What Doctor Should You See for an STD Test?

Getting tested for STDs is necessary for your health if you’re sexually active, but it can be daunting – maybe even a little scary. But there’s nothing to worry about. Getting an STD test is easy, painless, and in the majority of cases, non-invasive. If you’ve got questions, Blue Star is here to help. 

It can be difficult to get the process of STD testing started, especially if you’ve never done it before. You may be embarrassed about asking your doctor for a test, particularly if it’s a family doctor. It may be too costly to schedule an appointment with your doctor just for a test. Whatever your reason, scheduling a test at a lab – such as Blue Star Diagnostics – and then taking your results to a doctor is a good way to avoid those issues. But which doctor should you take the results to? 

When to Get an STD Test

If you’re sexually active, it’s a good idea to get tested for STDs – even if you only have one partner. If you switch partners often, it’s especially important to get tested, even if you use proper protection. 

It’s important to keep an eye out for symptoms as well. Many STDs can worsen over time and may even leave permanent damage if left untreated for too long, so catching them early is vital. Look out for symptoms such as a burning sensation while urinating, bumps, growth, and/or itching in the genital region, and new or unusual discharge. If you have any of these symptoms, get tested and talk to a doctor immediately.

However, you should still get tested even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms because some STDs – such as HPV – often do not present symptoms. You can have them without even knowing you have them. Therefore, it’s important to get tested at least 1-2 times a year if you switch sexual partners.

What Doctor Should You See for an STD Test?

If you received a positive result from your STD test at the lab, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a doctor to go over your treatment options as soon as possible. But what kind of doctor is best? You have options.

• Gynecologist: Since gynecologists are specialists in the female reproductive system, they’re a good choice for those with female genitalia. Gynecologists have a good understanding of STDs, and a good gynecologist will work to help make you feel comfortable.
• Urologist: Urologists specialize in urinary tract health in both genders and reproductive health in those with male genitalia, so they’re also an excellent choice when you’re pursuing a treatment for an STD. However, you may need a referral to see a urologist from your general practitioner. 
• Primary Care Physician: And, of course, if you have a primary care physician that you are familiar with and comfortable with, talking to them about your test results and treatment plans is also a good way to go. 

Can a Regular Doctor Check for STDs?

Your regular family doctor can absolutely check for STDs and even run tests for them, but there are a few reasons why it may be a better idea to get tested from a lab first. If you’re unsure whether or not you have an STD and are embarrassed by the thought of asking your usual or family doctor for a test, getting the test from an unaffiliated lab first will help you to avoid that awkwardness and protect your privacy. Once you’ve got the test results, you can either breathe a sigh of relief or schedule an appointment to discuss treatment plans. 

Concerned that you may have an STD? Getting a test as part of a regular schedule? Whatever your reasoning is, it’s a smart move to get tested. Call Blue Star Diagnostics now at (469)-656-7999 to get the process started.