Posted on: March 21, 2018 Posted by: Tristan Prescott Comments: 0

The tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are quick, painless, and sometimes even free. STD testing is not always part of the periodic health check; You have to ask them to do them.

Should I ask my doctor to tell me the STD tests?

STD testing is not always part of the usual gynaecological or health checkup. So do not stop asking for an STD test. Be honest with your doctor or nurse about your sex life so that it can help you determine what tests you need. You may feel uncomfortable talking about STD testing, but try not to be ashamed. Remember that doctors have seen and heard everything. Most people have an STD at least once in their life. Getting tested is part of responsible behaviour, it means that you are taking care of your health. Below, we suggest what you can say when talking about STD testing with a doctor or nurse:

  • I never had an STD test. Should I have the tests?
  • Have you ever given me an STD test in my health check-ups?
  • What ETS should I pay attention to? How will I know if I should be tested?
  • How do I know what STD tests I need?
  • Your doctor or nurse will help you determine what tests you need. They will talk about:

The symptoms you have;

  • If you or your partner have already had an STD before
  • The number of people with whom you had sex
  • The type of sex you had (oral, anal or vaginal)
  • How often do you use protection, such as condoms and oral latex barriers?
  • Other habits that increase the chance of getting certain infections (like sharing needles)

This will help your doctor or nurse determine which STD tests are best for you. Make sure you are open and honest with them so they can offer you the care you need. Try not to be ashamed: your doctor is here to help you, not judge you. There is also cheap std testing.

What happens in cheap std testing?

STD tests are quick, simple and generally, do not hurt. There is not a single test for all sexually transmitted diseases: each ETS has its own test. Your doctor can help you determine what tests are needed. Tests for STDs include:

  • Urinalysis, for which it is enough to urinate in a container
  • Buccal swab, which consists of scraping the inside of the cheek with a soft swab to do the HIV test
  • Blood tests, for which the doctor or nurse will draw blood from your arm or make a quick puncture on your finger
  • Physical examination, in which your doctor or nurse will examine your genital area to see if you have warts, sores, rashes, irritation or discharge
  • Sore exam, for which your doctor or nurse will take a sample of the fluid from the sores or blisters with a swab
  • Using a swab to carefully take samples of secretions or cells from the penis, vagina, urethra, cervix, anus, or throat
  • You can get STD tests regardless of whether you have symptoms or not. Some STDs look and feel similar, so they may test you for some other infections.

Your doctor will probably be able to tell you right away if you have an STD even if the results of some tests may take a few days or weeks. Many clinics do rapid tests of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with which you will have the result in 20 minutes. If you do not hear from your doctor after testing, do not assume everything is fine. Call it to be sure of what the results are.

What should I do if I find out that I have an STD?

The news that you have an STD can mean a tremendous blow. At first, you may feel desperate, ashamed or angry, but try to take it easy: you will be fine and you will not be alone. The best thing you can do to know that you have an STD is to follow the doctor’s instructions to treat it. You should also tell all the people you have sex with so they can be tested and treated if they need it. It is not an easy conversation, but it is important. These are some suggestions that can help you. Many sexually transmitted diseases are easily cured with medication, so you must comply with the treatment and you can continue with your life. Although some STDs do not have a cure, there are ways to treat the symptoms and not to transmit STDs to people with whom you have sex.

People with STDs can establish relationships, have sex and lead completely normal lives. Most people have an STD at least once in their life; At this moment, millions of people live with an STD. You should not feel embarrassed about having an STD. It does not mean that you are a “dirty” or bad person, but that you are a normal human being who got an infection. The reality is that anyone who has sex with another can get an STD, that is, almost everyone on the planet. And there are some STDs whose route of transmission is not always sexual.

If you find it difficult to cope with this new situation, you may feel better after talking with your partner, a good friend or a family member. Counsellors or therapists can also give you comfort: they are trained to help you feel better. There are also numerous support groups for people with STDs, both online and in person, which provide a safe space to talk with people who understand what you are going through.

Where can I get tested for STDs?
You can do STD testing at your doctor’s office, at a community health clinic.

How much does an STD test cost?
The cost of STD testing depends on where you go, what tests you need, your income, and whether or not you have health insurance.