Confidential STD Testing Q&A

Your doctor may order a variety of tests depending on your sexual history to check you for STIs, including urine tests, blood tests, swabs, or physical exams. Blood tests are currently used to diagnose HIV, syphilis and genital herpes. STD testing may also involve taking swabs of the affected area, the inside of the mouth, or sores or urine testing.

The majority of sexually transmitted infections can be tested for using urine or blood samples. Your doctor can perform a blood or urine test to check for:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Hepatitis
• Herpes
• HIV
• Syphilis

In some cases, blood and urine tests are not always as accurate as other forms of testing. For blood tests to be reliable, it may also take a month or longer after being exposed to certain STIs. For example, if HIV is contracted, it can take a several weeks to a few months for tests to detect the infection.

From your doctor’s office to an STD clinic to a kit that’s sent to your home, there are many different places you can get an STD panel done. Each location will offer different tests in their standard STD testing. You will want to ask what is included and make sure every test you wanted to get is included in the package, no matter where you choose to get tested. Depending on where you get tested, STD tests may include testing for anywhere from six to 14 STDs.

While each company will offer different STD tests, a standard STD panel test will include all of the following:

• Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: The Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, both bacterial infections, tests are typically performed as a single urine sample.
• Syphilis: Syphilis is a blood-borne disease and it tested for using a blood test.
• HIV: HIV is tested using blood samples.
• Herpes 1 and 2: Both herpes 1 and 2 are tested with a blood sample.
• Hepatitis B and C: Both hepatitis B and C are tested with a blood sample.

After exposure, the incubation period is how long it takes for symptoms to appear. The window period is how much time must pass before getting a positive test result for the infection after exposure. These periods are often similar.

Some generalized symptoms that could indicate a person has an STI include:

• Genital itching or burning
• Pain during intercourse or urination
• A new or unusual discharge
• Bumps or growths on or around the genitals
• A foul smell after sex or coming from the genitals

However, even though a person can still get a positive test result, some STIs do not cause symptoms for many years. This is why it is important to rely on testing and why you can’t rely on symptoms alone.

In the majority of cases, a person can get an STI test within a few weeks of being exposed. If a person has a curable STI, such as gonorrhea, syphilis or chlamydia, they may need a retest after treatment.

Even after a negative result, people at high risk of certain STIs should ask for a retest. For example, such as those whose partners have HIV or people who share needles, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend annual HIV testing for people at risk.

STI symptoms aren’t always obvious, so if you think you have symptoms of an STD or have been exposed to one, see a doctor. Also, it is important to inform your partner or partners so that they can be evaluated and treated.

If you or someone you know is looking for a trusted STD testing clinic, come to Walking Urgent Care today! Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced in performing STD tests, so you can feel safe and secure with your discreet results. For more information, call our office and get in touch with a member of our specialist team. You can also visit our website or speak with us over the phone to book an appointment today.