STD TESTING: FAQS
Q:What is a sexually transmitted disease?
A: A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is an infection that is transmitted primarily through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. STDs can also be transmitted through intravenous drug use and nonsexual contact.
Q:What are the difference types of STDs?
A: There are many STDs. We test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, genital herpes, oral herpes, HIV 1, HIV 2, and syphilis.
Q: What is the difference between an std and an sti?
A: Technically there is a difference between STDs and STIs. An STI (sexually transmitted infection) is an infection whereas an STD was an infection that developed into a disease.
Q: How do I know if I have an STD?
A: The only definitive way to know if you have an STD is to get tested.
Q: What are the symptoms of STD?
A: Each STD has its own specific symptoms. STDs don’t always cause symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms, so it is possible to have an infection and not know it. That is why it is important to get tested if you are having sex. If you are diagnosed with an STD, know that all can be treated with medicine and some can be cured entirely.
Q: Should I get tested for an STD even though I do not show any symptoms?
A: Many STDs may not show symptoms, or may disguise themselves as other illness/disease symptoms. The only way to be sure is to get tested. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends:
All adults and adolescents from ages 13 to 64 should be tested at least once for HIV.
All sexually active women younger than 25 years should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year. Women 25 years and older with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners or a sex partner who has an STD should also be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.
All pregnant women should be tested for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B starting early in pregnancy. At-risk pregnant women should also be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea starting early in pregnancy. Testing should be repeated as needed to protect the health of mothers and their infants.
All sexually active gay and bisexual men should be tested at least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Those who have multiple or anonymous partners should be tested more frequently for STDs (i.e., at 3- to 6-month intervals).
Sexually active gay and bisexual men may benefit from more frequent HIV testing (e.g., every 3 to 6 months).
Anyone who has unsafe sex or shares injection drug equipment should get tested for HIV at least once a year.
Q: Are all STDs sexually transmitted?
A: While all STDs can transmitted through sex, some of them can be transmitted in other ways.
Q: Can I get an STD if I’m a virgin?
A: Certain STDs can be transmitted through non-sexual contact as well as oral and anal sex.
Q: Are all STDs curable?
A: Most STDs are curable, especially when they’re caught early. HIV and herpes are STDs which have no known cures but can be manages with antivirals.