Navigating the world of sexual health can be daunting, especially when it comes to openly discussing the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It’s normal to feel embarrassed, anxious and uncertain about anything to do with STDs as they are a common part of life. That said, taking steps to understand and manage your sexual health is a powerful and responsible choice. In fact, experts recommend that almost everyone get tested for STIs and STDs at least once in their life.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know—from when and how to get tested for STDs, to taking the necessary steps for treatment if you’ve tested positive. We’re here to empower you so you can confidently take charge of your health.
What Are STDs and STIs?
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are a result of sexually transmitted infections, or STIs. Infections occur when viruses, bacteria or parasites enter the body from another through vaginal, anal or oral sex.
Something many people don’t know is that you could have an STI without showing symptoms! Many infections are asymptomatic, and don’t progress to the disease stage, but are still transmittable between people. Once symptoms develop, the infection is then considered a “disease” or an STD. You can be an STI carrier without knowing it, so if you are—or plan to be—sexually active, the safest option is to get tested right away for your own peace of mind.
What is STD Testing?
STD testing is administered by a medical professional to screen for, and diagnose, STDs and STIs. These tests can be performed at urgent care facilities and other healthcare settings, where they provide a critical service for anyone who may have been exposed, are experiencing concerning symptoms, or who just want to get screened as part of their routine health monitoring.
Where Can I Get Tested for STDs?
The following locations can usually provide STD testing:
- Your Primary Care Physician (PCP) can provide you with regular screenings and personalized care.
- Your local health department can usually provide free or low-cost testing, depending on your income, insurance and needs.
- Community health clinics provide comprehensive testing services, and may offer a sliding fee scale depending on your needs.
- Planned Parenthood also provides affordable sexual health testing.
- College health centers provide free or low-cost testing for students.
- At-home kits can be purchased at your local convenience store. At-home testing has the advantage of delivering privacy and convenience, but you will have to mail in bodily samples to a lab for testing.
- LGBTQ+ health centers deliver inclusive, specialized care for the community.
- For the most convenient option, urgent care centers like Carolina QuickCare provide same-day testing and quick results. Simply walk in or schedule a time that’s convenient for you.
Which STDs Are Commonly Tested For?
Below are some common STDs and STIs that tests can detect:
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
Also called genital herpes, HSV causes painful and itchy sores, bumps, ulcers and blisters—usually around the mouth, genitals or anus. Herpes also causes painful urination and discharge from the urethral opening or vagina.
How is HSV Tested?
Herpes or HSV is tested for through a culture swab and a blood test. With a culture swab, we would swab a localized area where symptoms are manifesting and send the sample for testing. With a blood test, we would take a blood sample and test for the presence of HSV antibodies to detect past herpes infection.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
HIV is the virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, or AIDS. Many people don’t know they have HIV because they are asymptomatic when they are first infected. If symptoms do manifest, it’s typically fever and muscle pains, sore throat, headache, diarrhea, swollen lymph glands and mouth sores. Left untreated, HIV will progress to AIDS, which is why it’s important to get regularly screened for HIV.
How is HIV Tested?
HIV testing or screening is currently the only way to know for sure if you have the virus. No test yet exists that can detect the virus immediately after infection.
Antigen/antibody tests look for both HIV antibodies and antigens. Antibodies are produced by your immune system when you are exposed to viruses like HIV. Antigens are foreign substances that cause your immune system to activate. An antigen/antibody test performed by a laboratory on blood drawn from a vein can usually detect HIV infection 18 to 45 days after exposure. Urine may also be used to test for the virus, but it’s not as accurate as blood.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection usually spread by sexual contact. It typically starts as a painless sore—typically on your genitals, rectum or mouth. Syphilis spreads from person to person via skin or mucous membrane contact with the sores.
How is Syphilis Tested?
Screening tests for syphilis include rapid plasma reagin (RPR), which is a blood test that looks for antibodies to the syphilis bacteria. A venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test also checks for syphilis antibodies through blood or spinal fluid samples.
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia
Gonorrhea and chlamydia are other kinds of common bacterial infections spread through contact. These infections most often affect the urethra, rectum or throat. In women, they can also infect the cervix (the opening to the womb).
Gonorrhea and chlamydia do not always cause symptoms in women, but when symptoms are present it is most often yellow vaginal discharge, bleeding between periods, and painful urination. Many women may mistake it for a urinary tract infection (UTI). For men, symptoms may include painful urination and pus-like discharge from the penis.
How Are Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Tested?
Gonorrhea and chlamydia can be screened through urine or swab samples which are sent to a lab for results.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis or “Trich” is caused by a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. For women, symptoms may include a thin discharge from the vagina that may be foul-smelling, redness and discomfort in the genitals, painful urination and pain in the lower stomach area.
When men are infected, they typically don’t experience symptoms at first, but they may develop over time. they may experience itching inside the penis, a burning sensation when peeing or ejaculating and discharge from the penis.
How is Trichomoniasis Tested?
Trichomoniasis is tested through a urine sample or swab of the genital discharge. They may need to send the sample out if they can’t detect the trichomonads under the microscope.
What Should I Do If I Have STD Symptoms?
Do not panic if you are experiencing any of the symptoms we outlined above. Get tested for STDs and STIs as soon as possible at your local urgent care today. We also urge you to consider taking the following actions:
- Refrain from having sex (even with protection) with anyone until you get your test results and confirm a diagnosis.
- If you get a positive result, follow your healthcare provider’s advice. Treatments vary, depending on the kind of STI you have.
- Let the people you’ve had sexual contact with know of your diagnosis and advise them to get tested as well.
With advancements in modern medicine, there are now many medications and treatments available to help with STD diagnoses and symptoms. You are not alone. STIs are more common than you think, and with the help of a Carolina QuickCare medical professional alongside your PCP, you’ll be able to manage it so you can go back to living your life.
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