STD Testing Q & A

Are there symptoms of STDs?

Not always, which is one of the many reasons routine sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing is so important. Depending on which type of STD you have and its severity, you may experience:

  • Visible warts or sores
  • Burning while urinating
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Itching, swelling, or irritation around your vulva

STDs can even lead to flu-like symptoms, so you may notice that you’re feeling under the weather and have nausea, swollen glands, and body aches.

Which types of STDs should I be screened for?

Advanced Obstetrics & Gynecology can provide comprehensive STD screenings as part of your annual well-woman exam, or as a standalone procedure if you’re concerned about symptoms you’re experiencing. Depending on your health history and any concerns you have, your OB/GYN could recommend getting screened for:

  • Syphilis
  • Hepatitis
  • Gonorrhea
  • Chlamydia
  • Trichomonas
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Your dedicated OB/GYN at Advanced Obstetrics & Gynecology tailors your STD testing package to your unique needs.

What happens during STD testing?

Comprehensive STD testing usually involves several components, depending on your STD screening package. Your OB/GYN may need to:

  • Draw blood
  • Collect a cheek swab
  • Collect a urine sample

It’s also common to need a swab of your cervical cells or vaginal discharge. For this step, you need to undress from the waist down, lie back on the patient exam table, and place your feet comfortably in stirrups on either side of the table.

Your OB/GYN places a small speculum into your vagina, which holds open your vaginal walls and allows your doctor to use a swab to gather a specimen. Once your OB/GYN gathers any bodily fluid samples they need, they send everything to the lab.

It takes 1-2 days to get your STD testing results back. Once your results are in, the team at Advanced Obstetrics & Gynecology gives you a call to provide you with information about your results and let you know if you need to come in for a follow-up visit.

Book your STD testing at Advanced Obstetrics & Gynecology directly through the website today. You can also call to speak with a team member to schedule your STD screening appointment.