STD TESTING
STD testing:
STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, are infections that are passed from one person to another via sexual contact such as vaginal intercourse, anal sex or oral sex. STD screening can be done at your annual exam or at any other time that you have a concern.
The following STD’s can be detected via a vaginal swab: HPV, Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and trichomonas. Blood tests are required to identify the following STDs: syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C. A visual exam by your doctor can detect crabs, genital warts, and scabies.
Proper use of condoms greatly reduces the risk of most STDs. However, the condom will only protect the area that it covers. Therefore, it is important that new partners should be testing prior to initiating sexual contact.
| Infection | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| HPV type 6 and 8 | Genital Warts | Prescription cream or acid therapy |
| HPV, other types | Abnormal Pap | Observation or destruction of lesions |
| Chlamydia | Vaginal Discharge Painful Urination Infertility |
Antibiotics |
| Herpes | Blisters Ulcers |
Antiviral medications |
| Gonorrhea | Vaginal discharge Painful Urination |
Antibiotics |
| Syphilis | Ulcers on the Skin | Antibiotics |
| Trichomonas | Brown vaginal discharge | Antibiotics |
| HIV | Asymptomatic for years, then immune system dysfunction | Anti-retrovirals |
| Crabs/Scabies | Itching Rash |
Lotions and Shampoos |