STD testing

If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms above, it’s important that you seek medical attention immediately to avoid complications or spreading the infection.

There are several ways a sexually transmitted infection can be diagnosed. Blood tests are typically the best way to confirm the diagnosis of an STI. In some instances, a provider may take a urine sample or fluid sample.

Even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms of an STI, you may want to be screened if:

• You are between the ages of 13 and 63 and have never been tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS.
• You were born between 1945 and 1965 when there was a high incidence of hepatitis C.
• You have HIV. Those who suffer from HIV are at a heightened risk of catching another STI, specifically syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and herpes.
• You are over the age of 21. Sexually active men should have annual tests for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Based on their particular sexual practices and risk factors, gay and bisexual men may want to talk to their healthcare provider about more frequent testing for HIV and other STDs.

What are the symptoms of STIs?

The symptoms of STIs can be subtle. You may not even realize you have one. Chlamydia symptoms are particularly difficult to detect. If left untreated, though, you can pass STDs to your sexual partners and increase your own risk of getting another. Untreated STIs can become life-threatening. If you are at risk for STIs, visit a healthcare provider for regular testing.

Symptoms of STIs may include:

• Bleeding between periods
• Itching or irritation of your genitals or anus
• Flu-like symptoms
• Lower abdominal pain
• Mouth or genital sores (in the case of herpes)
• Painful bowel movements
• Pain during intercourse
• Painful or burning urination
• Penile discharge
• Testicular pain or swelling
• Unusual vaginal discharge

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), including bladder infections, are not STIs. However, sexual activity raises your risk for UTIs. Make sure you ask and check to be sure you have a UTI and not an STI.

Typically, an STI that is caused by bacteria is easier to treat than a viral infection. If you have been diagnosed with an STI, a provider will likely prescribe you an antibiotic, depending on the infection. When you visit us to be tested, we support your confidentiality throughout the process.

Antibiotics are normally prescribed for gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. Antiviral drugs are the best way to avoid herpes recurrences when taken with suppressive daily therapy.

HPV and hepatitis B can be prevented with vaccines. You can also lower your risk by reducing your number of sexual partners, abstaining or practicing mutual monogamy. Seek medical attention if you think you may have an STI, even if you aren’t showing any symptoms.

Unfortunately, STIs are a significant health challenge in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are nearly 20 million new cases of STIs annually. As a result, this costs almost $16 billion each year. What’s worse, many cases of STI’s, such as human papillomavirus and herpes simplex virus, go undiagnosed and unreported to the CDC.

If you’ve been diagnosed with an STI, you need to contact any sexual partners you’ve had within the past year. Some states require that certain STDs be reported to the local or state health department. If these numbers prove anything, it’s that you should stay educated on what causes STI’s and how they can be prevented.

HIV test

An HIV test checks for the human immunodeficiency virus. HIV is the virus that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, if not treated. HIV attacks the body’s immune system. If you are at risk for any STIs, you should get an HIV test. Some risk factors are having sex with more than one person, using intravenous drugs and sharing needles, and lack of knowledge of your partner’s sexual history.

If you are pregnant and you may have HIV, get tested, as HIV can be passed to your child. If you have been sexually assaulted, get tested immediately.

What is an HIV test?

HIV tests are performed on blood, oral fluid or urine. Tests done on blood usually detect HIV slightly sooner.

There are three types of HIV tests:

• Antibody tests: Most HIV tests are antibody tests. These check to see whether your body has developed antibodies to combat the HIV virus.
• Combination, or fourth-generation, test: This test checks for both antibodies and antigens. Antigens are part of the virus itself.
• Nucleic acid tests (NAT): This test checks for HIV in your blood. It checks for the virus, not the antibodies. A NAT is rarer and more expensive, and it may give inconclusive results.

Since it can take three to 12 weeks for an HIV-positive body to develop antibodies, you should be re-tested three months after your possible exposure to HIV, even if you got a negative result initially. Some healthcare providers suggest getting a NAT in combination with an antibody test. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine which test is the right one for you.

Should I get an HIV test?

If you have multiple sexual partners, think you might have HIV, use injection drugs or have certain rare conditions, you should get an HIV test. HIV symptoms are difficult to detect. Since HIV destroys the white blood cells that fight infection, some signs may seem like normal illnesses.

Symptoms of HIV may include:

• Swollen glands
• Flu-like symptoms that come and go
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle and joint aches
• Rash
• Sore throat

What happens after the HIV test?

If your HIV test comes back negative, you should still be re-tested after three months to be sure. If you are HIV-negative, continue to avoid HIV risk factors. Some medicines can help lower your risk if you are in a high-risk category. A negative test result for you does not mean your partner is also HIV-negative.

If you are HIV-positive, take a follow-up test to make sure the results are correct. Talk to your healthcare provider about what to do next. Being HIV-positive does not mean you have AIDS. Since AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV, HIV can lead to AIDS if not treated.