STD TESTING FAQ
Why should I get tested?
Wouldn’t I know if I or my partner had an STD?
Which STD should I get tested for?
What’s involved in testing?
Where do I go to get tested?
I got my results, now what?
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 for sure” if you or a partner has an STD is to get tested. The good news is that STDs are treatable, and many are curable. Putting off getting care for and 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), an increased risk of cancer and even death. And get this having an STD increases your risk of getting HIV or other STDs if you have sex with an infected partner If you do notice any changes or irritations (like sores) in your genital area, as well as any unusual discharge or discomfort when urinating you should see a health care provider as these may be signs of an STD. Not all genital infections are the result of an STD. Sometimes people get symptoms that seem very much like those of STDs, even though they have never had sex. For women, yeast infections and other conditions can easily be confused with an STD. Guys can worry about bumps on the penis that turn out to be pimples or hair follicles. 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 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.
Wouldn’t I know if I or my partner had an STD?
The only way to know whether you or anyone else has an STD is to get tested. You can’t 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 your (and your partner’s) status helps you protect each other. To maximize your protection against STDs and pregnancy use a condom each and every time (no excuses) you have sex (including oral sex).
Which STDs should I get tested for?
There is no single test for every STD – tests are specific to each infection. And some infections can be found using different kinds of tests. You and your health care provider will decide which STD tests make the most sense for you. 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. And, be honest with your healthcare provider. They are there to help you not to judge you. They need to know about your sexual history – so be open and honest. Your provider/doctor will be helping you make important decisions about test(s) you may need. Certain STDs are so common, your health care provider may suggest routine screening.
They type of test – or tests – you need depends on the STD. 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 genital 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.
Discharge, tissue, cell or oral fluid sample – your provider will use a swab to collect samples that will be looked at under a microscope.
Blood sample – your provider may take a blood sample, either with a needle or by pricking the skin to draw drops of blood.
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 go back to get your results, it’s as good as not having been tested. And, 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 zip code here on our Testing Center Locator. You can also text your zip code to GYT09 (49809) and you will get a text message back on your mobile phone with information about the nearest testing center to you.
When you get your test results, your health care provider will counsel you about your treatment options. Remember all STDs, including HIV, are treatable, and some others like chlamydia and gonorrhea are curable. If your results are positive, it is important that you follow the treatment outlined by your health provider—completely. That means even if you are feeling better you should continue your treatment as directed by your health care provider. If you have an STD it is also important to let anyone you have been sexually active with since your last test know so they can get tested and treated if necessary. This may be a difficult conversation but it’s very important. Everyone gets an STD from someone and part of stopping the spread is talking with your partners.
