Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Testing Specialist

How can I tell if I need STD testing?

If you're sexually active or you've been sexually active in the past and you were never tested, it's a good idea to be tested for sexually-transmitted diseases. In fact, that's the recommendation of the U.S. Department of Health, which also recommends screening should take place every year in most people. Those who are involved in risky sexual behaviors, such as having several partners or having sex without a condom, should be screened more frequently – ideally every three to six months. In addition to ensuring diseases are caught in their earliest and most treatable stages, having regular STD testing also helps prevent you from passing diseases to another person, especially during the early stages of disease where there may not be any symptoms to “tell” you you're infected.

What happens during STD testing?

Most STD testing is completed using blood tests to look for disease indicators, but physical examination of an infected area is also important in identifying the presence of many diseases. Urinalysis and microscopic evaluation of swab samples from your genitals or other areas can also be very useful.

What symptoms can STDs cause?

Different types of sexually-transmitted diseases can cause different types of symptoms, but some of the most common symptoms associated with STDs include:

• sores or rashes or or near the genitals, mouth or anus

• discharge from the vagina or penis

• itching or burning sensations around the genitals

• pain when urinating or ejaculating

• swelling in or near the genitals

• fever or flu-like symptoms

Can every STD be cured?

No, while many are curable, some STDs cannot be cured but must be managed with medicines to help limit symptoms and flareups and to help maintain optimal health.