Identifying sexually transmitted diseases based on symptoms alone can be difficult considering that you may not experience symptoms or mistake your symptoms for other common diseases. The only way to truly find out if you have a sexually transmitted disease or infection is to get a STD test.
A STD test can seem daunting or intimidating, but it’s quick, painless, and usually free. However, testing is not always part of a regular checkup at your doctor's office, even during a gynecologist exam. Ask your doctor outright for an STD test. Be honest and open with your doctor about your sex life to ensure that you get the right STD test. Some things you should tell your doctor to figure out the right STD test kit include:
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Any symptoms you are experiencing
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History of STDs you or your partner(s) may have had
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Number of sexual partners
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How frequently you use protection
Learn more about how to get tested for STDs.
The testing process itself differs based on each STD, but most are easy and pain-free. STD testing can take place at testing centers, a STD clinic, or at your doctor's office. A comprehensive STD test can be one or more of the following:
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A physical exam: This usually precedes most STD tests and involves the doctor examining you for warts, sores, rashes, discharge, irritation, and other physical symptoms.
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A urine test: During urine tests, you simply pee in a cup for urine sample collection. Can be used to detect chlamydia and gonorrhea.
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A blood test: The doctor takes a blood sample from your arm or a quick finger prick.
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A cheek swab: You rub a swab around the inside of your cheek, usually to test for HIV.
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Sore tests: Your doctor may take samples of the fluid from blisters or sores.
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Discharge tests: Your doctor may use a swab to collect fluid samples from your genitals (i.e. vaginal swab) , anus, or throat.
Sometimes, your doctor can immediately determine if you have a sexually transmitted disease, but more comprehensive STD test kits can take anywhere from a few days or a few weeks to get STD test results back from the lab. Some clinics also offer rapid HIV testing, which allows you to get definitive STD test results in just 20 minutes. Your healthcare provider may also provide your STD test results online securely