Who needs STD testing?

If you are sexually active, it is important to get regularly tested for sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STDs, STIs). The Center for Disease Control recommends annual testing for sexually active individuals to screen for:

• Chlamydia

• Gonorrhea

• Syphilis

• Hepatitis B

• HIV

STD testing is especially important if you have new or multiple sexual partners, or if you’re with a partner who has previously tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease. If you’ve had unprotected sex, you should receive STD screening.

If you use injectable drugs and share equipment with other people, you should also receive regular testing.

What are the symptoms of STDs?

Different conditions have distinct symptoms, but many share symptoms, including:

• Genital sores or blisters

• Skin rash

• Genital warts

• Discharge from the penis or vagina

• Painful sex

• Vaginal bleeding

• Lower abdominal pain

• Swelling in the groin glands

Symptoms may range from mild to severe. In many cases, if you have an STD, you may not show any symptoms for months or years after becoming infected.

Why should I get tested?

STDs can be present in your body without any symptoms. An STD is a disease that needs professional medical attention.

If left untreated, STDs can cause additional medical complications, including:

• Genital pain

• Infertility

• Pregnancy complications

• Pelvic inflammatory disease

• Reproductive cancer

Untreated STDs can also lead to the continued spread of the disease to other individuals.

What can I expect during STD testing?

Your doctor at HELLOMED reviews your sexual and health history.

It’s important to be honest with them about the number of sexual partners you have, frequency of unprotected sexual activity, and your history of drug use. Your doctor keeps all of your information confidential and offers discreet testing in a comfortable environment.

To test for chlamydia and gonorrhea, your doctor conducts a urine sample or swabs your genital area. For HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis, your doctor requires a blood sample.

At HELLOMED, on-site laboratory testing is available with a fast turnaround time. You can expect test results in one to two days to give you the peace of mind you’re in good health. If your test results are abnormal, your doctor discusses the results and further treatment options.

To schedule an STD testing appointment, walk into the clinic, or book an appointment online or by phone.