STI Testing (STD Testing)

does the little clinic do std testing
does the little clinic do std testing

What is STI testing (STD testing)?

STI testing (STD testing) tells you if you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). STIs, formerly called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are contagious conditions that spread through sexual activity. An STI may cause symptoms like burning or itching in your genital area. But other times, STIs have no symptoms. So, there’s often no way to know you have an STI unless you get tested.

Knowing you have an STI is important because you can then:

  1. Get treatment as soon as possible. Timely treatment improves your chances of recovering and avoiding long-term issues. STIs can lead to serious complications like vision loss, organ damage and infertility. In some cases, STIs can be deadly.
  2. Protect your sexual partners. If you know you have an STI, you can take steps to lower the risk of spreading it to others. You can also tell your partners if you test positive for any STIs so they can seek testing and treatment.
  3. Take steps for a healthy pregnancy. An untreated STI during pregnancy poses many health risks for both you and the developing fetus. If you test positive, your healthcare provider will discuss treatment options to lower these risks.

Do I need STI testing?

You may need STI testing if you:

  • Are sexually active.
  • Have symptoms of an STI.
  • Have a sexual partner with an STI.
  • Are pregnant (to help prevent complications for you and the fetus).

A healthcare provider is the best person to tell you whether you need STI testing and when. They understand what puts people at risk for STIs and when testing should be done.

But here’s the thing: It may be up to you to start that conversation. STI testing typically isn’t part of your routine medical checkups. If you’re at all sexually active, it’s important to bring up the topic of STI testing to your provider.

Remember that your provider will keep this information confidential, and their purpose is to help you. Your provider will talk to you about:

  1. The types of sexual contact you’ve had.
  2. Your use of protection.
  3. How many people you’ve had sexual contact with.
  4. Any history of STIs in you or your partners.
  5. Any symptoms you’ve noticed.

Based on this open and honest conversation, your provider will advise you on STI testing. In some cases, they may recommend you get STI screenings.

This post was last modified on November 21, 2024 3:56 pm