How to Prepare for Your STD Testing

How To Prepare For Your STD Testing

Many Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) don’t present symptoms of infection or show mild symptoms before disappearing. Both men and women must be proactive with STD testing to get ahead of the problem before it can cause further health complications. If you meet a new sexual partner, have had unprotected sex on a one-night stand, or notice sporadic symptoms, protect your health by getting tested for STDs with a local healthcare provider.

How To Prepare For Your STD Testing

Getting tested for STDs is an essential part of taking care of your health, and it’s a proactive step in maintaining a healthy and responsible lifestyle. There are different types of tests available, including urine tests, blood tests, swab tests, and even finger prick tests.

These tests can detect various STDs, including HIV. Understanding your sexual history and assessing potential risk factors is vital before getting tested. It helps healthcare professionals determine which tests are most appropriate for you.

Understanding STDs And Symptoms

There are more than 30 STDs, with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) being the most common infection seen in North America. Every year, doctors diagnose 14 million new cases of HPV across the United States.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is different from other sexually transmitted diseases. The immune system fights the pathogen, clearing it before it creates complications requiring medical treatment. However, some women may experience cervical infection, causing cervical cancer. Fortunately, there is an HPV vaccine available, providing protection from HPV and safeguarding the cervix from cell invasion.

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

Chlamydia is the second most common STD, with 1.7+ million cases reported annually. Gonorrhea gets the bronze medal, with 555,000 cases diagnosed annually. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are “silent” STDs because many cases don’t present symptoms.

If women experience symptoms, they may be short-lived and mild, often confused for other infections, like UTIs. If gonorrhea and chlamydia are untreated, it may cause a life-threatening condition known as “Pelvic Inflammatory Disease” (PID).

Women with gonorrhea or chlamydia are at higher risk of HIV infection if exposed to a carrier, and should get tested for HIV frequently. Gonorrhea can cause complications like heart, blood, and joint infections. The CDC recommends women get an annual test for chlamydia and gonorrhea if they’re sexually active and under 25. Women over 25 with high risk for STD infection should also receive yearly testing.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

HIV testing is a crucial component of STD testing and is often done through a blood sample. Talking openly and comfortably with your healthcare provider about your sexual history, health problems, and potential risk factors is essential to ensure you receive appropriate testing and treatment.

Additionally, being comfortable talking about concerns you may have about the testing process, such as discomfort with swab tests or anxiety about skin-to-skin examinations, can help make the experience more comfortable for you.

How To Prepare For STD Testing

When you arrive at the doctor’s office for STD testing, your physician reviews your medical history. After that, they conduct a pelvic exam to look for disease symptoms. There’s no physical preparation required for the STD exam.

Review the last few months of your life and note any STD symptoms you may have experienced during that time. This strategy helps the doctor narrow down the type of STD. Some of the information to consider is the following.

  • When did your symptoms appear?
  • Where did you notice the symptoms on your body?
  • What were the physical symptoms, and how did they make you feel?
  • Did your symptoms manifest physically? If so, what did they look like?
  • How long did your symptoms last?

Many women may feel embarrassed when discussing their sexual behavior. However, it’s important to note the doctor is bound by patient confidentiality. The more open and honest you are with your health care provider, the better the chance of the physician diagnosing the correct STD.

What To Expect With STD Testing

There is no one-size STD test for all pathogens. Depending on the prognosis, the doctor may need to run two or three tests.

There are four types of STD tests:

  • Urine The doctor takes a urine sample in a container and sends it to the lab.
  • Blood  The doctor pricks your finger or draws a sample from your arm.
  • Fluids The doctor takes a sample of fluids from sores or vaginal discharge.
  • Pap smear – The doctor takes a swab of cells from the cervix wall.

There’s no need to be scared or embarrassed when the doctor collects samples. They will act professionally and be as gentle as possible. If you have a fear of needles, let your doctor know, and they’ll issue a light topical anesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable during the sample collection process.

Regular testing and treatment can lead to long-term health benefits by enabling early detection and intervention if needed. Remember, taking charge of your sexual health by being proactive about STD testing is a responsible and empowering choice that contributes to a healthier you.

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