Anyone sexually active is susceptible to Sexually Transmitted Infections, and for this reason, screening is essential to avoid serious health complications. While testing is vital to everyone, others need regular screening based on different factors, including age and sexual behaviors such as having anal sex or unprotected sex with different individuals. Whether or not you have STD symptoms, your specialist at Covington, GA, primary care center recommends screening because most of the time, you may have an infection without the disease symptoms being exhibited. The following is a guide explaining the screening tests for specific STDs.
Chlamydia
- Urine test. To test for chlamydia, your doctor requires a sample of your urine sent to the lab for analysis.
- A swab of cervical discharge can be used in women to test for the presence of an infection. A swab you take yourself is just as functional as one that your specialist obtains. Doctors use a thin swab to get a sample from the urethra or swab the anus in men.
You may require screening at least once every year if you are under 25 and are sexually active, you have HIV, you have intercourse with multiple partners, or you’ve been sexually abused.
Genital herpes
Most people with this infection exhibit no symptoms and may easily transmit the virus to others during sexual intercourse.
- A swab test. Your doctor may scrape the sores to obtain fluid and cells for testing.
- A blood test. Using a tiny needle, your doctor draws blood from a vein in your arms into a vial. Besides the sudden sting of the needle, the process is painless and fast. A blood test also helps your doctor differentiate between type one and two viruses. However, the results are not always definite as the outcome can be positive, yet you have no negative infection, and the viral infection is present.
A physical exam. Most of the time, your doctor recommends herpes screening after assessing your genital area to check for rashes, blisters, warts, discharge, and sores.
Syphilis
Tests for syphilis may include a blood test or a swab of a sore you may have. The same applies to other infections such as HIV and hepatitis. Consider getting tested for these infections if you are a bisexual man, use IV drugs, are pregnant, and have new or multiple sexual partners.
What’s the next step if I test positive?
Positive results may prompt different emotions such as anger and shame. However, don’t wallow in despair as most STDs can be treated, and for those with no cure, medications can be used to manage the symptoms. Discuss with your partner about your condition for them to get tested. Although it may be a tough conversation, it reduces your chances of re-infections.
Getting tested for STD is never a bad idea. Doing this helps protect yourself and your partner from complications like infertility and cervical cancer. Schedule an appointment with your specialist at Oasis Healthcare Service, Inc for screening to take the needed measures.
