10 Questions Answered About STD Testing

Getting an STD test can come with a lot of questions – but thankfully, all of them can be answered. Here, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about STD testing, and hopefully assuage any fears or anxieties you may have about the process – which is quick, painless, and one of the best things you can do for your health and the health of your partner(s).

10 Frequently Asked Questions About STD Testing

• What do STD tests check for? A typical STD test will check for common STDs such as herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. It’s possible to get a more comprehensive test or to test for a specific STD.
• How long does it take to get the results of an STD test? Typically, the results of an STD test will be available within 24-72 hours of the sample being taken. However, some tests may take longer depending on circumstance and what test is being performed.
• How often should I get tested for STDs? The answer is different for everyone, depending on how often you have sexual encounters. If you are in a long-term relationship or have few partners, it’s wise to still get tested about once a year; if you frequently change partners, it may be a better idea to get tested every 3-6 months, even if you use protection.
• Can I eat before an STD test? There’s no need to fast before an STD test, even if it’s a blood test, so no worries about eating or drinking anything beforehand.
• Can a urine test detect STDs? Urine tests are most commonly used to detect bacterial STDs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Testing for other STDs may require a different sample, such as blood.
• Which STDs can be detected with a blood test? Syphilis, Hepatitis B, and HIV are typically tested for using a blood sample.
• How are men tested for STDs? STD testing remains relatively the same among both men and women, depending on what sample is needed. The most common types are urine and blood tests, but a swab – of either the cheek, throat, genital, or anal regions – may be required.
• Which STD is easiest to catch? The most common STDs are HPV (Human Papillomavirus), chlamydia, and gonorrhea; among these, HPV is considered the easiest to catch, as it’s estimated that nearly all sexually active adults will contract it at some point, though many will not show symptoms and will remain unharmed.
• Should I shower before an STD test? Showering before an STD test is not strictly necessary, as it will not affect test results and most tests do not require close contact with another person.
• What happens if you pee before an STD test? If you are collecting a urine sample for an STD test, it’s important to try not to urinate for two hours before the collection of the sample so that there will be enough for a proper test.

Get Peace of Mind with an STD Test Today

Being informed can help with any anxiety or embarrassment surrounding getting an STD test. If you have any questions that weren’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to ask us by calling or emailing us. Or, if you’re ready to get started on making your health a priority, contact us to schedule an appointment or just come on in for a STD test between 8:30-5:00 on weekdays.