It can be embarrassing to find out you have STD. However, there is no need to be ashamed because you can get medical treatment and continue to live your everyday life. Las Vegas STD testing is a perfect choice if you suspect any symptoms, both for you and your partner. STD doesn’t make you a bad person; just a sign that you are an ordinary person with a disease.
What are STDs?
Sexually transmitted diseases are known to be infections passing from one person to another through contact with infected persons sexually. The contact may be oral, anal, or vaginal sex but may also be spread by intimate physical contact; a good example is HPV and herpes, spread through skin-to-skin contact.
Sexually transmitted diseases may result from viruses, bacteria, or parasites, affecting both sexes, male and female. You may risk getting an STD if you are sexually active and have multiple sex partners. The most common STDs include:
- Gonorrhea
- Genital herpes
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Chlamydia
What is STD testing?
STD testing involves checking for any infections you may have using different tests. The tests may include swabs and urine or blood tests. You may not know if you have developed an STD because somehow, they may not cause symptoms; if they do, they could be mild.
Still, you may pass it on to others without being aware. But here are some symptoms you may check for, then you can consider a visit to a clinician for testing. They may include:
- Sores on your genital areas
- Itchiness or bleeding in your anal
- Blisters around your mouth
- Painful urination
- Unusual discharge from your genitals
If you may have had sex with someone who has symptoms of an STD, it may be best to see your doctor as soon as possible for necessary tests.
What happens during STD testing?
You may need to talk to your doctor and ask for STD testing if you suspect any symptoms. Your doctor may then recommend any of the following tests:
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Urine testing
Your doctor may ask you to pee in a cup. The urine in the cup will be the sample to test and check off any infections or STDs you may have.
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Physical exam
Your doctor may check your genital area to observe any discharge, sores, rashes, or warts.
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Swab test
Your doctor may recommend taking samples from your vagina, penis, or other reproductive organs using a swab. These samples may later be taken into the laboratory for testing.
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Blood test
Your doctor may prick your finger to draw a small blood sample for testing.
After the test is complete, your doctor will give you the results. Testing positive means you have an STD; therefore, you may need to start your treatment immediately. If you do not have STDs, using protection during sex and other safe-sex methods may be essential.
If you seek treatment or STD testing, visit Darin Swainston, MD, FACOG, or make your online appointment.
