STD Testing Specialist

What is STD testing?

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing is an in-office process that detects infections spread through sexual contact. While using a condom during sexual intercourse decreases your chances of spreading or catching an STD, it isn’t fully effective in preventing them. 

There are a few different types of STD tests, including swab tests, blood tests, and urinalysis. You should consider visiting Dr. Fan’s office for STD testing if you:

• Get a new sexual partner
• Know you’ve been exposed to an STD
• Use intravenous drugs
• Are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Have been forced into sexual contact against your will

Besides these circumstances, you can book a visit for STD testing anytime. For certain STDs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, you may need to get annual screenings because of your age and risk factors. STDs often come without symptoms and can spread to others, even if you yourself don’t notice them. This is why regular STD testing is important. 

Which STDs are included in STD testing?

At his office, Dr. Fan offers STD testing for all STDs. He can help you review your risk factors and decide which tests are necessary and whether there are any you may skip. 

Depending on your age, risk factors, and behaviors, Dr. Fan might tell you to consider STD testing for:

• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Syphilis
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Hepatitis
• Genital herpes
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Once your results are ready, Dr. Fan goes over them with you right away. With negative test results, you don’t need to take any additional steps. 

What happens after a positive STD test result?

Whether or not it comes as a surprise, a positive STD result can leave you feeling anxious and uncertain. Fortunately, most STDs are treatable and will go away entirely. Even viral infections, which don’t go away entirely, are manageable, even if you can’t cure them. 

STD treatment or management can involve:

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are drugs that eliminate bacterial infections like gonorrhea, syphilis, or chlamydia. In order for them to be effective, you need to take the entire course of antibiotics, even if any symptoms go away before the course is complete. 

Antiviral medications

Antiviral medications treat HIV and herpes. They reduce the number of recurrences you get, but you can still spread the viral infection to sexual partners. 

Of course, you should do your best to avoid spreading any STDs. It’s best to avoid engaging in sexual activity until seven days after you’ve completed your round of antibiotics. 

STD testing can benefit anyone who is sexually active, regardless of age. Schedule your appointment by calling Yuan-Da Fan, MD, or booking an appointment online today.