#sexually transmitted disease

While I was at Planned Parenthood getting my IUD replaced, I decided to get a full panel of STI testing.

This is important, you must always ask what exactly they will be testing for. A lot of the time they will just test you for certain things and not everything. For bacterial infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis you can do a urine test or a swab. Since I was already getting a pelvic exam they went ahead and took swabs of the vagina, vulva, and anus. If you have oral and anal sex the full genital and anal swabs are important because you can get the infection there as well. They can also take a throat swab because yes you can get STIs there as well.

For HIV and Hepatitis you’ll need a blood test. Before blood and urine tests it’s a good idea to get properly hydrated, it’ll make both tests easier. If you’re dehydrated not only is it more difficult to pee, it can be more difficult to draw blood. Let the person know if you have difficult veins. 

You’ll notice that both Herpes and HPV aren’t on this list. That’s because there is no standard test for them really. You can get a blood test for herpes although it doesn’t always show. The most accurate test is to get a swab of a sore, but if you don’t have a sore present you can’t really do that. With HPV the only routine test is a pap smear and of course that only works for cervical or vaginal cancer. For everything else you pretty much have to wait till you show symptoms. 

When it comes to parasites like pubic lice or scabies, a simple exam is all you need. If you are sexually active you may want to ask to be tested for Trichomoniasis, a lesser known STI that can also be tested with a swab. 

Usually the doctor will get the results in a week or so. If they don’t get in touch after that you can always call and check.

For more info: 

STI Testing

STI Frequently Asked Questions