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WHO SHOULD TAKE AN STD TEST?

Getting an STD test isn't on the top of everyone's list. But there are occasions when it becomes necessary and responsible. Here are a few reasons why getting tested is essential to you and your overall health.

You have sex with someone with unknown STD status regardless of what they tell you or think.

Even if you have protected sex, you may still be at risk of infection. Of course most people think they are "clean". "I've never had symptoms so I must be clean, right?" No one wants to think about it, but anyone can have diseases and not know. Don't assume you're Ok because you don't experience symptoms afterward. Be responsible and get yourself tested. There are simple blood and urine tests available.     

You've met someone you really like and want to take the next step—unprotected sex.

Before having unprotected sex with a partner, it is recommended that both you and your partner take some comprehensive STD tests. STDs can be asymptomatic, so just because you don't have any obvious symptoms does not mean you or your partner haven't been exposed. Again, it's not something you want to think about, but getting tested together will remove any doubt about taking that next step. STD testing is essential for overall health and happiness in your relationship.    

You've had multiple sexual partners 

If you have multiple sex partners, it is highly recommended that you get tested. Just makes sense. Regardless of symptoms or lack of, it is a good idea to get a STD test. Your future health will depend on getting yourself tested as needed to rule out any sexually transmitted diseases. As stated before, there is a simple STD test done through blood and urine with quick results. Advanced Testing Center can help arrange STD Testing.

 STD TESTING

 STD testing usually will include a test for HIV, herpes, syphilis, Chlamydia, gonorrhea and sometimes hepatitis B and hepatitis C. These are the common diseases included in the test. Don't assume if you get an STD test at a clinic or a doctor that "everything was tested". Most doctors and clinics DO NOT test for herpes.

HERPES  TEST

Genital herpes is a common STD, but most people who have genital herpes don't know it. There are often no symptoms. If you have symptoms, the most common ones are painful blisters and sores. There is no cure for genital herpes, but there are treatments for the symptoms. Herpes Testing: Usually a blood test or swab if blisters are present.

CHLAMYDIA TEST

Most people who have Chlamydia don't know it but if left untreated, Chlamydia can result in serious health problems, such as infertility in women. A simple test can tell you if you have Chlamydia. Young, sexually active females need testing every year. Chlamydia Testing: Urine

GONORRHEA TEST

Many people who have gonorrhea don't know it. Especially in women, the disease often has no symptoms. A simple test by Advanced Testing Center can tell if you have gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is easy to treat and cure. GonorrheaTesting: Urine

SYPHILIS TEST

Syphilis is passed from person to person through direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal or oral sex. The sore is painless. A blood test by Advanced Testing Center can tell you if you have syphilis. Syphilis is easy to treat and cure in its early stages.

HIV TEST

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV Testing and treatment for other STDs can be an effective tool in preventing the spread of HIV.

HPV STD TEST

HPV is so common that most sexually active people get it at some point in their lives. Most don't know they have it because HPV usually has no signs or symptoms and goes away on its own without causing any serious health problems. There are HPV vaccines that can protect males and females against some of the most common types of HPV. Currently there are no tests to specifically test for HPV. Women will usually have HPV detected in a pap smear


STD SCREENING GUIDELINES 

 

When testing for Sexually transmitted diseases or infections it is important to follow certain guidelines to control the accuracy of your test results.

 

Depending on the type of std testing that you and/or your partner will have performed there is a certain amount of time you need to wait from possible exposure until the time the blood sample is drawn.  This time period is usually referred to as the "window period".  When you and your partner decide to get testing you both need to make sure that you have waited through the window period before having your blood sample drawn.  This is to control the chances of a false negative test result for any sexually transmitted infections.  For example, if your partner has had a sexual contact with someone who has any type of sexually transmitted infection, that infection may not be evident in a blood sample test for 6 weeks to 3 months.

 

The window period for most of the standard STD testing is 3 months.  The standard panel of blood and urine testing will include an HIV antibody test, a Herpes 1 & 2 IgG test, Gonorrhea testing, Chlamydia Testing and an RPR (test for syphilis infection).  There usually aren't any symptoms genitally for HIV.  However, symptoms for herpes can include painful ulcerations on or around the vagina or genital area.  Burning or tingling of the skin on or around the vagina and upper thighs can also be signs of a herpes infection.  If the contact was recent and you have ulcerations present you can also have your doctor do a culture for HSV.  This includes the doctor taking a sample of the fluid in the ulcerations.  If you have an infection of syphilis, the symptoms can include a colorless, painless bump in the genital area or on the vagina.  This "bump" is called a chancre.  When you and your partner go in for blood testing the phlebotomist will draw your blood sample & usually test results will be available in a few days.  The exam is non-invasive and will not include an exam of the vagina or genital area on a male. 

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