Getting Tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections

• STD

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Getting tested is one of the easiest ways to practice safe sex with your partner. It is important to talk to your partner about STIs and use condoms, gloves and dental dams that can lessen the chances of sexually transmitted infections. If you want to get STI testing done, talk to your doctor for scheduling an appointment.

When you should get tested

• If you notice any symptoms or something extraordinary
• If you have had some sexual interaction with someone having an STI
• If someone you have had sexual interaction is suffering from an STI

How often you should be tested

• Some people perform tests at least once or twice a year with their new partner or every few years with the same partner. You may discuss with your doctor about what might work for you.
• A Window Period is the time when someone may come in close contact with an infection and when the results might appear in a test. Window Periods for sexually transmitted infections are usually 24 hours for gonorrhea and chlamydia and 3 months in case of syphilis or HIV. Certain things like genital warts or herpes can be diagnosed when you have an outbreak. So, if you are feeling anxious for contracted syphilis, then you need to get tested for STI till 3 months after enjoying intercourse or unless you might detect any of the symptoms.

Different tests to perform and stay protected

Urine Tests

• Both chlamydia and gonorrhea are usually done within 24 hours after the exposure.
• Both of them may be tested to detect for urinary tract infections (UTI) or yeast infections that are not sexually transmitted. However, you might share some symptoms with chlamydia and gonorrhea that include – painful urination itchiness, burning, etc.

Blood Tests

The tests done for HIV and syphilis are performed in 3 months after the exposure for getting the most accurate result.

• HIV/AIDS – You can perform a regular blood draw and the results can be seen in 24 hours or upto two weeks. You might need to perform a Rapid Point-of-Care (POC) test which is usually done anonymously. The blood sample will be taken from your finger’s prick and the private STD testing results will be delivered to you within a few minutes. If the test result is positive, then you will get a standard blood test for confirming the results.
• Syphilis – You need to perform a regular blood draw for getting the desired test results by almost 2 weeks.

Swab Tests

• Swab tests can be performed when the doctor swab a sample of fluids from anus, throat, sore or vagina and then keep it in a container. This is common for anal or oral chlamydia/ gonorrhea, but may be done on the penis or vagina in case the urine test is unsure.
• Swab tests are done on herpes sores in case your doctor thinks you need to perform further tests.

The blood tests may take almost 2 weeks to be processed in the laboratory. Urine and swab tests can take 4-7 business days and external exams are done in person so that you get to know your doctor’s opinion. Thus, if you detect some symptoms but the tests for STIs are negative, ask your doctor about same day STD testing near me to perform further tests on time.