About STD Testing

Overview

Getting a test for a sexually transmitted disease can be a scary event, especially if you have never had one before. The CDC recommends that sexually active adults have annual STD screenings, more often if they have multiple sexual partners. However, most STD tests do not take much time, and require either a blood, urine or swab sample. Before getting an STD test, talk to your doctor about any concerns you have and which test you should have.

Routine Testing

Very few people get STD tests during their annual checkups. According to the Mayo Clinic, the only routine STD screening that is given is a pap smear to women to check for cervical cancer, which can be caused by the human papillomavirus. Both the CDC and Mayo Clinic recommend that patients ask their doctors for specific STD tests.

Questions

Before an STD test, both you and your doctor will have questions. Your doctor will ask you about the number of sex partners, your sexual practices and what protection you use. This will help your doctor know your risk of contracting an STD, and if you need a new form of birth control. During this time, tell your doctor any weird symptoms you have had, such as genital sores, unusual discharge, abdominal pain or fever.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are often used to detect a sexually transmitted disease, according to the CDC. Syphilis, HIV, hepatitis A and hepatitis B all can be tested for with a blood test. However, HIV may not always be detected with a blood test: It can take three months for HIV antibodies to form in the patient's blood, and change the test from HIV negative to HIV positive, according to the National Institutes of Health. Herpes can also be tested for with a blood test; however the CDC warns that a tissue scraping is more accurate.

Urine Tests

Urine is another sample that can be used to test for sexually transmitted diseases. According to the CDC, both gonorrhea and chlamydia can be tested for using a urine sample. In addition, doctors can test for a urinary tract infection, which is not a sexually transmitted disease but can have similar symptoms in women.

Swab or Sample

Most often, a swab will be taken for an STD test. Another option of gonorrhea and chlamydia testing is taking a swap from inside the penis for a man, or from inside the cervix for a woman. For a syphilis test, a swab can be taken from a genital sore if one has formed. The test for genital herpes is a tissue scraping or a culture of any blisters or ulcers that have formed on the genitals.