Why You Need STD Testing

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) examination is essential for determining if you have an infection requiring urgent treatment. You may suffer from devastating health issues when you get a sexually transmitted disease and leave it untreated longer. For instance, you may go blind, suffer brain damage or die. Therefore, it is wise to go for your Las Vegas STD testing if you are more in danger of infection.

The need for STD testing

In America, millions get infected annually with diseases from intercourse like genital blisters, HIV/AIDS, and gonorrhea. About half of the people diagnosed belong in the age range of 15 to 24.

Also, understand that an STD may not show signs until the condition has spread and is difficult or impossible to treat.

Consequently, below are people at high risk of getting STDs and needing a testing service from an expert.

Those who are sexually active

STD testing experts advise that you go for yearly infection tests when you are a woman or man comfortable with sexual stimulation from 21 years and above. That is, especially if you have a new intercourse partner, several sexual partners, or a lover recently found to be with an STD.

Moreover, you may need to go for tests if a recent sexual activity was unprotected.

Men who sexually engage with people of the same gender are also prone to STD infections and require frequent examination.

Expectant women

Women who are expectant and engage in sex without protection are also susceptible to syphilis, HIV, and gonorrhea infections.

If you are younger than 21 years, go for Pap smear testing, which is essential for finding or preventing cervical issues like cancer.

People who share needles

People in this group are mostly drug users who are at high risk of getting an STD like HIV.

STD Examination procedures

The STD examination you need will mainly be dependent on the particular disease your doctor suspects you have. The STD tests you may benefit from are:

Blood examination

This type of testing often comes in handy for investigating if you have human immunodeficiency virus, syphilis, or even herpes. Your STD testing specialist will use an appropriately sized needle to take a small blood sample from your arm’s vein. The blood is then collected in a tube and examined for traces of STDs.

Urine examination

The testing is often helpful for examining if you have Trichomoniasis, which may lead to vaginitis in women. Still, urine testing may also determine if you have gonorrhea.

Your doctor will direct you to provide a urine sample in a small container.

Swab testing

Your testing professional relies on the testing procedure to diagnose gonorrhea, herpes (oral or genital), and Human papillomavirus infection. Swab testing involves taking a sample from a location with a potential infection, like the vagina and urethra.

Spinal tap

The procedure involves needle insertion into your spinal canal to collect and test cerebrospinal fluid.

A spinal tap is not a frequent STD testing procedure. But, it may be excellent if your doctor suspects you are suffering from herpes/syphilis in a late stage.

Contact Darin Swainston, MD, FACOG, today for STD testing and treatment by experienced professionals.