Got Questions? Here’s the Facts About STD Testing You Need to Know

STDs are a highly stigmatized epidemic and are one of the most frightening group of conditions to contract. With more than 110 million individuals that have an STD, many of these cases go undiagnosed because symptoms can be mistaken for other illnesses.

Going undiagnosed can put you, former, current, and future partners at risk, and if you do not treat the condition, it can lead to several complications, which include:

• Organ Damage
• Infertility
• Put you at higher risk for infections
• Death in some cases
• And more.

It’s crucial for you and your partners to go through STD testing every year, even if you don’t have any apparent signs or symptoms of an STD. If you are sexually active and don’t use protection, you are at higher risk of contracting an STD and even protection is not always enough. If you are showing symptoms of an STD, then do not hesitate to make an appointment to get tested.

Who Is at Risk for STDs?

Anyone can be at risk for an STD if they are sexually active to a point. But, when you take part in risky behaviors, like having unprotected sex with someone who has an STD, having multiple partners, you have an increased risk of getting an STD. Individuals who are 25 and under have the most significant risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease.

Some other things that can put you at greater risk are:

• Alcohol Use
• Getting High from Illicit Drugs
• Trafficking
• Serial Monogamy
• Using Birth Control Pills as your sole source of pregnancy protection

While the above can put a person at higher risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease, they are way more common than what most people think, and not knowing can be the most considerable risk in passing it around. To reduce your chances of getting an STD, always sit down and have a conversation with your potential partner about past experiences, get educated on STDs and what they can do and for both of you to get tested.

What Are the Symptoms of an STD?

Symptoms may vary, depending on the STD, but some diseases are asymptomatic, making it harder to detect. Some disorders can mimic other conditions like UTI, pimples, and other common ailments. However, if you’ve been infected for a while but didn’t know, then these are the symptoms to look out for:

• Pain when you are having sex or urinating
• Weird-looking discharge that has a color smells fishy or clumpy
• Symptoms that are similar to the Flu
• Abnormal Bleeding
• Bumps, sores and warts on your genital area

If you notice any of the above symptoms, then make an appointment with your doctor, or clinic right away. The sooner you get STD testing and get treatment, the more likely you will prevent any further complications.

When Should I Go to My Doctor?

It’s recommended that anyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should get testing at least once per year for STDs. Higher risk groups, such as gays and individuals who have multiple partners, should be tested more often. Pregnant women should also have an STD test done when they first find out they’re expecting and then retest every few months to make sure that she and her child are healthy.

If you are showing symptoms of an STD, then it is best to get tested as soon as possible to prevent spreading the infection to others. Some diseases such as Herpes can be transferred to another person whether or not the symptoms are showing. It’s best to protect yourself and others from preventable conditions.

Where Should I Get STD Testing?

Several places offer to test for STDs, including free clinics, your doctor, the local health department, and others. Some companies provide at home testing for STDs. Getting checked is the only way you are going to find out if you are suffering from one.  

People believe that when they get a yearly check-up that their physician will check them for STDs. However, that is not true because not all doctors will perform STD testing unless you specifically ask them. Be completely open about your sexual history and activity with your physician, because they have probably heard about similar situations before from other patients.

But if you feel uncomfortable talking to your doctor about your sexual health, then do not fear, because you still have options. You can go to one of several free clinics that are available to get screened or to your local health department for testing. The procedure is quite simple, and the sooner you find out, the faster you can start treatment.

Do I Need an Appointment?

That all depends on where you go for your STD testing. Places like walk-in clinics and the health department offer screenings without an appointment, while doctors offices will require an appointment before you can go in and get tested. Others have the option to walk-in, but you can also schedule an appointment to get tested for STDs.

How Much Does STD Testing Cost?

The cost of STD testing varies on where patients go to get screened, what they’re being tested for, and how many panels they need. Several clinics are free or run on a sliding scale fee for individuals who cannot otherwise afford to get checked. An excellent way to find out is to give the clinic or your doctors office a call, to find out how much a screening should cost, because staying healthy should be affordable for everyone.

Does My Insurance Cover It?

Most Insurance plans cover the cost of STD testing, under the Affordable Care Act, leaving the patient paying very little if anything at all. Medicaid and Medicare also cover the cost of STD testing, so patients can save money while getting their health in order.

How Long Does It Take to Get My Results?

The time it takes to get your results for an STD test can vary, on whether you had a urine test or bloodwork done, and the type of test you’re taking. Typically, a physician will get your results within 2-3 days, and others can take a week or more to hear anything. Tests for Genital Warts and Crabs only involve a look-over by your doctor, while AIDS tests can take much longer.

Get Tested Today

It’s essential to put your health on the forefront, so when it comes to STD testing, you should make sure that your sexual health is in the clear or it can be treated promptly. At Rapid STD Testing, we provide patients with confidential services to help them keep their health in check. We offer affordable prices and are open six days a week for your convenience.

Remember, if you are showing signs of an STD, get tested right away, so you can get proper treatment. Making sure we can take care of ourselves, and our individual health needs are met, and that is why our experienced staff are here to help you every step of the way. To learn more about how we can help you, visit our site today.