Navigating STD Testing Centers: What to Look for and Expect
Planning to visit an STD testing center but don’t know what to expect for STD testing? Read this article to learn what to expect from STD testing centers and common FAQs about STD Testing Centers. If you want to know more about bladder health, visit us at Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center and consult with the best nephrologists and urologists in East New York.
What to expect from STD Testing centers
Here are certain things you can expect from getting tested at STD testing centers:
- Confidentiality:
People often feel embarrassed to get tested for STDs in primary care doctors. That’s why they choose to visit STD testing centers where people keep your identity confidential which makes it easier for you to get tested or treated. Also, people can make an appointment or walk-in service, without an appointment. They only ask for your name and contact details which are important to contact you to tell you your results and treatment options, if needed.
- Proper evaluation of symptoms:
For STD testing, the doctor asks you if any symptoms are present. If you have symptoms, the doctor will conduct a physical exam. If you’re a female, you may have a pelvic exam while males need to go through a genital exam. During the exam, the doctor looks for signs of STDs such as bumps or blisters.
- Sample collection:
After the physical exam, the doctor will collect samples to confirm or rule out STDs. For that, the doctor may take a blood or urine sample. The doctor also might take throat, genital and anal swabs. Anal swabs are only needed if patients engage in anal sex.
- Get results:
An STD diagnosis may be confirmed after the physical exam, however, in most cases, the samples need to be examined in the lab. It takes a few days for the result to come back from the laboratory. Then, the doctor will call when your results come and let you know whether your result is negative or positive. If negative, then the doctor gives you some preventive tips to maintain good sexual health. If positive, the doctor recommends further testing or creating a treatment plan.
Common FAQs about STD testing centers
Here are some common FAQs about STD testing centers that you should know about.
- How to prepare for STD testing?
Ans. You don’t need to prepare anything for STD testing besides your medical history or the medication you take. You need to be ready for doctor’s questions about sexual history to identify your symptoms, type of STD, etc. Many people feel shy or embarrassed talking about their sex life, but these conversations are confidential, and this information helps the doctor to better understand what type of STD test you may need.
- Why should you get tested for STIs?
Ans. Getting Tested for STIs is important to detect the condition in earlier stages to treat it and prevent further health complications. Regular STI testing helps you get treated on time if you’re infected with STIs such as chlamydia, which don’t cause any symptoms in the early stages. Later on, it leads to severe long-term health problems. For example, some STIs may result in infertility, birth complications, and some cancers. That’s why you should consider getting tested for STIs regularly.
- What are the most common STIs that people should test for?
Ans. The most common STIs are Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Trichomoniasis, Hepatitis, HIV, syphilis, and Herpes that people should test for.
- How much do you expect to pay for an STD test?
Ans. If you have health insurance, most of them will cover your STI testing, but some tests such as at-home STI tests range from $49 to $250.
- Are there any STD tests that require a doctor?
Ans. Most STI tests only need urine, blood, or swab sample which can be taken by a nurse or assistant of a doctor. However, a doctor is required to take a Pap smear test, which is used to check human papillomavirus (HPV), to ensure patient safety and accuracy of the test.
- Can you visit an urgent care center for STDs?
Ans. Yes, you can visit an urgent care center for STD testing and treatment. In case you’re worried about contracting an STD and need to visit a doctor, urgent care centers are an excellent choice for their secure fast medical service.
STD testing centers are the best option for you to get tested for STDs and maintain your sexual health. They keep your identity confidential, provide appointment or walk-in testing, make sure you become comfortable during testing, and provide treatment if you are diagnosed with an STD. This way you can easily ensure to keep you and your partner safe from STDs and lead a happy sex life.
Need help with STIs, visit our infectious disease specialist in Brooklyn clinic to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!!!!
At Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center, our team of urologists will work with you in managing your disease and your quality of life. We also offer services, such as renal and bladder ultrasound. To schedule an appointment, please visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 or call 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com/.