With the “steep and sustained” increase in STD cases lately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends learning the status of your sexual health by getting tested. If you’re sexually active or have multiple sex partners, the more you know, the better you’ll be able to keep yourself safe and healthy.
To make your first STD testing experience easy and comfortable, we’ve developed an STD testing checklist that you can take with you to your appointment.
STD testing checklist
- Tell your doctor exactly which STD tests you’d like to have, and if you have a particular concern.
- Tell your doctor if you’re concerned about a recent exposure, be it via the genital area or oral sex
- Take note of possible std symptoms, such as abnormal penile or vaginal discharge, genital warts, genital itching, irritation, and painful urination, especially if these come with flu-like illness symptoms.
- Get tested twice if you think you might’ve one or more sexually transmitted diseases.
- If you test positive, ask about treatment options when you get your results.
- Talk to your partner about which STDs you may have been exposed to before your STD check.
- Go to a licensed doctor and a reliable testing center that you trust.
- If you have any questions after the test or regarding risk factors, ask a doctor or any healthcare professional.
How long are STD results good?
STD results are good for a long time, as long as you don’t engage in any sexual activity. Once you engage with a new sexual partner, the results are already invalid. This is also applicable if you have intercourse with a previous partner who got involved with another individual since your last test.
Can you get tested for every STI?
We test for every STD only if you want to be tested for all STDs. If you’re being seen for a regular physical examination, your doctor won’t order any STD testing. A doctor will help you determine if you need STD or HIV testing but will only test you for sex-related conditions that you permit.
What are the most common STDs doctors test for?
The most common STDs doctors test for are syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, and human papillomavirus (HPV). You may also ask to get tested for viral hepatitis and HIV, which is a virus that attacks the immune system. They’ll test for anything additional that you request, but it’s up to you to ask.
Do routine blood tests check for STDs?
Routine blood tests don’t check for STDs. A blood test will only show results for health problems or medical conditions that your doctor deems necessary for a proper diagnosis, such as checking the status of your liver or kidney. If you want to get tested for STDs, you should ask your doctor about it.
What questions should I ask my doctor to test for STDS?
The question you should ask your doctor to test for STDs includes asking them bluntly if you may need them and if you should get tested regularly. It’s important to ask as many questions as you have about results, be they positive or negative, and about medical treatment.
If your healthcare provider wouldn’t provide straightforward answers when you go in for HIV, AIDS, or STD testing, go to a different doctor. This is your health and you need to be able to fully comprehend it.
Are my STD results confidential?
Your STD results are confidential. According to the CDC, your results are protected by state and federal privacy laws and can only be released with your permission.
At Nao Medical, STD testing is completely confidential. Your test results are private. We provide all patients with email instructions on how to gain access to their STD results over the internet.
I can’t afford all of the STD tests. What is the cheapest way to get tested?
If you can’t afford all of the tests, the cheapest way to get STD tested is at health centers and non-profit facilities that offer STD tests that are less costly or free. Consult your local health department for a list of locations.
Nao Medical is quite transparent with prices and fees. If you have insurance, you can check our website for accepted insurance plans.
Can I get treated for STD at urgent care?
You can get treated for STDs at urgent care clinics if you want it quick yet efficiently. You can check the CDC for an urgent care center, like Nao Medical, which is CLIA-certified.
Don’t rely on home testing kits to determine whether or not you have a sexually transmitted infection. Take the time to visit a certified STD testing center, like Nao Medical, to get proper testing, and reliable and accurate results.
