What infections does STD testing include?
Sexually transmitted disease or STD testing can check for any kind of infection using blood, urine, swab tests, or tissue samples. Most STDs are bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, and the most commonly tested for STDs include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Hepatitis B
- Genital herpes
- HIV
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
Depending on your specific symptoms, your specialist can also test for other less common STDs, including chancroid, molluscum contagiosum, and granuloma inguinale.
How often do I need STD testing?
The team recommends a testing schedule appropriate for your situation. In general, you need STD testing if you have symptoms such as:
- New genital discharge
- Genital pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Pelvic area pain
- Fever
- Genital itchiness or burning
- Genital skin changes, including bumps, sores, or other growths
If you have sex with anyone who’s tested positive for an STD, or who has active symptoms of an STD, schedule a test as soon as possible.
The following guidelines also exist for STD testing, regardless of sexual habits:
- Everyone 13-64 needs a minimum of one HIV test during their life
- Women under 25 need annual gonorrhea and chlamydia testing
- Women 25 and older with multiple partners or new partners need annual testing
- All pregnant women need hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis testing
- At-risk pregnant mothers need gonorrhea and chlamydia testing
- Women who have unprotected sex need annual HIV tests
- Women who share drug needles need HIV tests yearly
Don’t be afraid to discuss your sex life and personal habits with your non-judgemental and caring OB/GYN. This information can help them to personalize your STD testing.
What do my STD testing results mean?
Your OB/GYN explains the results and what they mean for you. Generally, a positive test means that you have an active infection requiring treatment.
The specific STD treatment varies with the disease but often includes antibiotics, antivirals, or other types of oral or topical medication. Your OB/GYN may also provide counseling on safe-sex practices and how to protect yourself from STDs in the future or decrease the risk of infecting your partner.
An abnormal Pap smear, which often means you have HPV, is a bit different because it may not require immediate treatment. But, your specialist may recommend more frequent monitoring so they can remove the HPV cells if they’re likely to become cervical cancer.
Tchabo Care Obstetrics & Gynecologymakes it easy to get your STD testing and treatment in a confidential and supportive environment. Call the office or arrange your STD testing through online booking.
