STD Testing

What is an STD?

An STD is a sexually transmitted disease. These types of infections spread between partners when they engage in intimate sexual activities. Common STDs include:

• Chlamydia
• Genital herpes
• Gonorrhea
• Viral hepatitis
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• HIV/AIDS
• Syphilis

STDs can have a serious impact on your health and cause problems like infertility. They can even cause potentially life-threatening complications.

What are the symptoms of STDs?

Not all STDs cause visible symptoms, but those that do affect your genitals can cause:

• Sores
• Warts
• Redness
• Swelling
• Rash
• Discharge
• Itching
• Irritation

You may also find you're bleeding mid-cycle. Some women experience painful urination or find intercourse becomes uncomfortable. You might have flu-like symptoms in the early stages of some infections, which you may not know are linked to an STD.

Some STDs don't cause symptoms at all, at least in the early stages. That means you could be infected and pass the infection to your sexual partners without knowing. Undergoing regular STD testing at Philadelphia Women's Health & Wellness ensures that you receive the treatment you need, as well as preventing the spread of STDs.

When should I have STD testing?

If you're sexually active, it's best to have an annual STD test to identify any infection. 

Your risk is low if you're in a monogamous relationship. However, if you have numerous partners or engage in high-risk activities, Philadelphia Women's Health & Wellness might recommend you get tested more often.

You should also come for STD testing if you have any symptoms of an STD or you've had sex with someone who has an STD.

What does STD testing involve?

STD testing might require having several different tests, as there's no single test that can identify every STD.

Urine and blood tests cover many STDs. If you have visible skin lesions or discharge, your provider at Philadelphia Women's Health & Wellness might take a sample for testing.

Screening tests for HPV and chlamydia involve taking a sample of cells from your cervix, in the same way as undergoing a Pap smear.

What's the best way to avoid STDs?

The only certain method of avoiding STDs is to not have sex. For most people, that option isn't viable. If you're sexually active, the more you limit high-risk activities like having sex with many different people and sharing needles, the more you reduce your risk.

It's also essential to use condoms, which are the only form of contraception that also protects against STDs.

Regular STD testing is the best way to make sure you receive timely treatment if you do contract an STD. 

For expert STD testing, call Philadelphia Women's Health & Wellness or book an appointment online today.