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Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are prevalent, affecting nearly 20 million people in the United States every year. Committed to protecting your health, Jessica Kirkwood, ARNP, and the compassionate team at The Women’s Clinic in Lakewood, Washington, provide confidential and comprehensive STD testing. STDs can occur without causing symptoms, and STD testing is the only way to know if you have an infection. Call The Women's Clinic today or use online scheduling to book your STD test. Telemedicine consultations to discuss STD testing are available.
STD Testing Q&A
Why should I worry about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
You should worry about STDs because they’re very common, can occur without causing symptoms, and may lead to serious health complications when left undiagnosed and untreated.
STDs are bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections that pass from person to person through sexual contact. Types of STDs include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- HIV
- Genital herpes (HSV)
- Trichomoniasis
- Mycoplasma genitalium
Many people fail to get tested and treated for STDs because of the stigma surrounding these types of infections.
The Women's Clinic provides comprehensive care for women throughout every stage of life and offers STD testing in a private and supportive environment.
When do I need STD testing?
If you’re sexually active, talk to a provider at The Women's Clinic about STD testing. They use specific guidelines to determine whether you need testing or not.
They may recommend STD testing if you’re:
- 25 or younger and sexually active
- Older than 25 and have a new sexual partner
- Experiencing symptoms of an infection
- Having unprotected sex
- Due for an Annual Examination
You also need STD testing if a sexual partner tests positive for an STD. If positive, treatment recommendations will be discussed. Your partner(s) will need treatment as well. Rescreening is highly recommended per CDC to assure the infection has cleared.
The team at The Women's Clinic routinely tests for STDs during annual gynecology exams. But, if you come in for a primary care well or sick visit, you can have the tests done at that time, too.
What happens during STD testing?
Your provider at The Women's Clinic talks with you about STD testing after reviewing your medical and sexual history and, sometimes, performing a physical and pelvic exam.
Testing may require samples of blood, urine, saliva, or tissue, depending on what STD they’re testing for and if you are displaying symptoms.
Your provider may also suggest an HPV test during your regular Pap smear. HPV is a common STD, and some strains increase the risk of cervical cancer.
When can I expect results from STD testing?
Your provider at The Women's Clinic reviews when you can expect results from your STD testing at your initial appointment. Some test results are available right away, while others may take several weeks.
Your provider contacts you with your results and explains what they mean.
If you test positive for an STD, your provider provides treatment to clear up the infection or manage symptoms. Currently, there are no cures for viral infections like genital herpes, HPV, and HIV. To avoid contracting an STD, practice safe sex by using a condom.
Call The Women's Clinic today or schedule your STD testing consultation online.