STD Testing in Wesley Chapel

What Are STD Tests?

STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are infections that are mostly spread through sexual activity, including vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Some infections can be spread through close personal contact, such as kissing, or from a mother to her unborn child.

STDs are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Millions of Americans are infected with some type of STD every year, with half of diagnoses occurring in teens and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24. Common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, HIV, and HPV (human papillomavirus) infection.

Left untreated, certain STDs can cause devastating and long-term health problems such as blindness, brain damage, infertility, birth defects, and even death. Fortunately, all STDs can be treated, and some can be cured entirely. STD testing can help you get diagnosed and treated so you may avoid serious complications.

Other names: STD screening, STI (sexually transmitted infections) test, STI screening

What are STD Tests Used For?

STD tests are used to find out if you have been infected with STD. Testing can help you get the treatment you need and may help prevent the spread of disease.

Why Do I Need an STD Test?

STDs don't always cause symptoms, so it is possible to catch or spread an infection even if you or your partner seem healthy. So, you may need an STD screening test if you are at higher risk for infection. Screening is a type of test done for people who don't have symptoms.

While all sexually active people could potentially get an STD, testing is mostly recommended for people who fall in one or more of the following risk categories:

• Sexually active women under the age of 25. Experts recommend that women in this age group get a chlamydia test and a gonorrhea test every year. Sexually active women 25 years and older should be tested if they have new or multiple sex partners or have a partner who has been diagnosed with an STD.
• Women 21 years and older. Women in this age group should get a Pap smear to check for abnormalities in the cervix. These include precancerous changes which can be caused by HPV (human papillomavirus).
• Pregnant women. Pregnant women are usually tested for HIV, hepatitis B, chlamydia, and syphilis. Pregnant women with certain risk factors may also be tested for gonorrhea and hepatitis C.
• Sexually active women who have unprotected sex and are not in monogamous relationships. A monogamous relationship means having only one sexual partner at a time.
• People who have sex without a condom should be tested regularly for HIV and other STDs as recommended by their provider.
• People with HIV. If you have HIV, you are at higher risk of getting another STD. People in this group should be tested for syphilis, gonorrhea, and herpes. A chlamydia test is also usually recommended.
• People who use injectable drugs. Sharing needles puts you at risk for HIV. Regular HIV testing is recommended for this group.

Some STDs do cause symptoms. Symptoms vary depending on the type of STD, but you may need testing if you have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Painful urination
• Pain during sex
• Unusual odor in vaginal discharge
• Vaginal itching
• Discharge and/or itching from the penis
• Sores or bumps in the genital or rectal area