The utility of STD testing
[QUOTE=MassimoPotente;2210339]Chlamydia, HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis, other STDs and lung health is what is tested among other things. HPV is indeed very common as is Herpes.[/QUOTE]I don't know for sure what specific testing the girls undergo, but I assume HIV, likely Hep be / see, and maybe Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. (I'll confirm for interests sake during my Dec annual trip) That said, let's look at this from a pure clinical perspective. HIV is a no brainer as is HepB. That said, you can get vaccinated against HepB. Hep A and see are not transmitted sexually. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea also makes sense and the girls should be tested. 80% of females with Chlamydia don't even know they are infected.
HPV and HSV testing makes little sense. Virtually everyone who is sexually active is at least transiently infected with HPV. That said, there are only 4 serotypes that we really worry about and again, albeit typically not recommended for older adults, you can get vaccinated against these strains.
HSV makes no sense at all unless someone has active lesions, in which case they won't want to have sex anyway (hurts like hell). Molecular testing is done to confirm active outbreaks, although clinically the disease is relatively easy to diagnose. Screening for HSV has to be done using serology (antibody testing) which does not discriminate between HSV-1 and HSV-2. Given that 70% of the adult population has antibodies against HSV-1, the test has little value. The latest figures also suggest at least 30% of the adult population has genital herpes, but 90% don't know it. (I. E. Most infections are asymptomatic. You can still infect others however).
Condoms will protect you against most disease, particularly, HIV, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. Condoms offer little protection against HPV and HSV.
Today lecture, albeit superficial, is done. Note: I rarely advertise it, (I don't do curb-side consults) but am an infectious diseases physician.
Stirling.