How To Get Tested For Stds
STDs should always be tested by a trained medical professional. The tests themselves involve the acquiring of your blood, urine or saliva sample, which will then be tested using an FDA-approved STD test.
For certain types of STDs, a doctor may request a swab from the inside of your mouth, genitals , or of a discharge from sores .
In certain cases, the tests can be carried at the clinic, however in most cases the samples will need to be sent to a lab for more advanced and comprehensive testing.
Male Issues Of Unattended Chlamydia
Guy can also experience difficulties when chlamydia is left without treatment. The epididymis television that holds the testicles in position might become swollen, creating discomfort. This is referred to as epididymitis.
The infection can additionally spread to the prostate gland, creating a high temperature, agonizing intercourse, as well as pain in the lower back. One more possible difficulty is male chlamydial urethritis.
These are simply some of one of the most usual issues of without treatment chlamydia, which is why its important to get clinical focus today. Many people that obtain therapy quickly have no lasting clinical problems. Can A Blood Test Detect Gonorrhea And Chlamydia
STDcheck |
|
|
Donât Miss: Naat Testing For Gonorrhea And Chlamydia
How Quickly Do You Need To Return The Samples
Once youve taken your samples, you should return them straight away in the freepost envelope provided. All of our kits have a 4 month expiry date so please make sure you use and return them as soon as you can.
Please note: STIs do not show up immediately in test results. If you take the sample too soon you might be given the all-clear by mistake. For Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea tests, we recommend waiting to take your samples until 2 weeks has passed since the unprotected sex that youre worried about.
Read Also: Is Gonorrhea And Chlamydia Treated The Same
Best For Test Options: Persona Labs
Persona Labs
Use code Very10 for 10% off your purchase.
Type of Testing: Lab-based testing
STD Tests Available: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, HIV-related, Hepatitis A, B & C, herpesvirus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Time to Receive Results:2 to 10 business days
Cost:$46 to $281
This site offers more STI testing options than many other companies, but it is difficult to navigate. There is also relatively little information about STIs for which they offer testing. However, doctors consultations are available, and they will prescribe prescriptions to treat certain STIs.
How Do They Test For Chlamydia In Men
Chlamydia is one of the most common bacterial infections that are spread through sexual intercourse not only in the United States but in several other areas of the world too. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1.7 million cases of this sexually transmitted infection were reported in 2018. This data accounts for the United States alone. The World Health Organization estimates that about 2.7% of men around the world have been infected with Chlamydia between 2009 and 2016.
Due to the fact that chlamydia is a condition that affects male and female patients in unique ways, it is important to consider the differences in testing for these conditions too. In this post, we will consider some unique ways that chlamydia tends to affect men and take a look at what tests are performed to identify the presence of this bacterial infection in a male patient.
Also Check: Can Azo Get Rid Of Chlamydia
Why Consider This Test
Sexually Active
Annual chlamydia and gonorrhea screenings are recommended for all sexually active women younger than 25 years, as well as older women with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted infection.1
Sexually Active
Annual screening for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea is recommended for all sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.
References
Are Sti Tests Covered By Insurance
Many insurance plans cover STI testing through the Affordable Care Act . Theres a high chance you can get STI testing for free or at a reduced price with your health insurance.
Testing for STIs, like HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, are considered preventive health benefits that many plans cover under the ACA.
STI testing can also be free or low-cost with Medicaid, Medicare, and other government programs. Check your state as well they may have free or low-cost STI testing available.
The coverage of at-home STI tests varies, so its best to speak with your doctor or insurance company about your options. Some clinics, like Planned Parenthood health centers, provide free or low-cost STI tests, depending on your income.
You May Like: How Long Can Chlamydia Stay Dormant
How Long Should I Wait Before Getting An Sti Test
The incubation period for chlamydia is 7 to 21 days. If youve had sex with someone whos positive, or if youve had a sexual encounter with a new partner, your results can be detected within the incubation period.
Its recommended to get tested 3 months after treatment to make sure youre in the clear.
Are Std Tests Accurate
Most modern STD tests are very accurate. Still, test accuracy varies depending on the type of sample collected and the test detection method.
Traditional in-office tests are more accurate than online-only tests, and home-to-lab tests are more accurate than self-collected ones. But both are highly efficient.
Also Check: What Is Chlamydia Caused From
Online Doctor Sti Tests
Our Online Doctor service can offer discreet advice and treatment for a number of STIs without the need for a face-to-face appointment. It you are prescribed a treatment you can either have it delivered to you by next day delivery or you can pick it up at participating LloydsPharmacy stores the same day . If you test positive for chlamydia when using one of Online Doctors tests, their clinicians can prescribe you FREE and discreet treatment.
To find out more about our service and how you can start your confidential consultation .
Stds Can Only Occur In Young Adults
STDs or STIs do not discriminate. They can happen to any person belonging to any age group relating to any sexual orientation. According to a study published by the Benjamin Rose Institute of Aging, the cases of STDs among the older generation are increasing rapidly. No matter what your age is, protected sex is the safest option to go for.
Recommended Reading: Chlamydia In The Throat Symptoms Female
Stds Vs Stis: Whats The Difference
People often use the terms STD and STI interchangeably, and often this doesnt create much confusion, but its essential to be clear about what each term means. STI stands for sexually transmitted infection, and STD stands for sexually transmitted disease.
An STD results from an STI. Its a subtle difference, and the nomenclature hasnt entirely settled with the average citizen. Even the sites we review here prefer STD for clarity. Thats why we decided to stick with STD over STI. STD is the clearer choice at this point, even if its technically less accurate.
Why Should I Get Tested
Almost all STIs go undetected. Even though chlamydia can be easily treated, due to the lack of visible symptoms, the younger population often ignore it or have no idea they have it. Individuals who often change partners are exposed to chlamydia and other STIs as well, such as gonorrhea and syphilis.
If left untreated, its incredibly easy to transmit this infection onto your partner and cause numerous problems that can later affect your health.
Read Also: How Can Chlamydia Be Spread
What To Expect From A Chlamydia Blood Test
When the body is infected by the chlamydia trachomatis bacteria, it develops antibodies called IgM antibodies that circulate in the blood. This chlamydia blood test identifies if these IgM antibodies are in the blood to determine if there is a current chlamydia infection
It should be noted that chlamydia is not a bloodborne disease. This chlamydia blood test should not be used to diagnose chlamydia infection of the urogenital area . This chlamydia test helps determine if a chlamydia infection is affecting non-genital regions of the body, for example, chlamydia trachomatis can cause conjunctivitis . If youre interested in getting tested to diagnose a chlamydia infection of the urogenital area, consider a urine chlamydia test.
A chlamydia blood test requires a blood draw from the arm. To complete this test, place your order on our website and use our lab locator to find a location that is most convenient for you. You do not need an appointmentsimply show your lab requisition form upon arriving to the lab. The results will to your HealthLabs.com account in one to three business days.
Types Of Home Std Tests
There are different types of STD tests. For example, the Everlywell home tests are available for people with either male genitals or female genitals. Meanwhile, the Nurx Healthy V Home test works well for people with vaginas.
Home tests can be used for different types of STDs including:
- Chlamydia
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
Various testing methods are used to collect samples to determine your status. Some include finger pricks, urine collection, blood draws, vaginal swabs and throat swabs.
Also Check: What Do You Take To Treat Chlamydia
Why Should You Get Tested
There exist a huge number of reasons to test yourself regularly, including:
- Frequent testing allows you to spot other, more serious diseases, such as HIV and syphilis, which are potentially fatal.
- Testing reduces the chance of spreading chlamydia to children at birth.
- It reduces the possible complications of pregnancy, including potentially fatal ectopic pregnancies .
- Regular tests reduce the chances of developing complications in the uterus or testicles, which can result in infertility or sterility.
- Testing also prevents the spread of the disease to less education, less well-served populations, who might not have the wherewithal to seek cures or use protection during sex
If thats not enough, try this: Because of the large burden of disease and risks associated with infection, CDC recommends annual chlamydia screening for all sexually active women younger than age 25 years and women 25 years at increased risk for infection . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not give advice lightly, so its critical you follow that advice for the sake of your own health, your partners wellbeing, and the safety of any future children you may wish to bear yourself or have with a spouse/partner.
Youll be happy to know that a home test can help you do just that.
How Does A Chlamydia And Gonorrhea Test Work
Screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea can be done at home or at a clinic. A sample of urine is typically sent to a laboratory, which checks the urine for chlamydia and gonorrhea DNA. If you are using the Everlywell at-home test, youâll receive secure, online results just a few days after the lab receives your sample.
Read Also: Can Chlamydia Show Up In 2 Days
What Happens If The Result Comes Back Positive
The next step is to receive medical advice. A doctor can suggest a treatment plan to alleviate any symptoms, for example, and prevent the infection from passing to others.
A healthcare professional can also provide guidance about any other sexual health concerns and describe ways of reducing the risk of contracting STIs.
How Does An At
Companies that offer at-home STD testing for common sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia make the process simple, discreet, and convenient. All you have to do is order your test online or by calling the company.
You will receive the home collection kit by mail in a plain envelope for privacy. Youll activate the test and collect a sample , and use a prepaid shipping label to return the sample to the lab. After the lab analyzes your sample, you will receive confidential results, usually via a secure online account you set up when you order the kit. If tests are positive, some companies offer support like follow-up consultation with a medical professional.
Before taking a chlamydia test, you should avoid urinating a couple hours in advance, avoid douching or vaginal creams, and stop taking medications like antibiotics .
Which at-home chlamydia test should you choose?
You can get an at-home test for just chlamydia or select panel kits that screen for multiple STDs. A standard STD panel might include testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. Kits that test for chlamydia and gonorrhea are common. And a complete panel of STD tests may include a standard panel, plus testing for herpes, and three types of bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis .
You May Like: Can Chlamydia Cause Stomach Pain
Stds In Women And Men
Sexually transmitted diseases remain a major public health challenge in the U.S., especially among women, who disproportionately bear the long-term consequences of STDs.
For example, each year untreated STDs cause infertility in at least 24,000 women in the U.S., and untreated syphilis in pregnant women results in infant death in up to 40 percent of cases.
Testing and treatment are keys to reducing disease and infertility associated with undiagnosed STDs.
Wondering whether STDs in women differ to STDs in males? Or which STD most commonly affects females/males? What about the symptoms?
STDs in men: Heres everything you need to know
Cvs Walgreens Vs Other Health Providers In The Us
One of our partner laboratories networks that offer at-home STD test kit, and located across the U.S. The following info-graphic shows the comparison of STD testing facilities offered by the health providers.
Thankfully, our STD testing provider has various benefits and other options that are easily accessible to anyone in the country.
You May Like: When You Get Treated For Chlamydia
How Often Should I Get Tested For Stds
Periodic testing is vital for all sexually active people. The CDCs advice about how frequently we get tested varies by type of infection and sexual behavior. If you are sexually active but havent been tested for a while, sooner is better. Here is a handy chart breaking down their advice about the minimum amount of testing.
Bear in mind that this is the minimum frequency testing more frequently is always a good thing. If you have any unusual or unpleasant symptoms, you should get tested as soon as possible, regardless of when you previously tested.
Syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV |
How Often Should I Get Tested
The CDC recommends that sexually active women younger than 25 years old get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year. Women 25 years and older with a new partner, multiple partners, or a partner who has an STI should also get tested annually.
Sexually active gay and bisexual men should be tested for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea annually. In cases of frequent sexual encounters with multiple partners, the CDC recommends testing every 3 to 6 months.
If youre experiencing any symptoms of an STI, you should get tested immediately.
Don’t Miss: How Long Till Chlamydia Makes You Infertile
When Should I Test And Retest
Even if you suspect recent sexual activity might have exposed you to infection, these diseases have different incubation periods and window periods. Timing your test with these in mind will help you get the most accurate results.
- An incubation period is the time between infection and when symptoms begin.
- Window periods are the time between the initial infection and when a test will produce a positive result.
Window periods are the most important consideration when it comes to testing and transmission to others. You can get an accurate test result for some STDs if you take the test a week after a particular sexual encounter, but other STDs require more time before your test will be useful.
Its also important for some STDs to perform confirmation tests and retest after treatment to make sure your course of treatment successfully clears away the infection.
The chart below outlines minimum window periods for common STDs and indicates which ones require a retest after treatment. Some testing methods may detect infections before others, but that increased speed often comes at the expense of accuracy. You should follow these guidelines and take the best test you can find.
What Is An Sti
A sexually transmitted infection, commonly known as an STI, is an infection that is spread through sexual activity. Although the terms STDs and STIs are used as synonymous, they actually signify distinct phenomena.
An STI indicates that a person has an infection, but it has not yet evolved into a disease. An infection or STI is the first stage of sickness that starts when the bacteria or viruses enter the body and begin multiplying.
Sexual activity, skin-to-skin contact, or the exchange of body fluids are different ways for the virus and bacteria to spread.
Non-sexual acts, such as using the razor blade or used needles of someone who has already tested positive for STI, can also result in the spread of such viruses. Once you get an infection, it can quickly progress into a disease.
Read Also: Same Day Chlamydia Test Results