STD testing for men and women is easy, painless, and vitally important for anyone who is sexually active. Having yourself tested can prevent a lot of harm, or even save lives – your own, or others!
Here’s what you need to know.
What’s Involved in An STD Test?
There are several different STD tests, depending on which specific sexually transmitted infections are being tested for. However, in all cases, it’s completely painless and will be quick to perform.
Most of the time, all that’s needed is a simple fluid sample, such as a swab from your cheek or a bit of urine. Occasionally, blood testing is called for, but all that requires is a drop of blood from a pinprick. Or, if the patient has warts or sores suspected of being a sexually transmitted disease, fluid from the sores themselves may be tested. In any case, all you do is provide the sample, and then it’s sent off to the lab for testing. You’ll have the STD test results in under a week.
How Do I Know Which STD Tests I Need?
This is something that you and your doctor will decide, based on your sexual history. You’ll be asked a few questions about your sex life, which generally include:
- How many active partners you have?
- Whether you or other partners have had STDs in the past
- What types of sex you engage in?
- What types of protection were used?
- Whether you engage in other activities considered ‘high risk’ for catching STDs
Please be as honest as possible when answering the questions. No one is judging you. Your doctor simply needs to know the situation, so they can best determine the types of life insurance blood tests to recommend for STD. For example, sexually active women may be advised to undergo a cervical cancer screening along with other tests.
How Do I Ask for An STD Test?
At Advanced Urgent Care of Pasadena, we understand that this isn’t the easiest subject to broach. If you’re experiencing active symptoms, you can often address the issue by discussing the symptoms themselves. Your doctor will determine if STD testing is necessary. Otherwise, you could approach the topic indirectly. Try asking, “Will these tests include STD testing?” Your doctor will understand your concern.
Either way, it is vital for you to know the truth – both for your sake, as well as the sake of your sexual partners. Knowing your STD test results, whether they are positive or negative, helps in effective disease control.
Common STDs and Their Tests
There are several common sexually transmitted diseases that are important to be aware of:
- Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: These are often tested together using a urine test or a swab test from the affected area.
- Hepatitis C: A blood test is typically used to detect Hepatitis C.
- Herpes: A swab test from a sore or a blood sample can be used to diagnose Herpes.
These tests help in identifying the disease and taking the necessary precautions and treatments.
Understanding Risk Factors
Risk factors such as having multiple partners or engaging in unprotected sex increase the likelihood of contracting an STD. Being aware of these risk factors and getting tested regularly can prevent serious health issues.
Visit Advanced Care of Pasadena To Get Easy STD Testing for Men and Women
We’re your friendly local urgent care clinic, and we’re happy to provide affordable STD testing. Click here to schedule an appointment, or just walk in.
