STDs Specialist

When should I have STD testing?

If you're sexually active or have ever been sexually active, you should be tested for sexual infections (STDs). It's also important for pregnant women to have an STD test, which is typically part of your first-trimester testing.

If you develop symptoms that could be due to an STD, you may need additional testing. Your Complete Healthcare for Women care provider recommends an STD testing schedule that works for you.

What are the signs of having an STD?

STDs are often completely asymptomatic, at least in the early stages. If you have an STD like chlamydia, it's unlikely you'll have symptoms. But you can still infect others, so it's important to use protection during sex and have your STD screenings at the recommended intervals.

If you do have STD symptoms, you may experience one or more of the following:

• Genital sores
• Dark urine
• Genital rash
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Vaginal odor
• Pain while urinating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Pain during sex

These symptoms can also come from other conditions, so it's very important to see your Complete Healthcare for Women provider as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

What STDs are included in testing?

Complete Healthcare for Women offers testing for the full range of STDs, including:

• HIV
• Chlamydia
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Herpes I and II
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis

These tests are quick and simple. You'll submit both cultures and blood samples, as different STDs have different detection methods. If you have genital sores, your care provider may also take a small fluid sample from one of the sores for testing.

Complete Healthcare for Women also checks for STDs that aren't part of a typical STD test, such as HPV or trichomoniasis, depending on your needs and situation.

How are STDs treated?

Not all STDs are curable, but all can be managed quite effectively with your care provider's help. For vaginal infections like gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis, the solution is typically antibiotics, usually in one big dose.

For herpes, antiviral drugs greatly reduce your outbreaks. Antivirals are also very effective for HIV suppression. With all STD treatments, it's important to take your medicine exactly as directed — and to stay safe!

Worried about sexual infections or vaginal infections? Trust the Complete Healthcare for Women team for confidential STD testing and treatment anytime. Book online or by phone now.