STDs and STIs
According to the American Sexual Health Association, over one half of individuals living in the United Sates will have some sort of sexually transmitted disease (STD) or sexually transmitted infection at some point during their lives. The majority of people who have an STD or STI do not present with any signs or symptoms. However, these individuals can pass their condition to their partners, who may or may not present with negative symptoms. For many STDs and STIs the only way for a non-symptomatic individual to know whether or not he or she has the disease is to be tested.
Getting Tested
Most individuals do not get tested for STDs and STIs as often as they should, and many do not get tested at all. Social stigma can prevent individuals from getting tested because the thought of having an STD or STI makes them ashamed or scared. Another major contributing factor to individuals not getting tested is a lack of understanding or awareness. Many women, for example, assume that they are tested for STDs and STIs as part of their Pap smear test. This is not usually the case. Even if doctors do test for some STDs and STIs, they do not test for most of them. If someone has concerns about a specific condition, has reason to believe they may have an STD or STI, or engage in behaviors that put them at high risk of an STD or STI, he or she should speak with a doctor about testing options. Blood tests for STDs and STIs may involve a urine sample, a blood sample, and or a swab of cells, depending on the condition for which the test is being performed.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmitted infection that causes pain and inflammation around the genitals. Chlamydia is tested for with a urine sample and/or a swab of the genital area. However, a urine test may not detect an infection that was passed to the mouth or anus. If individuals engage in oral or anal sex, they should let their doctor know so that the doctor can test all potentially infected areas. Order a Chlamydia test online.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea, like chlamydia, is tested for with a urine sample and/or genital swab sample. Again, individuals should be aware that a urine test is unlikely to test positive if the infection was transmitted through oral or anal sex. Health reports show that sexually active teenagers are one of the largest groups of individuals who have reported cases of gonorrhea.
HIV
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infectious sexually transmitted disease that weakens the body’s immune system and leads to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV can be tested for with a simple blood test. Everyone who is sexually active should get tested for HIV. HIV can remain asymptomatic for many years, but can eventually be very dangerous. HIV cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be managed so that infected individuals are able to lead long and healthy lives.
Genital Herpes
Genital Herpes is a highly contagious and infectious disease that can cause open sores on the genitals and other affected areas. A blood test is used to test for the infection. If open scores are present, a swab of the infected area may be taken as well. You can order a Herpes Test online.
Syphilis
Syphilis can cause serious and long-term health problems such and blindness and brain damage if left untreated. Syphilis can be tested for with a blood test and if caught early enough can be treated, allowing one to avoid later complications. Individuals who may be at risk should get tested as soon as possible. Contrary to popular belief, syphilis is not spread in swimming pools or by sharing clothes or sitting on a toilet seat that has been used by an infected individual. Order a Syphilis Test.
Benefits of Blood Tests
STI and STD tests are more accurate at diagnosing infection than are cell swabs or urine tests. A swab may miss the area of the infection and result in a false negative if the primary site of the infection is located in a different area than the swabbed region. Infection can be detected in the blood and, due to the constant movement of blood through the circulatory system, if there is an infection any sample of blood will be able to detect the infection. Individuals should take an active role in their own sexual health. Talking to your doctor about blood testing for sexually transmitted diseases and infections is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle.
Schedule your STD testing now. Find a LabCorp STD testing lab or Quest Diagnostics location near you.
