If you are sexually active, getting tested for STDs is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health.
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If you are sexually active, getting tested for STDs is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health. Make sure you have an open and honest conversation about your sexual history and STD testing with your doctor and ask whether you should be tested for STDs. If you are not comfortable talking with your regular health care provider about STDs, visit us for confidential and affordable testing.
I think I have symptoms of an STD. Should I get tested?
Most of the time, STDs have no symptoms. Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have an STD. So if you’ve had any kind of sexual contact that can spread STDs — like vaginal, anal, or oral sex — talk with a doctor or nurse about getting tested. Different STDs have different symptoms. Signs of STDs include
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Sores or bumps on and around your genitals, thighs
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Burning when you pee and/or having to pee a lot
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Itching, pain, irritation and/or swelling in your penis, vagina, vulva, or anus
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Flu-like symptoms like fever, body aches, swollen glands, and feeling tired
I don’t have any symptoms–do I still need to get tested
You can’t tell if you have an STD just by the way you look or feel — most of the time, people with STDs don’t have any symptoms. So the only way to know for sure if you (or your partner) have an STD is to get tested. It’s extra important to get tested if you’ve had unprotected sexual contact, or if you find out your partner has an STD. A doctor or nurse can tell you whether or not you should be tested for STDs. If you DO have an STD, it’s best to find out as soon as possible. Some STDs can cause serious damage over time, even if you feel totally fine right now. STDs can also spread to other people you have sex with, whether or not you have any symptoms