While many STDs such as gonorrhea are treatable, just as many aren't, such as genital warts, herpes and HIV.
• Around 80% of people infected with herpes don't have the symptoms and don't know that they have herpes.
• A standard full medical workup taken by thousands of people each year don't test for STDs other than HIV unless they have a reason to, i.e. symptoms or by request. This means that you can trust your partner and your partner won't lie to you, but you could still be exposed to STDs.
• Once you are informed, you can better protect yourself.

I don't mean to put on a scare tactic, I just think it's for the better good that everybody goes out, picks up a few pamphlets on STDs and arm themselves with knowledge and information to prevent unnecessary hardship and heartache. Let's get tested.