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STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) or STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are common risks from oral, vaginal, or anal sex. These infections and diseases can cause serious health problems when not properly treated. The skilled and compassionate team of professionals at South Valley Women's Health Care provides excellent STD testing, Pap smears, and lab services. They also counsel patients on how to prevent STDs and STIs. Call the office in Bluffdale, Utah, to schedule an appointment. Or request one online today.
STD Testing Q & A
When should I have STD testing done?
If you are sexually active, STD testing is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. Not every STI or STD has symptoms, making it challenging to know if you have an STD or should have testing done.
Some common symptoms include:
- Burning urination
- Unusual bleeding from the vaginal
- Painful sex
- Pain in the lower abdomen
If you have any combination of these symptoms and notice bumps or sores on the genital, oral, or rectal areas, make an appointment with your doctor at South Valley Women's Health Care.
How does STD testing work?
STD testing isn’t always part of a regular checkup or gynecologist exam. So, make sure to ask for STD testing. Be honest with your nurse or doctor about your sex life so they can help you determine which tests are best for you.
STD testing may include:
- Urine test
- Blood test
- Oral test (mouth or throat swab)
- Sore swab
- Blister swab
- Genital swab (discharge or cell samples from vagina, anus, or penis)
Your nurse or doctor might perform a physical exam and look at your genital area to check for sores, rashes, warts, irritation, or discharge.
You can get tested for most STDs whether or not you have any symptoms. Some STDs act and look alike so you might be tested for several infections and diseases.
How long does it take to get STD testing results?
Your doctor at South Valley Women's Health Care may be able to tell right away if you have an STI or STD. However, some tests take a few days or weeks to return from the lab.
How effective are condoms against STDs?
Condoms are 95% effective at protecting against the majority of STDs. However, a few STDs can be spread through skin-to-skin contact that the use of a condom does not protect against. These include Genital Warts, Herpes, and Syphilis.
Though a condom does not protect against all STDs, using one is still recommended to limit the risk. You can also prevent STDs and STIs by having fewer partners, getting the HPV vaccine, practicing abstinence, and getting tested.
If you are sexually active, pregnant, or due for STD testing, call South Valley Women's Health Care to schedule a visit or request an appointment online today.