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FAQ About Testing

So, how do you know if you have an STD?

Hopefully, you already know the answer. You get tested.

Unfortunately, there’s still a lot of questions about it. So in case you’re worried about what getting tested might involve, we’ll help put your mind at ease.

  • How do STD tests work?

    Once you arrive at a clinic, there are a few different ways you might get tested. A healthcare provider may take a blood sample, a swab or ask you to pee in a cup. Yep. It’s almost always that quick and easy.

  • How is the test for Chlamydia done?

    How the test is done: A swab is taken of the genital area or a urine sample is taken.
    What you need to know:  Let the clinic know if you have had oral or anal sex. These areas may be infected, but vaginal or urine samples may not show it.

  • How is the test for Gonorrhea done?

    How the test is done: A swab is taken of the genital area or a urine sample is taken.
    What you also need to know:  Let the clinic know if you have had oral or anal sex. These areas may be infected, but vaginal or urine samples may not show it.

  • How is the test for genital herpes (no symptoms) done?

    How the test is done: A blood test is drawn from the arm or finger.
    What you also need to know: Ask for a type-specific IgG test.

  • How is the test for genital herpes (with symptoms) done?

    How the test is done: A swab is taken of the affected area, and if the test shows up negative a first, it’s good to follow up with a blood test to make sure.
    What you also need to know: It’s important that this test is done as soon as possible. This test won’t be as accurate after 48 hours.

  • How is the test for Syphilis done?

    How the test is done: A blood test or a sample taken from a sore.
    What you also need to know: The CDC recommends that all pregnant women be tested for syphilis.

  • How is the test for Trichomoniasis done?

    How the test is done: A swab of the infected area, a physical exam or a sample of a discharge.
    What you also need to know: This is harder to detect in men than it is in women.

  • How is the test for HPV (genital warts) done?

    How the test is done: A visual diagnosis.
    What you also need to know: Warts can occur with people of all genders.

  • How is the test for HPV (cancer) done?

    How the test is done: A pap test or an HPV DNA test and a biopsy.
    What you also need to know: Pap tests detect cervical cell changes, not HPV. An abnormal test is often caused by an HPV infection.

  • How is the test for HIV done?

    How the test is done: A blood test is done or a swab is taken of the inside of the mouth.
    What you also need to know: There are a variety of testing options available at different clinics. This includes confidential and anonymous testing.