Keeping Up
Tori Douglas on Aug 25th 2020
The global pandemic of Covid-19 has brought many aspects of "normal life" to a halt. One aspect of your life that should not be pushed to the side because of the virus is your sexual health, or your health in general. Health care professionals have seen a decrease in sexual health visits and screening because of the global pandemic. There are, however, many opportunities to get your sexual health needs met in these challenging times.
Telemedicine is a resource being utilized by more and more health care professionals, even before the threat of Covid-19. Telemedicine is a safe way to consult your doctor without risking a trip into the office. You can, instead, speak to the doctor or nurse by phone, email, or video conference. Video call consultations are especially becoming increasingly popular. This allows for a more personal connection. In a video call, doctors may also be able to visually see some signs or symptoms you are describing, making it the tool most like an office visit with your healthcare provider. Many offices are utilizing apps such as Blue Jeans and Zoom for virtual appointments. In most cases, telemedicine visits can get everything done that an in person visit can, without the wait and without exposing yourself to the public in the office waiting room.
In home STI testing is becoming a reality. Planned Parenthood of Northern New England announced recently they are making in-home testing kits available. The kits can include testing for gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and chlamydia. A quick Google search can find other resources for these self testing kits. The infection rates for these sexually transmitted infections has been on the rise, as we discussed in our blog post [STI’s on the Rise](https://www.baddkitty.net/16-sti-s-on-the-rise). This upward trend is continuing through the Covid-19 crisis. Experts attribute this to the decline in health care visits. Search out resources in your area for in-home testing if you suspect you have been exposed to a STI and are unwilling or unable to have an in person visit to be tested.
Be proactive about your health, and your medications. The Covid19 crisis has disrupted the supply chain for many items we need for daily life. Chief among these needs is medication. Be sure to give plenty of time for refills of any current medications, making sure you do not wait until the last moment, only to find out your refill is delayed. Leave yourself plenty of time for the meds to be filled, or time to transfer to another pharmacy if necessary.
We are in an unprecedented time in history. Health care and sexual health practices are evolving to rise to our current challenges. Making your sexual health a priority is always at the top of your self care list. Do not let fear of getting sick keep you from staying healthy in all aspects of your health and life.