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When Is It Time to Consider STD Screening?
If you’re sexually active and practice safe sex, you might assume getting screened for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) isn’t necessary. However, STDs don’t always present symptoms, and preventive measures aren’t always enough to guarantee protection.
At Himalaya Family Medicine Clinic in Aurora, Colorado, our family medicine doctor, Bipin Kumar, MD, offers on-site STD screening.
Since April is STD Awareness Month, we’re using this blog to explain who can benefit from STD screening, what screening involves, and when to expect results.
Understanding STD screening
STD screening is an umbrella term for tests that check for sexually transmitted infections. These infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites and spread through bodily fluids like blood, semen, and saliva.
Learning you have an STD can be scary, but most STDs are treatable with medication or prevented with safe sex. Even STDs with no cure, like HIV/AIDS, can be effectively managed so you can live a long, healthy life and prevent the spread to others.
Routine screening and early detection are key to maintaining sexual health.
Who needs to undergo STD screening?
We encourage anyone sexually active with multiple partners to undergo STD screening on a routine basis. That’s especially true if you have a new partner or have unprotected sex.
Additionally, we recommend screening for anyone who develops STD symptoms, such as:
- Pain, burning, or itching while urinating
- Unusual vaginal or penile discharge
- Genital sores, blisters, or warts
- Pain during sex
Sometimes, STD symptoms look like other medical conditions. For example, you might develop a headache, fever, or muscle aches. If you’re sexually active and any of these issues arise, identifying the cause can provide peace of mind.
What to expect during STD screening
We offer several types of STD screening. Depending on your symptoms and health history, we might suggest:
Blood test
We test a blood sample from a vein in your arm for several types of STDs, including syphilis, HIV, herpes, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Urine test
This test analyzes a urine sample, checking for parasites or abnormal bacteria. We may recommend this screen if you have symptoms of chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis.
Oral swab
A saliva sample collected from the inside of your cheek can reveal STDs like herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV)
Genital or rectal swab
If a urine test, blood test, or oral swab doesn’t provide enough information, we may recommend a genital or rectal swab. That lets us collect a sample from the infected area for analysis.
Regardless of the test, we send your sample to a laboratory for comprehensive analysis.
When can you expect the results of an STD screen?
The time it takes to analyze your STD screen depends on several factors, including the type of sample collected and how busy the lab is. Most results are processed within 24-72 hours. Urine and swab tests generally have quicker turnaround times; blood tests may take longer.
After we receive your results, we call you. If your test comes back positive, we make treatment recommendations. Even if it comes back negative, we recommend scheduling an STD screening at least every six months if you have sex with more than one partner.
Regular testing can provide peace of mind and prevent the spread of contagious illnesses.
Don’t wait to schedule an STD screening
Routine STD screening is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your and your partner’s sexual health. For prompt, accurate screening in a discreet, nonjudgmental environment, count on us.
To schedule your STD screening, call Himalaya Family Medicine Clinic at 303-351-1800 or book online today.
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