STD Screening Specialist

What is an STD Screening?

STD screening tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis. There is a different test for each of these diseases. Some tests include a physical exam to look for the presence of a rash, discharge, sores or warts. A few STD tests require the use of a swab to collect discharge, saliva, tissue or cells for examination. Other STD screens involve a blood test or urine test.

Why is an STD Test Important?

STDs are common. In many cases, STDs cause no symptoms so a person with a sexually transmitted disease may not know it. These diseases can affect a person’s health and can interfere with his or her ability to have children STD screening protects a patient’s reproductive and overall health as well as the health of their partners.

Who Needs STD Screening?

Anyone who is sexually active, particularly someone who has had multiple partners, can benefit from an STD check. Those who have unsafe sex or share drug injection needles should have an HIV test at least once a year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults and adolescents between the ages of 13 and 64 have an HIV test at least once in their lives. The CDC also recommends annual chlamydia and gonorrhea screenings for sexually active women under the age of 25 and older women with risk factors, such as multiple sex partners or a partner with an STD. Men who have sex with men should have annual screenings for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Males who have multiple or anonymous male partners should undergo STD testing more frequently.