STD Testing and Risk Factors

STD Testing and Risk Factors is courtesy of: Express STD Testing Blog

Talking about STD testing may feel awkward, but don't be afraid. Remember, many people have already been diagnosed with STD, so you're not alone. Also keep in mind that most STDs take time to develop, so you shouldn't panic if you find out you do have an STD. Many people also find out they have an STD while they're trying to have a child, so this is also another reason to get tested. Most people contract an STD at some point in their life and being tested early is the responsible thing to do - it means that you are taking better care of yourself by not spreading your infection further. Here's how STD testing works.

When you go to your doctor for STD testing, he or she will collect a swab from you and send it off to a lab. Depending on the type of STD you have, your doctor might send the samples to one of several STD testing sites around the country. Once the samples arrive at the lab, they will perform testing to see which strain of STD you have. Your doctors will tell you what type of test they use, and this could be done with a urine or blood test. Depending on your condition and the severity of it, your doctors will either diagnose you with an STD or provide a treatment for your condition.

An STD test can give you some important information - like how long you've had the condition, if you know you have it, and the symptoms you're experiencing. Some STDs also have symptoms, so you'll be able to tell if you have any. In the case of an STD test, your doctors will tell you whether or not you need immediate treatment. Some STD tests may include a pelvic exam to check for urinary infections and cancers of the reproductive organs.

If you're experiencing symptoms of an STD, your doctor will likely ask you to also get tested for certain other diseases. The most commonly tested STD is syphilis, though there are others. Your syphilis exam can run into the hundreds depending on where you go for your STD testing.

Some STD tests only require you to go to one or two doctors. For example, a routine annual exam will likely cover STD testing, unless your doctor asks you to come in for an STD screening. Some sexually active people choose to go to multiple doctors for STD screening. If you choose to go to multiple doctors, make sure you tell your doctors that you're sexually active. Some doctors won't screen for certain STDs, unless you specifically ask them to.

Syphilis and HIV are the two most common STD's among sexually active people. Other common STDs include genital warts and hepatitis. There are many different ways to protect yourself from STD's. Always use condoms and avoid having multiple partners. Go through the STD screening process as soon as possible, as early testing can help identify risks factors for STD's and give you treatment options.