Sexually Transmitted Disease testing is a painless, quick, and critical procedure for the maintenance of sound health. STD testing can even be free in some cases but isn't usually included in regular medical examinations. Having an STD is a sneaky business: you may not even exhibit any symptoms while suffering from one. Therefore, regular STD testing is the only way to diagnose such “hidden STDs.” Let us look at the procedure of STD tests, how much they cost, and which STDs you should get tested for.
Should you get tested for STDs?
It is a safe and healthy option to get tested for STDs if you live a sexually active lifestyle. It is essential for individuals who have just started a new relationship, have multiple partners, or exhibit any signs or symptoms that may hint towards an STD to get tested for STDs immediately. In addition, if your partner has cheated on you or has several partners, or if you and your partner have not been using protection or are thinking of forsaking it, getting tested is a sensible choice.
However, if you are in a long-term relationship with the same person, which is mutually monogamous, and both of you got tested for STDs before the start of your relationship, you do not need to get tested regularly. But that is not the case for many people: they have either not been tested before entering a relationship or have had other partners, which gives rise to the possibility of any of you carrying an undiagnosed STD, maybe for years.
Which Sexually Transmitted Diseases should you get tested for?
There is a wide range of very common STDs that you should get tested for. However, it is practical to consult with a medical specialist to root out the STDs that you should get tested for. Consulting about your sexual health is nothing to be shy about but may even prove life-saving in some cases. It is essential to remember that your sexual health is nothing that your doctor hasn't heard before. Be clear about any symptoms you may exhibit, and be honest about your sex life and sexual partners. Depending upon your circumstances, your doctor may advise you to get tested for:
- Gonorrhea
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Chlamydia
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis B
- Trichomoniasis
You won't typically be advised to get tested for herpes unless you ask for the test or have known exposure. If you are looking for medical advice on which STDs you should get tested for, utilizing the services provided by Cura4U is a sensible option.
Since the prescription of STD tests varies from person to person, the doctor may also examine the patient's genitals and may also require a pelvic examination if the patient is exhibiting symptoms of STD.
What is the procedure of getting tested for STDs?
There is a wide range of STD tests carried out via various procedures. These may include the following:
1. Urine Testing
Urine tests for the diagnosis of STDs only require you to pee in a cup, and the sample may be taken at a practitioner's clinic or home.
2. Blood Sample Testing
Some STD tests can be carried out via a blood sample. This process requires a blood sample from an individual getting tested and is taken out via a needle and syringe. The sample can be drawn from a vein or a quick finger prick.
3. Cheek Swab Testing
STD tests requiring a cheek swab are the simplest of all and only need a soft swab to be rubbed on the inside of your cheek. This test is usually carried out for the diagnosis of HIV.
4. Vaginal, Urethral, or Cervical Swab Testing
Many practitioners use vaginal, urethral, or cervical swabs to detect STDs, depending upon the individual. Doctors use a cotton applicator to take vaginal and cervical swabs during pelvic exams. Urethral swab tests are carried out the same way for all genders by inserting a cotton applicator into the urethra.
5. Rectal Swab Testing
Rectal swab testing is usually carried out on individuals who take part in anal sex to check for the presence of infectious microorganisms in the rectum.
6. Discharge or Sore Swab Testing
Nurses or doctors take a sample from any fluid discharge, sores, or blisters that you may have to check for signs of STDS.
7. Pap Smears and HPV Testing
Although a Pap smear isn't an STI if viewed strictly, it looks for early cervical or rectal cancer signs. People who regularly engage in anal sex are at a higher risk of rectal cancer from HPV infections. Fourteen million Americans contract HPV each year, and a majority of sexually active people suffer from at least one kind of HPV infection at some point in their lives.
How much does STD testing cost?
STD testing is not an expensive procedure, and the cost depends upon several factors, including the type of test, the kind of insurance you have, and the place you get tested from. Several insurance plans offer low-cost STD testing based on the Affordable Care Act. If you would like to get tested then visit Cura4U where you can both easily schedule lab tests and buy home testing kits!
