Because not all STDs exhibit obvious symptoms—or any symptoms at all—you should get tested based on your sexual activity rather than waiting until things start to look or feel a bit off. To keep yourself and your sexual partner(s) STD-free, opt for screenings:
- After having unprotected sex
- Before becoming intimate with a new partner(s) for the first time
- Before you and your partner(s) stop using condoms together
- If you or your partner(s) have sex with other people outside of your relationship
- If you’re experiencing signs and symptoms of an STD
- When evaluating whether or not it’s time to get tested, keep in mind that STDs can be transmitted in many ways including unprotected oral, anal, and vaginal sex, and via bodily fluids.
How Do They Test for STDs? Some of the most common STDs are HPV (Human Papillomavirus), Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes, HIV/AIDS, and Hepatitis C. The tests may require a blood sample, swab, or urine sample depending on what you’re being screened for, here’s what you can expect:
- HPV Screening: Cervical cell screening (“pap smear”) if you aren’t showing symptoms.
- Chlamydia Screening: Urine sample or swab of the affected area
- Gonorrhea Screening: Urine sample or swab of the affected area
- Syphilis Screening: Blood sample or swab of the affected area
- Herpes Screening: Blood sample or swab of the affected area
- HIV Screening: Blood test or cheek swab
- Hepatitis C Screening: Blood test
While sharing the details of your sexual encounters with a medical professional may be a little awkward to say the least, the more information you provide the better they’ll be able to screen for any infections. For example, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea that were transferred via oral or anal sex may not be detected with a urine sample or vaginal swab. Any details you can provide will go a long way in helping detect, diagnose, and treat any infections you might have.
Submitted by Annmarie Dallao | ARCpoint Labs of Reading
Source: ARCpoint Labs Franchise Group
