STD Testing

STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are now also commonly called STIs (sexually transmitted infections). STDs and STIs both refer to the same thing: any infection that can be transmitted through sexual activity.

Did you know over half of all people in the U.S. will get an STD during their lifetime? In fact, experts estimate that there are over 20 million new STD cases in the U.S. every year. 

If you’ve noticed that something is off about your vaginal area, or if a partner has let you know that they were infected with an STI, you have nothing to be ashamed of. However, it is important to get tested and treated quickly in order to avoid any complications.

How does STI testing work?

It takes just a few minutes to collect a sample for testing. You may need to urinate into a cup or let your provider draw some blood. In other cases, your provider may swab the vagina or take a small piece of tissue – which should feel just like a pap smear, quick and generally painless. For any of these procedures, we will be sure to take care with any steps you feel concerned about.

What infections does STD testing include?

When you come in for an STD test, we will ask you about your symptoms to determine which tests are most important to run. The most common infections we test for include:

• Chlamydia

• Gonorrhea

• Hepatitis A, B, and C

• Genital herpes

• HIV

• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

• Syphilis

• Trichomoniasis

Depending on your specific symptoms, your specialist can also test for less common STDs, including chancroid, molluscum contagiosum, and granuloma inguinale.

How often do I need STI testing?

In general, we recommend STI testing if you have symptoms such as:

• New genital discharge

• Genital pain

• Pain during intercourse

• Pain in the pelvic area

• Genital itchiness or burning

• Genital skin changes, including bumps, sores, or other growths

• Fever along with any of the above symptoms

If you have sex with anyone who’s tested positive for an STI or who has active symptoms of an STI, schedule a test as soon as possible.

The following guidelines also exist for STI testing, regardless of sexual habits:

• Everyone aged 13-64 needs a minimum of one HIV test during their life

• Women under 25 need annual gonorrhea and chlamydia testing

• Women 25 and older with multiple partners or new partners need annual testing

• All pregnant women need hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis testing

• At-risk pregnant mothers need gonorrhea and chlamydia testing

• Women who have unprotected sex need annual HIV tests

• Women who share drug needles need annual HIV tests

Don’t be afraid to discuss your sex life and personal habits with your Summit Women’s Health OB/GYN. They will not judge you and your medical information is never shared. Knowing these details can help them personalize your STI testing and make sure you are treated properly.

What do my STD testing results mean?

Your doctor at Summit Women’s Health will talk through the test results and what they mean for you. Generally, a positive test means you have an active infection requiring treatment.

The specific STD treatment will depend on the infection, but often includes antibiotics, antivirals, or other types of medications. Your doctor may also provide counseling on safe-sex practices, how to protect yourself from STIs in the future, or how to decrease the risk of infecting your partner.

An abnormal Pap smear, which often means you have HPV, is a bit different. In many cases, it may not require immediate treatment. But your specialist may recommend more frequent Pap smears so they can remove the HPV cells if they’re likely to become cervical cancer.

To learn more about STD testing or to book an appointment at Summit Women’s Health with Brandon M. Lingenfelter, DO, PhD; Megan Lingenfelter, PA; Sam Snyder, DO; or Valeah Bradshaw, NP, call us at (681) 282-5591 or use our scheduling portal.