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Consider screening for women receiving care in high-prevalence settings (e.g., STI clinics and correctional facilities) and for asymptomatic women at increased risk for infection (e.g., women with multiple sex partners, transactional sex, drug misuse, or a history of STI or incarceration) 2
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What is STI testing?
What does a positive STI test mean?
What STIs can be tested for?
Dec 1, 2023 · STI testing (STD testing) refers to many different tests you get at a healthcare provider’s office or clinic to find out if you have a sexually transmitted infection. At-home STI testing is also an option. Testing involves giving samples of blood, urine or other bodily fluids.
Apr 14, 2023 · Find out how your risk factors affect the types of tests you'll need for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Apr 9, 2024 · If you are sexually active, STI testing is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. Have an open and honest conversation with your healthcare provider to learn which STI tests are right for you.
- Overview
- First, what is an STD?
- Who should get an STD test?
- What STIs should you test for?
- Where to find STD testing?
- How are STI tests performed?
- When to speak with a doctor
- What to do if you test positive for an STD
- Frequently asked questions
- Takeaway
Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can help keep you and your partners safe. Here’s what to know about who should test and when.
If you’re sexually active, you’re potentially at risk for a sexually transmitted infection (STI). This is even more likely if you don’t use protection.
While STIs are easily treatable, they don’t always have symptoms so often go unnoticed. Complications of untreated STIs can have serious consequences, including infertility. They can also lead to sexually transmitted disease (STD).
That’s why STD testing is so important, and regularly if you have multiple partners. Here’s what else you need to know.
The difference between STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, and STIs is often muddled.
Sexually transmitted infections occur when bacteria, parasites, or viruses enter the body. This process happens before a sexually transmitted disease develops.
And while STDs stem from STIs, having an STI does not necessarily mean you’ll develop a disease from that infection. An STI can be asymptomatic (without disease), but if symptoms or clinical manifestations develop, it becomes an STD.
As we mentioned, some infections may show no symptoms, so testing is very important for preventing the spread of STIs. On the other hand, a disease typically has more clear-cut signs or symptoms.
If you’ve been sexually active, it’s a good idea to be tested for STIs. Also, get tested if:
•you’re about to begin a new relationship
•you and your partner are thinking about not using condoms or other barrier methods of birth control
•your partner has cheated on you
•you or your partner have multiple partners
•you have symptoms that suggest you might have an STI
There are a number of different STIs, and specific variables — like your birth-assigned gender and sexual history — come into play when deciding which to get tested for.
Your primary health care provider or your local health clinic can also recommend specific testing by learning more about your sexual history and lifestyle. You’ll likely be encouraged to test for one or more of the following:
•chlamydia
•gonorrhea
•HIV
•hepatitis B
Other options for testing
Some people opt to use at-home STD testing kits. These kits allow you to test in your home’s privacy by providing samples and sending them back to a lab for testing. If you test positive for an STI, your next step would be to contact a healthcare professional.
Most STIs can be detected through urine or blood samples. Depending on your sexual history, your health care provider may conduct a series of tests for STIs, which can also include swab tests. These can be performed on the mouth, vagina, penis, or anus, depending on the type of test necessary based on symptoms and sexual history.
Although some STIs can come without symptoms, it’s still good to watch for any signs of infection, even if they are very mild. For example, it’s important to let a doctor know if you’ve noticed any changes on or around your genitals. If you have anal sex, also let them know about any changes on or around your anus and rectum.
See a doctor or healthcare professional right away if you notice any of these symptoms:
•changes in urination
•strange discharge from the vagina, penis, or anus
•genital itching or burning
•sores, bumps, rashes
If you get a positive STI test result, it’s important to follow up with your doctor for treatment. Also, make sure you inform any recent sexual partners, as some STIs can be transmitted back and forth. It’s a good idea to consider how you want to tell your partners — while factoring in safety if that’s a concern.
For example, a face-to-face conversation may be no big deal for some partners, while for others, it could pose harm if your partner has a history of emotional or physical aggression.
There are also anonymous, free options for sharing this information with partners if you prefer:
•STDCheck
•TellYourPartner
•Let Them Know
How do they test you for an STD?
You may be tested for STDs through blood, urine, and swab (genital, oral, anal, or site-specific). The testing method depends on the type of test and your symptoms. You may be tested for STDs through blood, urine, and swab (genital, oral, anal, or site-specific). The testing method depends on the type of test and your symptoms.
How do I get myself checked for STDs?
You can get tested for STDs by visiting your primary health care provider, or your local health clinic, pharmacy, or Planned Parenthood location. You may also consider purchasing an at-home STD test if you don’t have access to in-person testing. College students can usually get free STD testing through their school’s affiliated health clinic. You can get tested for STDs by visiting your primary health care provider, or your local health clinic, pharmacy, or Planned Parenthood location. You may also consider purchasing an at-home STD test if you don’t have access to in-person testing. College students can usually get free STD testing through their school’s affiliated health clinic.
What does a full STD panel include?
Generally, testing checks for chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B and C, trichomoniasis, syphilis, and HIV. People assigned female at birth can also be screened for HPV once they’ve turned 30 years old. Generally, testing checks for chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B and C, trichomoniasis, syphilis, and HIV. People assigned female at birth can also be screened for HPV once they’ve turned 30 years old.
STIs are common, and testing is widely available. The tests can vary depending on which STIs your doctor is checking for.
Talk with a doctor about your sexual history and ask which tests you should get. They can help you understand the potential benefits and risks of different STI tests. Doctors can also recommend appropriate treatment options if you test positive for any STIs.
Screening. Testing for an STD or sexually transmitted infection in someone who doesn't have symptoms is called screening. Most of the time, STI screening is not a routine part of health care. But when a person's risk for getting an STD changes, a health care professional may suggest screening.
Jul 6, 2022 · STI testing can check for chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, and other conditions that transmit through sexual contact. Learn about the purpose, frequency, and methods of STI testing, as well as the symptoms and risks of common STIs.
