Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs, also called sexually transmitted infections or STIs) are very common. Every year there are more than 19 million new cases of STDs in the U.S. By age 25, an estimated one in two sexually active young people will get one. If you think it can't happen to you...think again. Since STDs often show no symptoms, many of those who are infected don't know it. The only way to know if you or a partner has an STD is to get tested. The good news is that all STDs are treatable, and many are curable. Putting off getting care for an STD can have lasting health effects for both women and men. Left untreated, some STDs can cause infertility (that is, make you unable to have children). Some STDs can also cause an increased risk of cancer or even death. And get this—having an STD increases your risk of getting HIV and other STDs if you have sex with an infected partner.

If you do notice any changes or irritations (like sores) in your genital area, or any unusual discharge or discomfort when urinating, you should see a health care provider as these may be signs of an STD. However, not all genital infections are STDs. STDs can often be mistaken for common infections or irritations. For example, bumps like pimples or hair follicles on or around the genitals may be confused for genital warts. For women, STDs are often confused with yeast infections and other conditions. That's why it's important to see a health care provider if you have any concerns and ask what STDs you should be tested for.  

Before you start a new sexual relationship, it's a good idea to talk with your partner about your sexual history and getting tested for STDs. After all, you are not just having sex with your partner but with everyone they've had sex with...and everyone they've had sex with...and well, you get the point. Some STDs are so common that the CDC recommends routine screening.

The only way to know whether you or anyone else has an STD is to get tested. You can't always tell if someone has an STD by the way he or she "looks." STDs are very common. It just takes one sexual experience to get an STD. Even more to the point: STDs, including HIV, often have NO symptoms. That's right—so many people who have one don't even know it! The only way to know is to Get Yourself—and Your Partner—Tested (GYT). Knowing can help you protect each other. To maximize your protection against STDs use a condom each and every time (no excuses) you have sex (including oral sex).

There is no single test for every STD—tests are specific to each infection. And some infections can be found using more than one type of test. You and your health care provider will decide which STDs you should be tested for. But most importantly you need to speak up and ask to get tested. You can't assume that you have been tested for STDs if you have blood taken, give a urine sample, or (for women) have a pelvic exam or pap smear. You have to specifically ask to be tested.  

Be honest and open with your health care provider. They are there to help you, not to judge you. They need to know about your sexual history. Your provider/doctor will help you make important decisions about test(s) you may need. Certain STDs are so common, your health care provider may suggest that you get tested regularly for them.

The type of test—or tests—you need will depend on the STDs you need to be tested for. This can vary depending on your age, sex, and sexual history. Remember, there is no single test that can screen for all STDs. Your test may include:

Physical exam – Your health care provider may look at your genitals and/or your anus for any signs of an infection, such as a rash, discharge, sores, or warts. For women, this exam can be similar to a pelvic exam.

Urine sample – You may be asked to pee into a cup at your clinic or health care provider's office. Urine samples can be used to test for chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Discharge, tissue, cell or oral fluid sample – Your provider will use a swab to collect samples that will be looked at under a microscope. These samples can test for certain STDs, like chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, or HIV.

Blood sample – Your provider may take a blood sample, either with a needle or by pricking the skin to draw drops of blood. These can be used, for example, to test for syphilis, herpes, or HIV.

When you see your health care provider, find out exactly what you are being tested for.  

Sometimes your diagnosis can be made based on your symptoms or a physical exam. Treatment could be prescribed right away. Other times, your health care provider may need to send a sample away to a lab. In that case, the results may not be available for several days. Always follow up! If you don't get your results, it's as good as not having been tested. Don't assume your results are negative if you don't hear back—find out for sure.

Finding a testing center near you is quick and easy. To find one, enter your zipcode in the testing center locator at www.GYTNOW.org or text your zip code to GYTNOW (498669) on your cell phone. You will get a text message back with information about the nearest testing center to you.

Generally, medical information is kept confidential between the patient and health care provider. Positive results for some STDs, like HIV or syphilis, may be shared with state or city health departments for tracking purposes, but there are laws that stop health departments from sharing your test results with your family, friends, or employer. If you are using health insurance to get tested, you should consider who else has access to that information (a parent or partner if you share health insurance). Be sure to ask your health care provider who will know that you got tested and who will know your results, especially if you are using insurance, so that you are clear and informed.

If you are under 18, there are places where you can get confidential testing, meaning your parents don't need to give permission for you to be there, and they won't be contacted by the clinic that you were there. When you call to make an appointment for STD testing, ask about the health center's privacy policies: Will they call you at home with test results? Will they send a bill to you? Will they send other mail? Since each health center and clinic works a little differently, this is the best way to know for sure.

The cost really depends on the test and where you go to get tested. Costs can vary from health center to health center. Many health centers/clinics offer low-cost or even free testing. Many offer tests on a sliding scale (based on what you can afford). Most accept health insurance. If you don’t have health insurance, or prefer not to use it for STD testing, you can talk to your health center/clinic about payment options. Be sure to ask about cost when you call to make your appointment.

First, remember, all STDs are treatable and many are curable. There are different treatments for different STDs. For some STDs, there are several treatment options.

Here are two examples:

• If you test positive for chlamydia, you will be given a prescription for an antibiotic that will cure this case of chlamydia. You will still be able to get chlamydia again, if exposed to someone who has it.
• If you test positive for herpes, you will always have herpes (virus). But you can take medications to treat the symptoms. Medications are also available to help prevent future outbreaks and minimize their severity, as well as to lower the chances of passing the virus on to partners. You can also join support groups for people with herpes to help you cope and prevent transmission to others.

If your results are positive, it is important that you follow the treatment recommended by your health provider—completely. For example, if you're on antibiotics and your symptoms go away, you should still continue your medication until it is finished.

If you have an STD it is important to let your partner(s) know so they can get tested and treated if necessary. Everyone gets an STD from someone else. Part of stopping the spread of STDs is Getting Yourself Talking with your partners. This is never an easy conversation, but it is a very important conversation to have.

Make a plan to tell him or her as soon as you are ready. You could talk to someone else about it first and use the conversation to practice what to say to a partner. Or journal about what you want to say. Or practice talking in a mirror. You could even write your partner a letter to get down what you want to say.

But eventually, you need to find a way to tell your partner, whether face-to-face or on the phone or online. It may be really hard at first, but they deserve to know because it affects their health, too. This is also a good time to get some emotional support from a trusted friend, adult, health care provider or caregiver while you go through this process.