Testing Methods
An STD test may consist of a blood test, a sampling of genital fluids or cells, a visual examination of the genitals or a urine test. STD tests are available for these common sexually transmitted diseases: herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, chlamydia, HIV, bacterial vaginosis, genital warts and intestinal parasites Once unprotected sex has occurred, it is crucial to ask a physician to perform STD tests to rule out sexually transmitted diseases. Left untreated, STDs may cause infertility, pain, pelvic inflammatory disease, scarring to the reproductive organs and increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. STDs may also cause fatigue, back pain, abdominal discomfort or bloating.
Questions to Expect
STD tests are done at the doctor's office, at a clinic or at home. During STD tests, the doctor will ask questions about sexual history, such as "Are you sexually active?" "Have you had unprotected sex?" "Do you use condoms for STD protection or birth control?" "Do you have any history of sexually transmitted diseases?" and "Do you have any questions about STDs?" The doctor will also look for symptoms of STDs during a physical exam of the genitals, and will take action to draw blood, take a sample of genital secretions, ask for a urine sample and perform other tests as needed. Be honest with the doctor. STDs may cause progressively worse symptoms, so the sooner the disease is diagnosed, the better.
Know the Symptoms
During the exam for STDs, the doctor will ask about symptoms you may have been experiencing. The doctor will ask detailed questions about the duration of the symptoms and the date when they first appeared. The common symptoms of STDs include pain upon urination, genital discharge, unusual genital odor, burning feeling in the genitals, sores on the genitals, infertility, unusually painful periods, blisters or bumps on the genitals, painful sex, fever and itching in the genital area.
STD Tests Sent to Lab
After taking the needed samples, the doctor will send the samples out to the laboratory for testing. Be sure to ask how long it will be before the results arrive. Some doctors and clinics will not give test results over the phone, so you may need to make another appointment.
