STI Testing: When To Go Get Tested

If you’re sexually active, regular STI testing is one of the most important ways to prevent infection by sexually transmitted disease. STI testing, also known as STD testing, is the only way to know for sure if you’ve been infected. Below are some helpful tips on how STI testing works and when you should go get tested.

When to Start Searching for “ STI Testing Near Me ”

If you are sexually active you should get STI testing once a year. Its as simple as typing in “STI testing near me” and finding a local, affordable healthcare provider. There are different recommendations for testing and frequency of testing based on sex, age, and sexual preferences.

Sexually active women younger than 25 should be tested for gonorrhea and chlaymidia annually. The same is true for women older than 25 with additional risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners or engaging with a partner with known STDs.

Women who are pregnant should be tested for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C early in their pregnancy. Treatment during pregnancy is vital to prevent transmission of an STD to the baby during labor and delivery.

Sexually active gay and bisexual men should be tested annually for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Anyone with multiple or anonymous sexual partners should be tested for the above, as well as HIV every three to six months.

Anyone who engages in high-risk sexual behaviors such as unprotected sex, or needle sharing should be tested for all STDs at least once a year. Furthermore, if you engage in oral or anal sex regularly, you may also want to consider throat and rectal testing options.

Signs and Symptoms: When To Look For STD Testing Near Me

When is a good time to start searching for “STD testing near me”? Even if you practice safe sex with a limited number of partners, there are opportunities to be infected. Sometimes these infections come with little to no symptoms. STDs and STIs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or even parasitic infections. They present a range of different symptoms, and sometimes no symptoms at all.

• Some common symptoms of STDs are:
• Sores or bumps on the genitals, oral, or rectal areas.
• Painful urination or unusual discharge from the gentials.
• Pain or discomfort during sexual intercouse.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the groin area or elsewhere.
• Lower abdominal pain, fever, or rashes.

When you go for STI testing, your doctor may request a physical or pelvic exam to look for signs of infection such as a rash, warts, or unusual discharge. Testing is used to identify the exact STI. STI testing is done by a blood draw, a urine test, or a fluid sample.

Treatment for an STI varies based on which infection or disease is present. STIs caused by bacteria are generally easier to treat. Viral infections can be managed but not always cured. Depending on the STI present your doctor will prescribe antibiotic or antiviral treatments. It is always recommended you test again after treatment to ensure the treatment worked and you are no longer actively infected.

Schedule Your Next STI Test with BASS Primary Care

STI testing is nothing to be embarrassed about. Regular testing is an integral part of healthy and responsible sexual activity. A positive test result is never an indication of the character or proclivities of the person diagnosed. Early diagnosis and treatment is the best way to ensure STIs are not further spread and do not cause long-term damage to your body and sexual organs.

If you are in the Bay Area and need an STI test, make your next appointment with BASS Primary Care. BASS Primary Care handles a wide range of STI tests including testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and more. Our medical professionals are friendly, professional, discreet and ready to help you with your STD concerns, prevention and treatments.