What are STD tests?
STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) is a common term. According to CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention), 68 million people in the US were living with STIs in 2018. STDs are infections caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites and spread through unprotected sexual activities, personal contact, or even from a pregnant mother to her child.
In many cases, STDs show no symptoms at all. An STD test determines the type of STD a person has contracted so that they can take the proper and required treatment to avoid severe complications. In this article, you will know in detail about how STD tests work.
Why should you get tested for STDs?
STDs don’t always show symptoms easily and can still cause adverse and long-term health problems such as blindness, infertility, congenital disabilities, and in the worst cases, even death. There is always a possibility of contracting STDs from your partner, even if they seem healthy. Thus, you need to get your test done if you are sexually active and consider yourself at higher risk for infection.
Who should get tested for STDs?
While coming forward to get an STD test done, you should never forget that there is nothing to be ashamed of it as healthcare professionals are there to help you and not to judge. Here is the list of conditions stating who should get an STD test done:-
- People who are experiencing symptoms that they suspect might be due to STIs
- People who have shared needles or injections
- People who have gone through blood transfusions
- People with a family history of STIs
- Sexually active people who have had unprotected sex
- Pregnant women
Some of the symptoms of STD include:
- Vaginal itching
- Painful urination
- Unusual odor in vaginal discharge
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Bumps in the genital area
- Itching on the penis
How STD test works?
There is no one-size-fits-all test for STDs. Each type of STD has its particular test. Some STDs may need more than one method for their diagnosis. Here is the list of STD tests that your doctor might suggest to you according to your need and symptoms:-
- Blood tests: For diagnosing HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis, and Herpes.
- Urine tests: For diagnosing Trichomoniasis and Gonorrhea.
- Swab tests or tissue scraping: Diagnosing HPV, Genital Herpes, and Chlamydia.
- Pap test: For diagnosing HPV.
- Lumbar puncture or spinal tap: For diagnosing the advanced stage of Syphilis or Herpes.
- Home tests using kits (lancet): For diagnosing Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Trichomoniasis, and Hepatitis C.
- Physical examination: For diagnosing genital warts and Herpes.
However, you don’t need any special preparations for getting an STD test, except that you might need to empty your bladder before getting a lumber puncture test done.
Are STD tests painful?
In general, no they are not. STD tests are quick and easy and usually do not hurt. Here is the list of tests and the pain level associated with them:-
- Urine tests: This method of STD testing is completely painless.
- Blood tests: This method of STD testing requires blood from the skin or through slight pricking of the skin, which most people tolerate very well.
- Swab tests: Some swab tests, like those of the cervix or urethra, need swabbing and might be uncomfortable.
- Lumbar puncture: In this method of STD testing, you may experience pain or tenderness in your back where the needle was inserted. It can also be followed by a headache that can last up to weeks.
Potential Health Defects of Not Undergoing STD Testing and Treated On Time
To maintain your sexual health, it is imperative to undergo regular STD testing. Not getting a routine test for STDs and delaying treatment can lead to several potential health defects.
- If you are experiencing symptoms, then delaying immediate STD testing can lead to long-term complications like ongoing pelvic pain, difficulty getting pregnant, and pregnancy complications.
- STDs like Syphilis can cause severe damage to vital organs if left untreated.
- Delaying testing and treatment increases the chances of passing the infection to sexual partners, continuing the spread of the disease.
- HIV can progress to AIDS if not addressed promptly, weakening the immune system and making individuals more vulnerable to infections and cancers.
- Contracting STDs during pregnancy can harm the developing baby, resulting in stillbirth, premature birth, or congenital Syphilis.
- Undergoing rotuine STD testing in a timely manner is essential to prevent complications, reduce transmission, protect partners, and ensure better health and reproductive outcomes.
Why choose Affordable Rapid Testing for STD test, Phoenix?
As STDs can be both symptomatic and asymptomatic, it requires quick and reliable testing with proper results to cure yourself as soon as possible. Affordable Rapid Testing offers you the best results with holistic treatment when it comes to STD testing, Phoenix.
