Everything You Need To Know About STD Testing

What’s your worst fear? If it's heights, darkness, or deep water, we understand. But if you are fearful of getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases, then you must overcome it! Health tests don’t make you sick; they help detect & prevent health issues much earlier, thereby letting you take corrective steps faster.

Therefore, take control of your sexual health today and get tested for sexually transmitted diseases. You must be wondering why this STD testing is so important and what good it does. Then tune in and discover everything related to STD tests in this comprehensive blog.    

Understanding STDs

Let’s clear the confusion first between the two! When a bacteria or a virus enters a human body through sexual contact, it’s said to be a sexually transmitted infection. Usually, these infections are asymptomatic; but once they start showing symptoms, they manifest into sexually transmitted diseases. That’s the only difference! ^{1 2}

How Do They Spread? ³

• Physical contact, even kissing counts!
• During pregnancy (from mother to baby)
• While breastfeeding the baby
• Sharing infected needles (probably while taking drugs)
• Through blood transfusions

What Is STD Testing? Why Is It Important?

As the name suggests, they help in detecting sexually transmitted diseases. Since developing STDs is common, it’s even more important to track your sexual health periodically. So, if you’re sexually active (with one or multiple partners), please know, you’re at risk of acquiring an STD!⁴

Who Should Get STD Testing?

You can get tested for STD if you have the following signs and symptoms- 3

• Experiencing pain or frequent urination
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse
• The unusual smell of vaginal discharge, or itching around the vagina
• Men may notice discharge or itching from the penis as well.
• Any sores or bumps around the genital or rectal region
• The presence of blisters or sores in or around the mouth
• Anal itching, soreness, or bleeding 

If you’ve been experiencing the above-mentioned symptoms, it’s time for you to take action and get STD testing promptly.

How To Get Tested And What To Expect During An STD Test

Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs are majorly transmitted by having vaginal or anal intercourse with an infected person. And, there are more than 20 types of STDs which could be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites.

So, let's begin with understanding some numbers related to the common STDs that can affect men and women

WHO estimates that most of these infections can often go undetected, hence it is advised to take appropriate steps to protect yourself and your partner. One such step is taking an STD test as a precautionary measure.

Why Is STD Testing A Smart Choice For You?

Let’s now discuss the various STD tests recommended for people who are at an increased risk for specific infections. ^{3 5}

• Women under 25 who are sexually active- Professionals advise that sexually active women below 25 years of age should undergo STD tests for chlamydia and gonorrhoea every year.
• Women aged 21 to 30 can get a Pap smear test. This will help analyse the changes in cervical cells that may evolve into cancer if left undiagnosed.
• If you’re pregnant, then you should get STD testing for infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, chlamydia, and syphilis.
• HIV-infected people- When you’re already infected by HIV, you can acquire another STD easily. Therefore, experts advise such people to get tested for chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhoea and herpes.
• Using injectable drugs- Using shared needles augments your chances of contracting HIV. It is advised that individuals in this situation get tested for HIV regularly.

What To Expect During STD Testing?

The type of infection determines the type of STD test. Let’s uncover the diagnostic process together: ³

• BLOOD TESTS ^{3 5}

Diagnoses: Syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and herpes.

Process: The healthcare provider draws blood from the vein in your arm during the test, using a small needle. Once the needle is in place, they collect blood into a tube or vial.

• URINE TESTS ^{3 5}

Diagnoses: Trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea.

Process: You need to collect your urine sample in a bottle provided by the healthcare worker. 

• SWAB TESTS ³ 

Diagnoses:  HPV, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and herpes.

Process: Using a special swab, the healthcare provider takes a sample where the infection has occurred. In women, it could be from the cervix or vagina. For men, the sample may be taken from the penis or urethra. 

• SPINAL TAP (Or Lumbar Puncture) ³

Diagnoses: Advanced stage for syphilis, or when herpes has infected your brain/spinal cord

Process: Firstly, anaesthesia is injected into your back so that you don’t feel any pain. Then the provider inserts a thin needle into your vertebrae (in the lower spine) and withdraws some fluid to test.

• AT-HOME TESTING KITS

Such STD testing kits are gaining a lot of attention these days as some people feel embarrassed about visiting clinics for testing. To ensure privacy and convenience, at-home STD test kits are a great option for both men and women. They offer a discreet way to test for STDs from the comfort of home. These kits help detect multiple STIs, providing clarity on sexual health and guidance on possible treatment options.

Why Proactive STD Testing Is Important?

Proactively tracking your sexual health offers multiple benefits like ^{6 7 8}

• Peace of Mind: Knowing your status can relieve anxiety and allow you to enjoy your relationships.
• Protecting Partners: If you’re STD-free, you reduce the chances of spreading infections.
• Early Detection: Many STDs can be treated easily when caught early, preventing severe health issues later on.
• Pregnancy Complication: Early detection of STDs can help the to-be-mothers to take preventive measures and carry a safe and healthy pregnancy forward. 

The Final Takeaway!

STD testing is a simple step that can make a big difference to your sexual health, thus impacting overall well-being. Don't let fear, embarrassment or uncertainty hold you back. Get an appointment, be informed, and take control of your sexual health today. 

You can also opt for an easy and discreet option—at-home STD self-collection kits for both men and women. These kits help detect 7 STIs in men and 8 STIs in women using real-time PCR technology. If you test positive for any STD, you can consult a healthcare professional for guidance on possible treatment and the best way forward. With just one simple step, you can take control of your sexual health from the comfort of your home. Don't wait any longer—make proactive STD testing a priority today!

Remember, when it comes to your body, knowledge truly is power!

FAQ

Q1- How do you test if you have STD?

There are 2 ways. First, you can visit the lab and give your sample or take an at-home test kit. 

Q2- What is the STD profile test?

It refers to the types of sexually transmitted diseases to be screened.

Q3- When to speak with a doctor?

Consult your doctor when: ⁹

• You have questions about STD testing
• Your STD results come out positive, and
• You’re clueless about the way forward or the treatment