STD Testing Procedure for Men and Women

STD testing is highly important as a way to prevent the spread of illness and disease and as a way to protect yourself. If you have ever had unprotected sex, or even if you have potentially exchanged blood or fluids in other ways such as with a needle, then it is highly important that you get checked out.

If you suspect you see any of the symptoms of various STDs then this too means it’s important to make sure you get tested so that you can ascertain for certain whether this may be the case. Even without symptoms it may be possible that you are carrying a dormant STD that you could still pass on to others, or that an STD is not yet showing symptoms. In the case of syphilis which is a highly unpleasant and life threatening disease it can take months or even years for the symptoms to begin to show.

It’s important then not to be put off by the prospect of the actual procedure itself, and to bite the bullet and go through with it. While it may be somewhat nerve wracking and invasive, it is a necessary evil and certainly preferable to becoming seriously ill, infecting someone you love, or having to call around and inform all your past sexual partners that they may have herpes. In fact, for anyone who is sexually active it is recommended that you get tested for the STDs chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV and syphilis once a year.

Here we will look at the procedure you can expect when having an STD check as either a man or a woman so that you are fully informed going in and know how to prepare. The procedure for men and women is largely the same but we will note any differences here as we come to them.

Preparation

Preparation before an STD exam is simple. It is recommended that you first of all do not engage in sexual activity for 24-48 hours prior to your examination (more for women). This is simply the same courtesy as you might show a dentist by not eating garlic just before a checkup. At the same time it is a good idea to make a note of any relevant information � this might include medication that you are on, any recent sexual contact you are possibly concerned about, and any symptoms you’ve been experiencing.

Procedure

When you get the STD examination you will start off with a consultation where you will discuss with the specialist any problems that you may have experienced and any potential causes for concern. They will also go over your medical history and any information you may have presented them with. From here you will then go on to have a physical examination where you will be checked for any symptoms of STDs.

Depending on your symptoms and your sexual history, you will then be checked for STDs. A tissue sample will be taken from your genitals using a swab (this is not uncomfortable) by running it around the inside walls of the vagina or inside the urethra. For chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes 1 or 2, hepatitis B or C, trichomoniasis a urine sample will suffice. For HIV or Syphilis a blood sample will be required. Of course the results of the urine test and blood test will not be available immediately but will rather take a week or two before you can get the results.

Immediately following the examination however you will usually have a consultation regarding the results you are aware of and the best course of action in light of these. The results are fully confidential and booking can be done discretely and in short notice.