STD stands for Sexually Transmitted Disease. STD is also referred to as an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection). Often doctors prefer to use STI because the infection might not show up as an active disease. However, most people refer to a sexually transmitted disease as STD. STDs are contracted by and transferred from person to person during sexual intercourse which may include vaginal, anal and oral intercourse.
Keep in mind that many people carry some sort of STD but are unaware of it. Many infections show no symptoms or are simply difficult to identify. Some common symptoms of STDs are itching and burning during urination, sores on the genitals, and discharge from the penis or vagina. If you have any of these symptoms, you may have an STD. So it's important to be tested. Remember, many people spread infections without displaying symptoms.
If you've had sex with another person and without protection such as with a condom for females and males, a dental dam, or other protective barriers, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor about STD testing. Being tested can put your mind at ease. If your test is positive, treatment for you (and your partner) is easier and more private than you think. You and your partner can also protect each other in the future through safer sex.
Usually, your doctor will provide an STD test for you. Many people believe that a full-health blood test will pick up some sexually transmitted viruses. But this is not the case—a comprehensive health blood test does not look for STDs. You have to request a specific type of test for STDs. Even a Pap test will not show any STDs. The only way to get an STD test from your healthcare provider is by asking him or her. He or she will be able to best determine what test is best your situation.
Many clinics, private health practitioners, and health departments offer STD tests.
Would you like a simple and easy STD test? Make an appointment here.
No single test covers every sexually transmitted disease — so each test is specific to each infection.
Your healthcare provider will decide what STD tests make the most sense for you. Understand that your provider may ask any one of the following questions:
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are generally acquired through sexual contact. People pass along STDs in their blood, semen or vaginal and other bodily fluids.
Sometimes a mother infected with an STD can pass it along to her infant during pregnancy or childbirth. Also people may contract an STD through blood transfusions or shared needles.
Perfectly healthy looking people may, in fact, be infected. In fact, many STDs do not cause symptoms in people.
STDs have a variety of signs and symptoms. That's why they often go unnoticed until a partner is diagnosed or complications occur. The most common signs and symptoms include:
See a doctor immediately if:
Anyone who is sexually active people risks having a sexually transmitted disease. But the factors that increase the risks include: