Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be diagnosed after a thorough analysis of medical history, including sexual history, followed by conducting tests that detect the presence of the causative viruses or bacteria in the various tissues of the body or the body’s reaction to those offending agents.
| Sample tested | Disease | Parameters measured |
|---|---|---|
| Blood tests | HIV testing, Hepatitis B and C, syphilis, herpes | Tests for the viral or bacterial antigen or the antibodies produced by the body in response to infection. |
| Vaginal or rectal swab or swab from a sore in the mouth | Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HPV, syphilis in early stages (chancre) | Tests for the microorganism from the swab under the microscope. |
| Urine sample | Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas vaginalis | Tests for the microorganism in the urine under the microscope. |
| Cervical swab (women) | HPV | HPV DNA detection under the microscope. |
Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate tests after analyzing your sexual history, physical examination and conducting a thorough sexual risk assessment.
The tests can be conducted at the doctor’s clinic, a community health clinic or a lab. Most tests for STIs are covered by insurance, however, many community health programs may offer free and confidential STD testing. You may need to search for such clinics, and there could be a waiting list as well.
Can I conduct STD tests at home?
Yes, you may choose to collect the sample yourself in the privacy of your home if you feel self-conscious. Such at-home testing kits are available for several STDs, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia.
These involve collecting urine samples or oral swabs or doing a finger-stick test with a sterile needle prick. You need to mail the test samples to a laboratory that analyzes the samples and gives you the result. Look for the test kits that are FDA-approved.
Self-testing is useful when a person cannot visit the clinic. However, if the results come back positive, you must visit your doctor to discuss further courses of treatment.
Keep in mind that many STDs have window periods (the time between the person being infected with an STD and when the STD shows up on a test). If an STD test is taken too soon after infection, it could give a false-negative result (the test comes negative despite the person having the infection). The test will need to be repeated after the window period ends.
Faulty sample collection may also result in a false-negative or a false-positive (the test comes positive despite the absence of infection) report as well.
What should I remember when visiting a clinic?
When visiting a clinic for a sexually transmitted disease (STD) test, keep the following points in mind:
- Most STI clinics ensure 100 percent confidentiality.
- You may need to make an appointment to go to an STI clinic, although some clinics have a drop-in facility without the need for an appointment (drop-in clinics).
- The staff at these clinics test for all kinds of sexual infections and no one will judge you.
- Everything will be explained to you in detail.
- You can go to a sexual health clinic regardless of your age, gender or whether you have STI symptoms.
- If the staff suspects that you or your sexual partner is at risk of harm because of your condition, they might need to notify other health care services. However, they will talk to you before they do this.
- You will be asked to fill out a sheet where you may be required to mention your sexual history in detail.
- Your tests will be conducted, and you can expect the reports in a day or two. In some cases, it may take longer.
- If you test positive for an STI, you will be asked to come back to the clinic to discuss your results and the treatment you need.
- Most STIs can be treated with medications. Some infections, such as HIV can be managed with proper antiretroviral therapy (ART). The clinic can prescribe medications and put you in touch with a counselor.
- You may need to tell your sexual partner and any ex-partners, so they get tested and treated as well.
QUESTION
Condoms are the best protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). See AnswerCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), https://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm
Top What Tests Are Done for STDs Related Articles
What Diseases Can You Get from Restrooms and Sitting on a Toilet?
Germs in restrooms may concern you. You are not likely to catch a viral or bacterial disease on a toilet seat.
Genital Herpes
What's going on down there? WebMD shows you pictures of genital herpes symptoms and treatments -- and how to avoid getting the virus in the first place.
Genital Herpes Quiz
What is genital herpes? Learn the causes, symptoms in men and women, and treatments for this common sexually transmitted skin disease.
Gonorrhea In Women
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection transmitted during sexual contact. In women, symptoms include a yellow vaginal discharge, burning or frequent urination, and redness, swelling, burning, and itching of the vaginal area. Gonorrhea can be treated with injectable (penicillin) or oral medications.
Hepatitis C Quiz
How many Americans have hepatitis C? Take this quiz to learn the facts about this chronic disease.
Hepatitis C, Hep B, Hep A: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
Hepatitis C, B, and A are viruses that cause liver inflammation. Hepatitis B vaccines and hepatitis A vaccines are available. Hepatitis symptoms may not appear for weeks to months after infection. Hepatitis A transmission occurs most often via contaminated food. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C transmission require contact with infected bodily fluids or blood.
How Long Does It Take To Treat and Cure Syphilis?
Learn what medical treatments can help you treat syphilis and how long it takes to treat the infection to speed up your recovery.
Is Chlamydia Contagious?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is contagious and spreads through sexual contact. Chlamydia signs and symptoms may include painful urination, rectal irritation (proctitis), eye infections, and infertility. Women can also develop chronic pelvic pain, salpingitis, and endometritis.
Is It Genital Warts or Skin Tags?
How do I know if I have genital warts or skin tags? Learn about each condition and how to tell the difference. The 10 most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States include human papillomavirus (HPV), trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and more. STDs (STIs) are most likely to be spread by sexual contact including vaginal, anal or oral sex.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in women include gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, and HPV infection (genital warts). Learn about types, symptoms, and treatment.
STD Quiz
There are more sexually transmitted diseases than just the ones you've heard of. Find out what you've been missing with the STD Quiz.
STDs in Men
Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in men include painful urination, bumps or sores on the penis, and penile discharge and itching. Learn about the most common STDs in men.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a spiral-shaped type of bacteria known as a spirochete. There are three stages of syphilis with distinct symptoms. During the first stage of syphilis, a painless ulcer is known as a chancre form. Irreversible organ damage can occur during the late stage of syphilis. Special blood tests are used to diagnose syphilis. Syphilis infection is treated with penicillin. Condom use can often prevent syphilis.Syphilis Picture
A sexually transmitted disease caused by Treponema pallidum, a microscopic organism called a spirochete. See a picture of Syphilis and learn more about the health topic.
What Do Herpes Sores Look Like at Different Stages?
Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) are the two types of herpes virus and will look different as they develop during five stages.
What Is the Fastest Way To Get Rid of Genital Warts?
Genital warts or HPV (human papillomavirus) are very common. There is no cure but there are fast treatments to help get rid of them. Learn what they are. If you need to get tested for STDs but would rather not go to the doctor, you can test yourself using an at-home STD test.