Most of the time, STDs have no symptoms. Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have an STD. So, if you've had any type of sexual contact that could spread STDs, such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex, talk to a doctor or nurse to get tested. If you're sexually active, getting tested for STDs is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health.
Be sure to have an open and honest conversation about your sexual history and STD testing with your doctor and ask if you should be tested for STDs. If you're not comfortable talking to your regular healthcare provider about sexually transmitted diseases, there are many clinics that offer free or low-cost confidential testing. Below is a brief overview of the recommendations for testing. Information on STD screening for healthcare providers can be found here. You can quickly find a place to get tested for STDs by entering your zip code on the form below.
Find an STD testing center near you. You can review and change the way we collect information below. Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so on our Privacy Policy page. In most cases, a person can be tested for STIs a few weeks after exposure.
If a person has a curable sexually transmitted infection, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, they may need to be retested after treatment. STDs are sometimes called sexually transmitted infections (STIs).Many providers use this term because there is less stigma associated with the word infection. It's possible to have an infection without symptoms, and the infection may cause illness (when you experience symptoms) in the future. In the absence of symptoms, the only way to diagnose an STI is to detect it.
Getting a screening test means we look for an infection when you may not have any symptoms. Just like you get a mammogram or get screened for colon cancer, it's also important to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (depending on your risk). There are no exact recommended schedules or tests that we recommend for everyone. These testing recommendations depend on your lifestyle and level of risk. The most important thing is to get tested to protect yourself, your partner(s) and stay informed. Receiving a diagnosis can alert you to an infection you might not know you had (e.g., many people have hepatitis C, probably about 1 million in the U.
S.). It can also allow you to start treatment if you have an infection and create peace of mind when you think you may have been at risk. The best time to get tested for STDs is when you think you may have been exposed to an infection. If you're sexually active, it's important to get tested regularly for STDs.
Anyone who has sex or has had sex in the past, but has never been tested for an STI, should get tested. All of these symptoms can be caused by things that aren't a sexually transmitted disease (such as pimples, urinary tract infections, or yeast infections). The best thing to do when you find out you have an STD is to follow your doctor's instructions for treating it. The reality is that STDs can happen to anyone who has ever had sex with someone, which is just about everyone on Earth.
It's common for the symptoms of STDs to be so mild that they don't bother you, but you should still see a doctor or nurse if you notice anything that doesn't seem pleasant to you. ETS tests can also be done anonymously, meaning that your name will not be associated with the test results. There are many different types of STDs and they can vary in how they are transmitted and how they affect the body. No matter when you're tested, it's important to remember that STD testing is confidential and private.
Some STDs can be cured with antibiotics, while others can't be cured and can cause serious health problems. It's very important to get tested if you've had unprotected sexual contact or if you discover that your partner has an STD. Most people get an STD at least once in their life, and getting tested is the most responsible thing to do, which means you're taking good care of your health. There are many different types of STD testing available, and the best way to determine which one is right for you is to talk to your doctor.
