What to Expect On Your First STD Screening
Should I Get Tested?
If you experience any symptoms such as sores on the genitals, discharge from the penis or vagina, itching, and burning during urination, it is important to be tested as soon as possible so you can begin treatment.
Unfortunately, the most common symptom of STDs are no symptoms at all! Just because an STD isn’t showing any symptoms, doesn’t mean that it is not harming your body. In fact, untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea in women can lead to chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and even infertility.
To be safe, you should have a regular annual screening in addition to screenings anytime you were at risk to contract an STD, i.e. having unprotected sex. The best scenario would be to get tested in between sexual partners in order to pinpoint where it came from and prevent yourself from spreading it to another sexual partner.
Your First Screening
Getting tested is quick and easy. You will visit one of our infectious disease specialists, Edwin DeJesus, M.D., Federico Hinestrosa, M.D., or Laura Armas-Kolostroubis, M.D. to discuss your symptoms and concerns. Your provider may take a blood sample, a swab, or ask you to urinate in a cup. At Orlando Immunology Center we promise fast, confidential, and accurate STD screenings.
Different STDs require different tests. The most common tests performed include:
- Physical exam to look for genital warts or bacterial vaginosis.
- Blood sample to identify HIV, syphilis, herpes, or hepatitis B.
- Urine tests to look for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
- Swab tests to examine cervix for HPV, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, bacterial vaginosis, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
- Discharge, tissue, cell, or saliva sample to test for HIV, trichomoniasis, and bacterial vaginosis.
After your appointment, the result of your tests will be shared with you as soon as possible. If your tests come back positive for an STD, we will work with you to develop a treatment plan that works best for you.
If you would like to be tested for STDs, give us a call at 407.647.3960 or request an appointment now.
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