If you suspect that you could have an STD, it's important to start the testing process as soon as possible. You definitely won't be alone, as 20 million new STD cases occur every year, stemming from the same eight kinds of viruses and bacteria. It may be your first time getting tested, in which case you're probably most concerned with finding easy, fast STD testing. But it's important to be thorough when going through this process, for your safety and the safety of your future sexual partners. Here are some tips to follow while going through the STD testing procedure:
Talk to your doctor - Many people assume that when they visit their regular family quick care facilities that they'll be automatically tested for STDs. Don't be embarrassed to ask about testing; it's a health care professional's job to be as helpful and discreet as possible while helping you stay healthy.
Don't cut corners - It may be tempting to try and find STD testing kits you can use at home, but these kinds of tests aren't thorough enough to really guarantee the safest outcome. STD testing clinics can do blood work, pelvic exams, spot samples, even X-Rays. It's worth the extra security to see the professionals.
Don't waste time! - Only around 40% of sexually active young women are screened for chlamydia. And almost 90% of people with the herpes virus don't know that they have it. Being thorough and punctual is absolutely essential in treating your suspected STD, even if you have to talk to the physicians at your family quick care center. And with over 6,800 urgent care centers in the U.S, you're never too far from fast, efficient testing results.