When Should I Get Tested for STIs?

It’s important to know right away if you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). But how do you know when you need a test? An STI can have various signs and can be caused by a wide variety of pathogens — bacteria, viruses, or parasites. That’s why it’s important to correctly identify the problem and find the appropriate treatment for the infection as soon as possible. 

Only professional health care providers can provide appropriate testing and treatment for an STI. We’re always accepting new patients at Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery in Passaic Park and Ridgewood, New Jersey. Our compassionate certified nurse-midwives care for women of all ages who may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection.

Our goal is to promote disease prevention and treatment along with individualized wellness education and counseling. It’s important to know quickly if you have an STI. If an infection is recognized at an early stage, it can usually be treated or cured. Plus, you can also prevent someone else from being infected.

When should I get tested?

If you believe you have an infection or notice signs of an STI, you should seek professional medical advice and possibly get tested. Common symptoms of an STI include the following:

• Burning or painful urination
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Bumps or sores on the genitals or in the rectal or oral area
• Odd-smelling or unusual vaginal discharge
• Pain during sex

Depending on your symptoms and what kind of infection is suspected, there are a few ways to test for an STI. Some methods are:

• A visual diagnosis
• A swab of the affected mucus membrane, such as the vagina, penis, or mouth
• A urine sample
• Examining blood or other bodily fluids

STI exams are completely routine for our caring team at Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery, so don’t be embarrassed. If you feel nervous or unsure about something, you can always ask what exactly is being done and how the exam is going.

What about STI home tests?

Home STI testing can be wildly inaccurate. Plus, a positive result that may or may not be correct can still be scary and unsettling. It’s best if you have an expert help you through the process, so your personal risk can be assessed. Additionally, if you do have an STI, our staff can advise you and begin treatment right away.

What questions are asked?

The more honestly you answer the questions during the examination, the more targeted the process can be. Some questions might include:

• Where does it hurt?
• Does it itch or burn? 
• Have you discovered genital warts or other changes in the genital area? 
• Does your partner also have symptoms?
• How recently have you had sex?

Even if talking to a specialist is a little uncomfortable, only open and honest answers will help with a diagnosis and subsequent treatment plan. There’s no reason to feel embarrassed in front of a medical professional, because they’ve heard everything, and they only want to help you.

Which STIs can I get tested for?

Most tests are conducted using urine or blood samples. Some STI tests use cervical, vaginal, or urethral swabs. The samples are then sent to a lab for results. Your provider may test for:

• HIV
• Syphilis
• Chlamydia
• Hepatitis
• Herpes
• Gonorrhea

If you’re diagnosed with an STI, you should tell the person or people you had sex with. This is important so that they, too, can get examined and, if necessary, get treated.

Depending on the infection, you should completely refrain from sex until the end of the treatment. Your provider will tell you what to do to protect your health and that of others.

If you’re experiencing symptoms that might be related to an STI, book an appointment online or over the phone with Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery today.