Is STD Testing Possible With A Throat Swab?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be a sensitive topic to discuss, but it is crucial to prioritize your sexual health by STD testing regularly. While various testing methods are available, one effective and non-invasive way to test for STDs is using a throat swab. Let us understand it in detail here.

What Is A Throat Swab?

Throat swab is a common laboratory test used for STD testing and identifying the presence of viruses, bacteria, or other germs that may cause throat infections.¹ This test involves rubbing a sterile cotton swab against the back of the throat and taking a sample from the sides near the tonsils.¹ Although this procedure may cause temporary soreness or discomfort, it is generally painless and takes only a few seconds to complete.¹ Once the sample is collected, it is sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine whether an infection is present. A negative or normal result indicates the absence of any detectable infection, while a positive result may indicate the presence of a specific pathogen or other microorganism that requires treatment.¹

It is important to note that STDs or STIs can be transmitted not only through vaginal or anal sex but also through oral sex.² These sexually transmitted diseases can infect the throat and can be detected using a throat swab. Now that we have learnt that STDs can be transmitted through oral routes and infect the throat, let us learn about the methods to prevent their transmission.

How To Prevent STI Infection In The Throat?

While abstinence from sex is the only way to guarantee complete protection against STIs, it may not be a practical solution. In such cases, using barrier contraceptives like condoms and dental dams can help reduce the risk of infection transmission.³ Condoms are ideal for sexual activity involving the penis, while dental dams can be used for oral sex involving the anus or vulva. It is also important to ensure that there are no cuts or holes in the barrier being used, as this can increase the risk of infection.³

It is important to remember that no method can provide 100% protection against STIs. Even with the use of barrier contraceptives, there is still a risk of transmission. Therefore, it is important to get regular STD testing to ensure early detection and treatment of any infections. But, before going for the test, it is also crucial to know the STDs which might infect your throat. Let us learn about them here.

Which STDs Transmit Through Oral Sex?

The various STDs that may spread through oral sexual activity include-

• Chlamydia that may lead to pain in the mouth, redness, etc.³
• HIV that may lead to soaring throat, swollen lymph nodes, and mouth ulcers.³
• Gonorrhea that generally affects people between the ages of 15-24 years and results in pain in the throat & mouth. ⁴
• HPV- Oral HPV that leads to earache and hoarseness. ⁵
• Herpes, including HSV-1 and HSV-2-Herpes, causes cold sores and oral blisters, which usually heal in 10 days but can also break out again at any time. ⁶
• Syphilis that leads to sores on lips, mouth, tongue, or gums and can be chronic if left untreated.³

What Are The Common Symptoms?

General symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases through oral sex include-

• Sore throat: Some people may experience a sore throat and mistake it for a common cold or flu, which can worsen the condition if left untreated.³ 
• Mouth pain, oral soreness, and pain while swallowing.³ 
• Some infected people may experience white spots in the back of their throats and on their tonsils, as well as swollen tonsils.³ 

If any of the above symptoms appear, it is important for a person to seek professional medical attention. It is crucial to know that like other sexually transmitted infections, oral STIs can usually be treated with antibiotics. However, it is possible for a person to become reinfected even after being cured. Therefore, it is important to practice safe sex and get regular check-ups to prevent the spread of oral STIs.

Conclusion

The answer to the primary question, "Can a throat swab detect STDs?" is YES. A throat swab is used for STD testing if it has been transmitted through oral sex and has infected the throat. Common symptoms that may indicate an infection include sore throat, mouth pain, and swollen tonsils. Since these infections are localized, a urine test may not be able to detect the throat infection. If any symptoms are observed, it is important for the person to seek professional medical attention. If treated promptly, the infection can be easily cured through proper medication. It is also important to practice safe sex and get regular check-ups to prevent the spread of oral STIs!

Luckily, LifeCell’s at-home STD Test for Male and STD Test for Female offers a convenient and reliable solution to STI testing, with the ability to detect up to 7 STIs in men and 8 in women using advanced RT-PCR technology, all from the comfort of your own home. These at-home test kits provide insight into your sexual health and strike out the possibility of 8 common STDs. The test provides accurate and rapid results within 3 days of receiving the sample in the laboratory, with a vaginal swab sample required from women and a urine sample required from men.