- Open Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 am-6:00 pm
- Phone: +1 (251) 534-6799
- Email: [email protected]
STD Testing
STD Testing
Tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) include blood, urine, or swab tests. The choice of test can depend on your symptoms and the condition your doctor suspects.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), often called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are very common.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 68 million people were living with STIs in the United States in 2018. It’s likely that many STIs go unreported, so that number is potentially higher.
Many STIs have no symptoms or very nonspecific symptoms, which can make them hard to notice. The stigma around STIs also discourages some people from getting tested.
If left untreated, STIs can cause severe health problems, including cancer and infertility. Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have an STI. In this article, we’ll go over who should get tested, where you can get tested, and other frequently asked questions.
What is an STD?
The difference between STDs and STIs is often muddled.
An STD is a sexually transmitted disease resulting from an STI. Infections happen when bacteria, parasites, or viruses enter the body. This process happens before a disease develops.
While STDs stem from infections (STIs), having an STI does not necessarily mean you will develop a disease from that infection.
As we mentioned, some infections may show no symptoms, so testing is very important for preventing the spread of STIs. On the other hand, a disease typically has more clear-cut signs or symptoms.
Who should be tested for STIs?
If you’ve been sexually active, it’s a good idea to be tested for STIs. Also, get tested if:
- you’re about to begin a new relationship
- you and your partner are thinking about not using condoms or other barrier methods of birth control
- your partner has cheated on you
- you or your partner have multiple partners
- you have symptoms that suggest you might have an STI
If you’re in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship and both you and your partner were tested before entering the relationship, you may not need regular STI testing.
But many people in long-term relationships weren’t tested before they got together. If that’s the case for you and your partner, it’s possible that one or both of you have been living with an undiagnosed STI for years. The safest choice is to get tested.
What STIs should you be tested for?
There are a number of different STIs. To learn which ones you want to get tested for, talk with a doctor. They may encourage you to be tested for one or more of the following:
- chlamydia
- gonorrhea
- HIV
- hepatitis B
- syphilis
- trichomoniasis
Your doctor probably won’t offer to test you for herpes unless you have known exposure or ask for the test.
Discuss your risk factors
It’s also important to share your sexual health risk factors with your doctor. In particular, always tell them if you have anal sex.
Some anorectal STIs can’t be detected using standard STI tests. Your doctor might recommend an anal Pap smear to screen for precancerous or cancerous cells, which are linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Also, tell your doctor about:
- the types of protection you use during oral, vaginal, and anal sex
- any medications you’re taking
- any known or suspected exposures you’ve had to STIs
- whether you or your partner have other sexual partners
To learn more and ask your questions, get in touch with us.
About
Our sexual health clinic is committed to providing comprehensive and confidential services to promote and support individuals’ sexual well-being.
Quick Links
Contact Us
- 105 E Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
- [email protected]
- +1 (251) 534-6799